Abuja (Nigeria): The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says it is not surprised by the decision of the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) to sanction South Africa over fielding an ineligible player.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee awarded a 3-0 win to Lesotho on Monday after South Africa used midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their March 21 World Cup qualifier.
The committee ruled that South Africa breached Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the 2026 World Cup preliminary competition regulations.
As a result, South Africa forfeited the match 3-0, and the South African Football Association (SAFA) was fined CHF10,000, while Mokoena received a formal warning.
FIFA said the parties have 10 days to request a written, motivated decision.
If requested, it will be published and may be appealed before FIFA’s Appeal Committee.
Reacting to the development, NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, told journalists the ruling was expected.
“It is true. Surely, it is no more than we expected,” Olajire said.
Meanwhile, SAFA has said it will appeal the ruling.
In a statement, SAFA expressed “deep disappointment” and called the decision unprecedented.
“A single-member panel delivered the outcome without reasons, and without allowing us to present legal arguments,” the statement read.
SAFA confirmed it has requested written reasons and will appeal to FIFA within the 10-day window.
The disciplinary ruling has attracted attention across Africa, particularly in Nigeria, where the Super Eagles compete in the same qualification group.
If upheld, the forfeiture could favour Nigeria’s qualification chances as the campaign progresses.
Despite the setback, SAFA has reaffirmed its support for its national team, Bafana Bafana.
“The players and technical team have worked hard. We remain focused on securing maximum points in the matches ahead,” the statement added.
Bafana Bafana will host Zimbabwe on 10 October in Durban and face Rwanda on 14 October in Mbombela.
Both matches are expected to kick off at 6 p.m.
