NIGERIA’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign has taken a dramatic twist, offering a glimmer of hope for the Super Eagles despite their recent struggles and continued slide in the FIFA World Rankings.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that the world football governing body, FIFA, has officially opened disciplinary proceedings against South Africa for fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena during their March qualifier against Lesotho, a development that could significantly reshape the Group C standings and Nigeria’s chances of securing an automatic ticket to the World Cup.
South African outlet SABC Sport reported that FIFA confirmed in a letter dated September 15, 2025, that both the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Mokoena face charges of breaching disciplinary regulations, including the “fielding of an ineligible player.”
Mokoena, 28, had accumulated two yellow cards, first against Benin in November 2023 and then against Zimbabwe in June 2024 triggering a mandatory one-match suspension under FIFA rules. Despite this, he featured in South Africa’s 2–0 victory over Lesotho in March, playing 82 minutes.
The case has now been referred to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, with SAFA and Mokoena given six days to submit a formal defence.
If found guilty, South Africa could be forced to forfeit the result, handing Lesotho a 3–0 technical victory, alongside possible fines and player suspension.
South Africa currently lead Group C with 17 points. A three-point deduction would drop them to 14, leaving them level with Benin Republic and just three points ahead of third-placed Nigeria (11 points) with two matches left.
Lesotho would see their tally rise to nine points, still in fifth place but suddenly within striking distance of a possible playoff spot.
The development has effectively thrown open the qualification race, setting up a thrilling finale in October when South Africa face Zimbabwe and Rwanda, while Nigeria take on Lesotho away and Benin Republic at home in what could become a decisive showdown.
While the disciplinary case offers Nigeria a lifeline, the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings underscore the Super Eagles’ troubling form.
Nigeria have slipped to 45th in the world, down from 44th in July and 43rd in April, falling out of Africa’s top five ranked teams. Côte d’Ivoire have leapfrogged Nigeria into fifth place after climbing to 44th globally.
Morocco continue to lead Africa’s rankings at 11th in the world, followed by Senegal (18th), Egypt (35th), and Algeria (38th). Tunisia (49th), Cameroon, South Africa, and Mali complete the continent’s top ten.
Nigeria’s decline reflects a poor run of results, just two wins in their last five games leaving them under pressure heading into their final two qualifiers.
Globally, Spain have reclaimed the No. 1 spot for the first time since 2014 after winning UEFA EURO 2024, overtaking Argentina, who drop to third. France sit second, while Germany suffered one of the steepest drops, falling to 12th after a shock defeat to Slovakia.
Paraguay (37th), Uganda (82nd), The Gambia (115th), and Madagascar (108th) were among the biggest movers. Morocco’s steady rise continued as they edged closer to the global top ten, thanks to eight wins in their last nine games.
For Nigeria, the stakes are now higher than ever. A favourable FIFA ruling against South Africa could dramatically change the landscape of Group C, but the Super Eagles must still win their remaining two games to stand any chance of qualification.
“This could be the lifeline Nigeria needs,” a former Super Eagles player, Abubakar Musa ‘Senior’ told News Point Nigeria Sports.
“But it won’t matter unless they take maximum points against Lesotho and Benin.”
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee is expected to deliver its verdict before October’s qualifiers, meaning the Group C showdown could turn into one of the most dramatic finales of the African qualification series.