Abuja: The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed reports suggesting FIFA has cleared South Africa of any wrongdoing in the ongoing player ineligibility saga involving Teboho Mokoena. Ademola Olajire, NFF Director of Communications, stated that there had been no official communication from FIFA regarding the matter.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Olajire clarified that the reports were based on a tweet from FIFA’s X account, which the NFF does not consider as official communication. The controversy arose after South Africa’s Bafana Bafana fielded midfielder Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho in a World Cup qualifier, despite Mokoena having received two yellow cards earlier in the campaign, which should have resulted in a one-match suspension.

Lesotho filed a protest requesting FIFA to award them a 3-0 victory and deduct three points from South Africa. Six months have passed without a formal decision from FIFA, adding uncertainty to the CAF World Cup qualifying Group C table.

NAN reports that if Lesotho’s protest is upheld, South Africa will lose the match and three points, granting Lesotho a 3-0 win and three points. Conversely, if FIFA rejects the protest, South Africa may avoid punishment and retain their 17 points.

Nigeria, currently focused on winning their upcoming matches, awaits FIFA’s verdict. The Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw with South Africa placed them second in the standings with 11 points from eight matches. Their next match is against Lesotho at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on October 10, followed by a game against Benin Republic in Uyo on October 16.

As the table stands, South Africa leads with 17 points from eight matches. Benin Republic follows in second place with 14 points. Nigeria and Rwanda are tied at 11 points, while Lesotho and Zimbabwe trail with 6 and 4 points, respectively.