By Olatunbosun Obafemi
Nigeria football legend Sunday Oliseh has sounded a note of caution to South Africa, warning that FIFA’s disciplinary axe could soon fall on the Bafana Bafana for fielding an ineligible player in a World Cup qualifier earlier this year.
The controversy centres on midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who picked up two yellow cards in previous qualifiers but still featured against Lesotho in March. The Lesotho Football Association swiftly lodged a protest, insisting that South Africa should forfeit the match and be docked three points, in line with FIFA’s regulations.
Five months later, FIFA has yet to deliver a verdict. But Oliseh, a member of FIFA’s Technical Group, stressed that the delay does not mean the case has been dismissed. “To the best of my knowledge, South Africa is in trouble,” Oliseh told reporters. He explained that the responsibility lies squarely with national associations to ensure only eligible players are fielded. If FIFA upholds the protest, the regulations prescribe a 3-0 loss and loss of points for the offending side, while Lesotho would be awarded the victory.
Such a ruling would dramatically alter the complexion of Group C. South Africa currently sit top with 16 points from seven games, five clear of Benin and six ahead of Nigeria. With three fixtures left, a deduction could reignite the race for qualification.
South Africa’s legal team has argued that Mokoena served his suspension by missing the subsequent tie against Benin. However, Lesotho maintains that SAFA had no authority to decide when the ban applied.
Oliseh noted that FIFA’s decision-making process can take weeks or months as the body often seeks additional information from all parties involved. For Nigeria, who face South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, the outcome of the case could prove decisive. Still, Oliseh urged the Super Eagles not to depend on bureaucracy. “Any point deduction is useless to us if we do not beat South Africa,” he said.
Nigeria will be without striker Victor Osimhen, who was injured during Friday’s 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo. Despite his absence, Oliseh remains optimistic that the Super Eagles can push strongly for qualification.
