South Africa Coach Hugo Broos Accuses Nigeria of Applying Pressure on FIFA Over 3 Points Deduction
- South Africa risk losing 3 points for fielding suspended midfielder Teboho Mokoena in a World Cup qualifier
- Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos claims Nigeria are “putting pressure” on FIFA to enforce the sanction
- A deduction could shake up Group C standings, with Nigeria positioned to benefit the most if South Africa is punished
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South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign has been thrown into controversy after head coach Hugo Broos admitted his side made a mistake by fielding an ineligible player.
The Bafana Bafana head coach, Hugo Broos, has now thrown a jibe at Nigeria after he claimed the Nigeria Football Federation is piling pressure on FIFA to deduct three points from them.
Source: Getty Images
Midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who already had two yellow cards in previous matches against Benin and Zimbabwe, should have served a one-match suspension.
Instead, Mokoena played 82 minutes in South Africa’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho, which is a breach of FIFA’s disciplinary regulations and could come with severe punishment.
The rules clearly state that a player who receives two yellow cards across different qualifiers must miss the subsequent game.
If FIFA enforces the sanction, Bafana Bafana could have three points deducted from their tally, potentially changing the dynamics of Group C.
Broos fires shots at Nigeria
At a press conference in Johannesburg, Broos did not deny South Africa’s administrative mistake but shifted focus to Nigeria, accusing the Super Eagles of trying to benefit off the pitch rather than on it, Score Nigeria reports.
“And it is not because a third or a fourth team who is indirectly involved in that, that they have to push and do everything to lose us the three points,” Broos disclosed.
“They have nothing to do with it. It was against Lesotho. And I hope that FIFA follows the rules. And they don't, how do you say it in English, that they can't resist the pressure that Nigeria is trying to put now.”
Broos suggested that Nigeria, currently fourth in Group C with seven points per FIFA.com, are actively lobbying FIFA to impose the penalty against South Africa.
He further criticised Nigeria’s approach, saying the Super Eagles should “prove it on the pitch” rather than attempt to secure an advantage through boardroom tactics.
How will points deduction affect Group C?
South Africa currently leads Group C with 13 points from six matches, six points ahead of Nigeria.
Source: Getty Images
However, a deduction would cut their lead in half, leaving Benin and Rwanda breathing down their necks and giving Nigeria a lifeline in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
For Nigeria, the timing could not be more crucial as the Super Eagles will host Rwanda in Uyo on September 6, before travelling to South Africa three days later in what could turn into a decisive cracker.
Broos makes confession about Super Eagles
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Broos has made a bold confession about the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier next month.
The manager claimed that Nigeria remains a top team despite their poor start and can still qualify for the World Cup with 12 points left to fight for.
Source: Legit.ng
