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South Africa has been cleared by FIFA, keeping all points from the disputed match.
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They now lead Group C, putting Nigeria under pressure.
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The Super Eagles must win their remaining games to stay in contention.
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has cleared South Africa of any wrongdoing after an inquiry into whether Bafana Bafana fielded an ineligible player during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Also Read: 2026 WCQ: Super Eagles’ World Cup Chances Rise as South Africa Risk FIFA Punishment
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The ruling means South Africa keep the points from the disputed match and face no fines or point deductions.
The case centred on midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who opponents said should have been suspended for yellow-card accumulation before the March fixture against Lesotho.
FIFA’s decision ends weeks of speculation and preserves the original 2-0 result.
Meanwhile, the outcome is a major blow to Nigeria and the Benin Republic, both of which had hoped an administrative ruling might shift Group C standings.
South Africa now lead the group with 17 points after eight matches; Benin sit second on 14, while Nigeria have 11 with two matches left to play.
Consequently, the Super Eagles’ margin for error has narrowed sharply.
A breach could have triggered a 3-0 forfeiture, point deductions, and fines, completely reshaping the qualifiers.
FIFA chose to uphold the result instead, letting qualification remain in the hands of the players on the pitch.
The ruling puts Nigeria under increased pressure.
https://leadership.ng/2026-wcq-fifa-clears-south-africa-in-player-eligibility-case/
The team drew 1-1 with South Africa in Bloemfontein last week, and now must win their remaining fixtures while hoping other results fall their way to secure a realistic shot at a playoff spot.
Federations and fans wait to see if there will be any appeal, though the Disciplinary Committee rarely reverses its decisions.
Qualification can be impacted by off-field decisions just as much as by on-field events.
South Africa tightens its grip on Group C, leaving Nigeria needing to find answers when they next take the field.
