Abuja, Nigeria – September 11, 2025
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has denied circulating claims that world football governing body FIFA has cleared South Africa of wrongdoing in the ongoing player eligibility controversy involving midfielder Teboho Mokoena.
NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, clarified on Wednesday that the federation has not received any official communication from FIFA on the matter. “We have not received any update. That is up to FIFA. But the rule is the rule,” Olajire stated.
The dispute stems from South Africa’s use of Mokoena in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier earlier this year despite the player’s accumulation of two yellow cards, which should have triggered an automatic suspension. The Lesotho Football Association subsequently lodged a complaint with FIFA, though reports suggest the filing missed the 24-hour protest deadline.
While South Africa’s football authorities have acknowledged the error, they argue that the missed protest deadline should protect their 2–0 victory. FIFA has yet to make a formal ruling, though under its disciplinary code the body reserves the right to act independently of formal protests.
The case remains unresolved and could have significant implications for Group C qualification standings, where South Africa currently leads ahead of Nigeria and Lesotho.
