As Nigerian football fans eagerly await FIFA’s verdict on South Africa’s alleged fielding of a suspended player, a top official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has cautioned that the decision may take longer than expected.
The controversy stems from South Africa’s use of Teboho Mokoena in their World Cup qualifier against Lesotho, despite the midfielder reportedly having accumulated two yellow cards prior to the match. While Lesotho did not file an official protest within the required deadline, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee still has the authority to impose sanctions on Bafana Bafana.
A senior NFF official, speaking to SCORENigeria, warned that a ruling from FIFA might not be immediate.
“The FIFA verdict on South Africa may not come immediately,” the official stated. “I recall it took about three months before FIFA deducted three points and three goals from the Super Eagles for fielding the suspended Shehu Abdullahi in a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Algeria in Constantine.
“Whenever FIFA makes its decision, we are confident it will be in our favour.”
If found guilty, South Africa could face a points deduction and a fine—consequences similar to what Nigeria experienced in the past. However, until FIFA reaches a final decision, the Super Eagles and their supporters will have to remain patient.
