Former Nigeria international Ifeanyi Udeze has urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to take immediate steps to pressure FIFA into deducting three points from South Africa in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.
South Africa currently top Group C, five points ahead of Rwanda and six clear of the Super Eagles, but their qualification hopes have been thrown into doubt following a protest over the eligibility of Teboho Mokoena.
Mokoena was fielded in Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 victory against Lesotho in March, despite having accumulated yellow cards that should have ruled him out through suspension. The Lesotho Football Association (LFA) has since reiterated its intention to lodge a formal protest if Mokoena is listed in future matches, further intensifying the controversy.
Speaking on Brila FM, Udeze expressed disappointment at the NFF’s silence on the matter, pointing out that other stakeholders—like Gernot Rohr, current Benin Republic coach and former Super Eagles boss—have openly questioned FIFA’s inaction.
“By now I expect the NFF to be putting pressure on FIFA to remove the three points from South Africa,” Udeze stated. “What are they waiting for? Look at Gernot Rohr; he has come out to ask why FIFA has not done anything about the issue, because it could benefit his team. So I don’t understand why the NFF have been quiet.”
With Nigeria struggling in the qualifiers—winning just once in six games—any sanction against South Africa could significantly revive the Super Eagles’ chances of reaching the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.