African Football Discussion Thread Current Topic: 👉 AFCON 2025/2026

[Coyster]

Good news for Nigeria in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as South Africa have finally been deducted of three points for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena in their match against Lesotho earlier this year.

This deduction leaves Nigeria in third place and only three points behind South Africa in second place and also Benin in first place, Benin are on the summit of the group on goal difference. This deduction has thrown the group wide open and there is hope again for the Super Eagles, do you think they can make it?

[Adbitco]

Finally, I wonder why it took FIFA this long before doing the needful on this very issue of points deduction from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho few months ago. Lesotho will get 3 points and 3 goals from this rule. Benin Republic now leads the standings, let's see what happens in the remaining matches to be played.

[Mate2237]

Finally, I wonder why it took FIFA this long before doing the needful on this very issue of points deduction from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho few months ago. Lesotho will get 3 points and 3 goals from this rule. Benin Republic now leads the standings, let's see what happens in the remaining matches to be played.

I know that, Nigerian will be the happiest person with this verdict by FIFA but even with this verdict I  don't think that Nigeria will qualify. because I am not convinced about the performance of the Nigerian team if they cannot even qualify from the African continent I don't see what they will be doing in the world cup.



But good one from FIFA even though this is overdue. Punishment should be given early to any team that has bridged any part of the rules and regulations of the game.

[Alex077]

Good news for Nigeria in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as South Africa have finally been deducted of three points for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena in their match against Lesotho earlier this year.
This deduction leaves Nigeria in third place and only three points behind South Africa in second place and also Benin in first place, Benin are on the summit of the group on goal difference. This deduction has thrown the group wide open and there is hope again for the Super Eagles, do you think they can make it?

Yes, its a big deal, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided that South Africa used their ineligible player Teboho Mokoena, so they will be deducted 3 points & the match will be awarded 3 - 0 to Lesotho. The ruling brings Group C into question, with Benin now top on goal difference, South Africa on 14 points & Nigeria on 11, leaving the Super Eagles just three points behind and the group suddenly very open.

I think Nigeria have a real chance here however winning the group will be essential to qualify directly. They need to win their remaining two matches in October & other results will have to go their way. The point is, yeah its possible but there is no concession, they need to start producing results now, LMAO.

[Adbitco]

Finally, I wonder why it took FIFA this long before doing the needful on this very issue of points deduction from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho few months ago. Lesotho will get 3 points and 3 goals from this rule. Benin Republic now leads the standings, let's see what happens in the remaining matches to be played.

I know that, Nigerian will be the happiest person with this verdict by FIFA but even with this verdict I  don't think that Nigeria will qualify. because I am not convinced about the performance of the Nigerian team if they cannot even qualify from the African continent I don't see what they will be doing in the world cup.
But good one from FIFA even though this is overdue. Punishment should be given early to any team that has bridged any part of the rules and regulations of the game.

They will still not qualify even, I'm not sure they will win their remaining two games even if they do and Benin Republic and South Africa wins there's it's still no use. Serves them right because they are never serious. Imagine them in this group, it was supposed to be an easy ticket for them but they blew it up again as always. Let them remain, after all they are not even going to do anything good at the world cup. As for FIFA, I wonder why it took them almost forever to issue a verdict on this particular issue concerning the point deduction, they wasted too much time even if we knew it was still going to come.

[CryptSafe]

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Since it hasn't been proven that the Super Eagles won't qualify for the World Cup, and even though their chances of qualifying for the World Cup are slim, we have to wait for the Super Eagles to play their two remaining matches in the African World Cup qualification to be certain if the Super Eagles won't qualify for the World Cup. I don't know what is the problem with the Super Eagles because their performance has been like this in the past.  Even though they have a good coach, they always struggle to win their matches and find it very difficult to qualify for the World Cup tournament.

Well, they've to wake up now that SA point was deducted by 3, making Nigeria the third on the list with Benin Republic leading the group stage. I wish the coach could utilize this opportunity now that we have two more legs to go. At least if we can secure 3 points from each of the matches left, it would go a long way, but it would not be an easy feat because those teams too would want to play their all to secure their spot in the WC.

[Asiska02]

Finally, I wonder why it took FIFA this long before doing the needful on this very issue of points deduction from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho few months ago. Lesotho will get 3 points and 3 goals from this rule. Benin Republic now leads the standings, let's see what happens in the remaining matches to be played.

Just as clear and opportune it might be for Nigeria to get a qualification to the World Cup after seeing FIFA final verdict on South Africa for fielding an ineligible player in the match which was played in March, they need to make sure they win their remaining two matches. Also, the two teams ahead of them, South Africa and Benin also needs to remain below them in the group standings after this two matches, in order to stand a chance to qualify.

South Africa that I know will want to use the anger on this point reduction to qualify for the World Cup and make it a record on the other teams in the group to show that they’re the best because they qualified even after their point reduction. Benin who have been given this opportunity will also want to make their first appearance in the World Cup, so it’s still not easy to see the super eagles qualifying but they just have to not give up as anything can happen and they may get to qualify ahead of the other teams.

[Mr Reporter]

Finally, I wonder why it took FIFA this long before doing the needful on this very issue of points deduction from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho few months ago. Lesotho will get 3 points and 3 goals from this rule. Benin Republic now leads the standings, let's see what happens in the remaining matches to be played.

FIFA's decision to deduct points from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho has significantly impacted the standings in Group C.

South Africa has been deducted 3 points for fielding Mokoena, who was ineligible due to accumulated yellow cards. The match has been forfeited in favor of Lesotho, with a 3-0 scoreline officially awarded.

https://www.legit.ng/sports/football/1676333-south-africa-fa-process-appeal-3-points-deduction-by-fifa-ineligible-teboho-mokoena/

Benin Republic now leads Group C with 14 points, while South Africa drops to second place with 14 points but a lesser goal difference. Nigeria and Rwanda, both on 11 points, remain contenders for qualification.

[Franctoshi]

Finally, I wonder why it took FIFA this long before doing the needful on this very issue of points deduction from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho few months ago. Lesotho will get 3 points and 3 goals from this rule. Benin Republic now leads the standings, let's see what happens in the remaining matches to be played.

Just as clear and opportune it might be for Nigeria to get a qualification to the World Cup after seeing FIFA final verdict on South Africa for fielding an ineligible player in the match which was played in March, they need to make sure they win their remaining two matches. Also, the two teams ahead of them, South Africa and Benin also needs to remain below them in the group standings after this two matches, in order to stand a chance to qualify.

South Africa that I know will want to use the anger on this point reduction to qualify for the World Cup and make it a record on the other teams in the group to show that they’re the best because they qualified even after their point reduction. Benin who have been given this opportunity will also want to make their first appearance in the World Cup, so it’s still not easy to see the super eagles qualifying but they just have to not give up as anything can happen and they may get to qualify ahead of the other teams.

The Super Eagle's chances of qualifying this time is very tiny despite FIFA reduction of south Africa team's point in their group.
They were not serious in the first place and ,and I doubt it's now they want to become serious, and I pretty sure these two aren't gonna this opportunity slip their hands.

[Nightwatchmare]

Finally, I wonder why it took FIFA this long before doing the needful on this very issue of points deduction from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho few months ago. Lesotho will get 3 points and 3 goals from this rule. Benin Republic now leads the standings, let's see what happens in the remaining matches to be played.

You shouldn't blame FIFA for delaying punishing South Africa for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho few months ago, because i believe FIFA was carrying out due diligence to be sure South Africa really featured an ineligible player against Lesotho so that they won't punish South Africa for what they aren't sure of. When i heard this news yesterday, i was very happy because it has given the super eagles a second chance to fight for a place in the 2026 World Cup. If the super eagles can motivate themselves and win their 2 remaining matches in the African World Cup qualification, they can qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

[Ronsbit]

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The Super Eagle's chances of qualifying this time is very tiny despite FIFA reduction of south Africa team's point in their group.
They were not serious in the first place and ,and I doubt it's now they want to become serious, and I pretty sure these two aren't gonna this opportunity slip their hands.

I laugh because the super eagles should not think that they would have a smooth walkthrough as a result of the deduction of SA points and they should not forget that the other remaining teams are also having the same thought they too have and are preparing themselves for the clash so they don't lose out. So if the super eagles want to qualify for the WC, they should prepare themselves well and approach the remaining two matches like never before and at all costs they should score a goal to always be ahead otherwise I don't think they can be able to meet up because this last remaining matches would be a very tough for them.

[Salahmu]

I know that, Nigerian will be the happiest person with this verdict by FIFA but even with this verdict I  don't think that Nigeria will qualify. because I am not convinced about the performance of the Nigerian team if they cannot even qualify from the African continent I don't see what they will be doing in the world cup.


But good one from FIFA even though this is overdue. Punishment should be given early to any team that has bridged any part of the rules and regulations of the game.

I almost thought they have forgotten about this South Africa issue but this also gives us good feeling that FIFA is very proactive, south Africa has now been made to drap seriously backward.The country that has benefited this now is Benin Republic because of there sudden lifting on the group from being the second best to being the best now, the kind of pressure in this super eagles group is higher than what I saw on other groups. Even if Nigeria will be happy with the subtraction of point, of what use is it going to be for them when they cannot still join them to the world cup because there point is too down compare to the Benin republic and South Africa because at this state of time three points is much for other countries to gap them.

[Spaceman1000$]

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The Super Eagle's chances of qualifying this time is very tiny despite FIFA reduction of south Africa team's point in their group.
They were not serious in the first place and ,and I doubt it's now they want to become serious, and I pretty sure these two aren't gonna this opportunity slip their hands.

I laugh because the super eagles should not think that they would have a smooth walkthrough as a result of the deduction of SA points and they should not forget that the other remaining teams are also having the same thought they too have and are preparing themselves for the clash so they don't lose out. So if the super eagles want to qualify for the WC, they should prepare themselves well and approach the remaining two matches like never before and at all costs they should score a goal to always be ahead otherwise I don't think they can be able to meet up because this last remaining matches would be a very tough for them.

I agree with you, the point deduction isn't something we should be happy with, we needed to have done our homework by winning lots of our qualification games, that would have placed us in a better position, with what am even seeing, we might be forced to qualify as best losers, because even with the point deduction, we aren't still on the same level with Bafana Bafana, though I know we still have few games to still play, but how are we sure of winning those remaining games given these our style of play. The inconsistency with the super Eagles is too much 🤦.

[knowngunman]

Good news for Nigeria in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as South Africa have finally been deducted of three points for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena in their match against Lesotho earlier this year.

This deduction leaves Nigeria in third place and only three points behind South Africa in second place and also Benin in first place, Benin are on the summit of the group on goal difference. This deduction has thrown the group wide open and there is hope again for the Super Eagles, do you think they can make it?

I don't see anything good here by the way. The three points deducted from South Africa goes to Lesotho and not Nigeria. Benin Republic is the country that benefit from this point deduction since they now sit on top of the table which means qualification. Moreover, even with this points deduction, South Africa needs just one win and at least a draw from the remaining two matches to qualify.

The only way Nigeria can qualify is to win the remaining two games and hope for Benin Republic and South Africa to lose their remaining two games. South Africa will play against Zimbabwe and Rwanda respectively in the remaining games and I don't think they can drop points in both games. It's a complicated way for Nigeria, moving on with less expectation is the only way forward now.

[snipie]

The only way Nigeria can qualify is to win the remaining two games and hope for Benin Republic and South Africa to lose their remaining two games. South Africa will play against Zimbabwe and Rwanda respectively in the remaining games and I don't think they can drop points in both games. It's a complicated way for Nigeria, moving on with less expectation is the only way forward now.

It is unfortunate how African teams in particular think about qualification. They don't count on their performance and results but waiting for the help of the regulation to sanction their rivals and push them to qualify that way.
I have nothing against any team since most of these nations are playing the same cards. For Nigeria, they are a top team with a strong and very rich history of football and talented players, failing to reach the World Cup and their chances increased a little bit thanks to the points deducted from South Africa. The worst part is not qualifying after all of these! It will be a catastrophic failure.

[Ronsbit]

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I agree with you, the point deduction isn't something we should be happy with, we needed to have done our homework by winning lots of our qualification games, that would have placed us in a better position, with what am even seeing, we might be forced to qualify as best losers, because even with the point deduction, we aren't still on the same level with Bafana Bafana, though I know we still have few games to still play, but how are we sure of winning those remaining games given these our style of play. The inconsistency with the super Eagles is too much 🤦.

They are very much inconsistent that it seems to be a part of them now. No motivation, no enthusiasm, no passion from them like they are playing games. They are just unreliable with their games and nothing serious that they have dropped the interest of their supporters for them. These days, people loses interest to watch super eagles play unlike before whenever super eagles are playing it looks like a stand still in the entire city. No movement as everyone is stayed glued to their television watching the super eagles playing their game.

[Doan9269]

Finally, I wonder why it took FIFA this long before doing the needful on this very issue of points deduction from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho few months ago. Lesotho will get 3 points and 3 goals from this rule. Benin Republic now leads the standings, let's see what happens in the remaining matches to be played.

Were they not aware that he is ineligible, they only do that to test to see weather and if FIFA will react to that or take notice or not, some things are better not done than bringing shame upon self, I don't expect this coming from South Africa, so since they can act this funny, they also deserve every consequences to their actions, it will also serves a lesson to others to know all they do are being subjected under scrutiny, they can't escape it for any reason, except not found guilty.

[Stable090]

The Super Eagle's chances of qualifying this time is very tiny despite FIFA reduction of south Africa team's point in their group.
They were not serious in the first place and ,and I doubt it's now they want to become serious, and I pretty sure these two aren't gonna this opportunity slip their hands.

It’s just better the super eagles doesn’t qualify because they are not serious, just imagine the group which they are and they are still struggling, if they end up qualifying for the World Cup, how are they going to perform when they cant confidently win small countries in African. With the kind of players the super eagles are having, they should be at the top of the table, but they are not even in second position, and now they are happy just because 3 points has been deducted from South African, and they believe it’s an advantage for them. Seriously the super eagles will just have to improve their performance, and not really satisfied with the way they are playing currently.

[Agbe]

It is unfortunate how African teams in particular think about qualification. They don't count on their performance and results but waiting for the help of the regulation to sanction their rivals and push them to qualify that way.
I have nothing against any team since most of these nations are playing the same cards. For Nigeria, they are a top team with a strong and very rich history of football and talented players, failing to reach the World Cup and their chances increased a little bit thanks to the points deducted from South Africa. The worst part is not qualifying after all of these! It will be a catastrophic failure.

What you have just commented is actually right, relying on sanctions, rather than focusing on a good and consistent performance on the football pitch is actually a dangerous mindset most especially for top Africa teams like, Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and the rest. The truth is just that African teams, most expecially talking about Nigeria, we are too focused on dependency to dominance, and this actually one of the reasons making us slack backward today mostly in world cup matches football is not actually just won in news papers of interviewing players to give us great comment, that's not the win but rather the performance on the field. We Nigerians are actually not performing well at all and we need to change and start leading not to always wait for favours. Qualifications are something that should actually be earned and not giving, and the way we are playing this football is just as if we loose we have can bribe our way out, Like politics, we actually have so many talents when it comes to football in Nigeria but we lack tactics and goal sense, with great footballers like Lookman, Victor osimhen and the rest we aee not even supposed to have any excuses for poor performance in our games.

[Hewlet]

Finally, I wonder why it took FIFA this long before doing the needful on this very issue of points deduction from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho few months ago. Lesotho will get 3 points and 3 goals from this rule. Benin Republic now leads the standings, let's see what happens in the remaining matches to be played.

Just as clear and opportune it might be for Nigeria to get a qualification to the World Cup after seeing FIFA final verdict on South Africa for fielding an ineligible player in the match which was played in March, they need to make sure they win their remaining two matches. Also, the two teams ahead of them, South Africa and Benin also needs to remain below them in the group standings after this two matches, in order to stand a chance to qualify.

South Africa that I know will want to use the anger on this point reduction to qualify for the World Cup and make it a record on the other teams in the group to show that they’re the best because they qualified even after their point reduction. Benin who have been given this opportunity will also want to make their first appearance in the World Cup, so it’s still not easy to see the super eagles qualifying but they just have to not give up as anything can happen and they may get to qualify ahead of the other teams.

The Super Eagle's chances of qualifying this time is very tiny despite FIFA reduction of south Africa team's point in their group.
They were not serious in the first place and ,and I doubt it's now they want to become serious, and I pretty sure these two aren't gonna this opportunity slip their hands.

Honestly, i don't think that it is worth it that we have to wait for a deduction of point from south Africa before we can consider ourselves capable of going into the world cup. if we still to get any positive hope and start calculating the possibility of our qualification, let us just assume the best case situation that we finally qualifies, how much longer are we going to continue doing math's when the world cup finally starts?

from an insider point of view that is hoping that Nigeria qualifies, it is not a good way to qualify that south Africa has to be punish before we can get back into the race. the two remaining games is any mans game so, there is no need to underrate any of the team, it is even possible that neither Nigeria or south Africa will qualify. this is football, strange things happens.