The Nigeria Football Federation has reiterated that FIFA has not cleared South Africa over the controversy surrounding midfielder Teboho Mokoena.
This comes after Bafana Bafana’s lead in Group C of World Cup qualifiers was cut to just three points following their 1-all draw with Nigeria earlier this week.
The whole saga began last March when Mokoena featured when he was supposed to be serving a suspension in South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho. Because of the blunder, the result could be overturned into a 3-0 win for Lesotho, with Bafana docked the three points from the game.
Lesotho failed to submit a protest after the game and missed the 48-hour deadline. This, in turn, has led to the belief that South Africa is off the hook. A tweet by FIFA earlier this week also hinted that the saga is in the past.
However, according to the Nigerian Eye website, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) maintains that South Africa is still in trouble.
“There has been no official communication from FIFA to that effect. What people are reporting is a tweet on FIFA’s X account, which we do not regard as official communication,” NFF Director of Communications Ademola Olajire was quoted by the website.
While a three-point deduction wouldn’t be completely disastrous for Bafana Bafana, it would see them drop into second place in Group C, with two games left to play.
Hugo Broos’ men would then have to make sure they win their remaining two games, while hoping that new group leaders Benin drop points somewhere. South Africa still has to play Zimbabwe and Rwanda, while Benin also has to play the Rwandans, but finishes their campaign with a tough trip to Nigeria.
With the race for qualification now hanging in the balance, the coming weeks will determine whether this controversy becomes a costly distraction or a rallying point for Bafana Bafana. Either way, the spotlight will remain firmly on FIFA’s next move – and on South Africa’s ability to prove their credentials on the pitch rather than in the boardroom.
IOL Sport
