A Nigerian football supporter has sparked fresh controversy within the African football community by formally calling on FIFA to deduct three points from South Africa’s national team for allegedly fielding an ineligible player during their recent World Cup qualifier against Lesotho. The match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, is now under scrutiny following claims that one of the players featured by Bafana Bafana should not have participated under FIFA eligibility rules.
The passionate Nigerian, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, took to social media and football forums to amplify his call, urging both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to investigate the matter thoroughly and apply the appropriate sanctions if the claims are verified. According to the individual, allowing such infractions to go unchecked undermines the integrity of the qualifiers and disadvantages other competing nations, including Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who are also vying for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The protest centers around allegations that a player who featured for South Africa in the match either had unresolved eligibility issues or did not meet FIFA’s criteria for representing the national team at the time of the fixture. While official confirmation from FIFA is still pending, the matter has gained traction among fans and analysts who believe it could have significant implications for Group C standings in the African qualification series.
Under FIFA regulations, any team found guilty of fielding an ineligible player risks forfeiting the match, which typically results in a 3-0 victory being awarded to the opposing side. If enforced, this could see Lesotho upgraded to a win, while South Africa would lose the solitary point they gained from the encounter.
Nigerian football enthusiasts have taken particular interest in the development, given the tight nature of the qualification group and Nigeria’s own challenging start to the campaign. Many argue that if South Africa is found culpable, applying the rules without bias would send a strong message about fair play and respect for the laws governing international football.
As at the time of filing this report, neither the South African Football Association (SAFA) nor FIFA had issued an official response to the allegation. However, sports commentators say that if a formal protest is lodged by Lesotho or another affected party, the global football body may be compelled to open an investigation.
The situation continues to generate buzz across African sports media, as fans await clarity on whether this allegation will alter the course of the qualification race, or fizzle out as another unsubstantiated claim in the ever-dramatic world of African football.
