Mutiu Adepoju says FIFA’s points deduction against South Africa does not significantly help Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who must win their last two World Cup qualifiers to stand a chance.
Former Nigeria international Mutiu Adepoju has downplayed the impact of FIFA’s points deduction against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, insisting it does not significantly boost the chances of the Super Eagles in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FIFA’s Sanction
On Monday, FIFA’s disciplinary committee stripped South Africa of three points in their World Cup qualifying campaign after finding them guilty of fielding an ineligible player, midfielder Teboho Mokoena, in a 2-0 win over Lesotho in March.
Mokoena, who should have been suspended after receiving two cautions in previous Group C matches, was instead fielded. As a result:
- Lesotho were awarded a 3-0 victory.
- South Africa were fined $12,536.04.
- Mokoena received a warning.
The ruling leaves Benin Republic top of Group C on goal difference, level with South Africa on 14 points, while Nigeria sit in third place with 11 points and two games left to play.
Adepoju’s Reaction
Speaking in an interview with Completesports.com, Adepoju said the deduction does little to change Nigeria’s situation:
What Lies Ahead
- South Africa will face Zimbabwe and Rwanda in their final two qualifiers.
- The Super Eagles will travel to face Lesotho before hosting Benin Republic in Uyo.
Only the group winners qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, while runners-up will have a chance to progress through the playoff route.
