Super Eagles need FIFA to deduct points from South Africa to stand a chance for WCQ
By Ed Emeanua
Though Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) stalwarts have not completely ruled out Super Eagles’ hope for qualifying for the FIFA 2026 World Cup in three countries, they are nonetheless relying on FIFA’s grace to see them through.
Nigeria huffed and puffed to a 1 all stalemate away to South Africa on Tuesday in Bloemfontein, almost erasing the last glimmer of hope for qualification for the 2026 World Cup event.
The failure to take all points on offer against Bafana in Bloemfontein all but dashed Super Eagles chances for a berth at next year’s World Cup finals. While Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Bafana guaranteed South Africa of maintaining their 6 points lead over Nigeria, it reduced their 5 points edge over second placed Benin Republic in Group C to 3.
Nigeria’s senior men’s national team coordinator, Dayo Enebi, insists that Super Eagles can still sweep through to next year’s World Cup event with convincing wins in their remaining two FIFA/CAF African World Cup qualifying games in Group C.
However, it is almost certain that for Nigeria to stand a chance of progressing, FIFA must deduct points from Bafana for fielding the ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho’s Likuena in their March 25, 2025 qualifying game. Nigeria must also hope on other qualification intricacies to line up for them to make it to the 2026 World Cup.
“We are now down to Mathematical projections and staying strong in our belief that we can still make it,” Enebi said.
“Whatever happens from now on, we cannot afford to drop any more points. We have to go out there and win the remaining games.
“A draw is no longer an option for us, and a defeat is definitely the end of the road for the team. We also need FIFA to do the needful in the lingering protest against South Africa for playing a midfielder that was already suspended against Lesotho.”
But Nigeria is not begging FIFA to deduct points from South Africa, NFF is almost demanding the World Football governing body to do so because it is the right thing to do.
Nigeria feels there is no good reason for FIFA to spare South Africa from points deduction for fielding a player they have admitted they played in error.
And if FIFA grants Nigeria’s wish to deduct points from South Africa, then Super Eagles must beat both Lesotho away and Benin Republic at home convincingly in October, while hoping South Africa drops points at the same time away to Zimbabwe and at home to Rwanda.
However, Bafana’s remaining 2026 WCQ games against Warriors of Zimbabwe and Wasps of Rwanda will both take place in South Africa, handing Bafana two games home advantage.
