Broos Blames Nigeria for South Africa’s FIFA Sanction, Hopes Eagles Rescue Bafana’s World Cup Dream

South Africa’s Head Coach, Hugo Broos, has accused Nigeria of influencing FIFA’s decision to deduct three points from Bafana Bafana for fielding an ineligible player during their World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in March 2025.

FIFA penalised South Africa after midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who was suspended due to accumulated yellow cards, played in the match which the team won 2–0. The sanction saw South Africa drop three crucial points in Group C.

Speaking to Belgian newspaper HetNieuwsblad, Broos alleged that the punishment only came after Nigeria pressed FIFA to revisit the case.

> “Neither Lesotho, my staff, the player, nor FIFA noticed any wrongdoing until recently. The disciplinary committee had met three times without raising concerns until pressure came from Nigeria, who wanted to revive their qualification chances,” Broos said.

Despite his frustration, the Belgian coach expressed hope that Nigeria could still help South Africa by defeating Benin Republic in their final qualifier.

Heading into the last round of matches, Benin lead Group C with 17 points, followed by South Africa with 15 and Nigeria with 14. For Bafana Bafana to qualify, they must beat Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium and hope Nigeria overcome Benin in Uyo.

Broos admitted his team’s fate now rests partly in Nigeria’s hands:

> “It’s no longer in our control. We just have to win and hope for a little miracle. If Nigeria beat Benin, we’ll still have a chance,” he said.

He added that his team has moved past the administrative error and is focused on finishing strong despite missing defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who was sent off in their 1–1 draw with Zimbabwe.

> “It’s a sad situation, but there’s still hope. We must believe, win our game, and see what happens in Uyo,” Broos concluded.


South Africa’s final qualifier against Rwanda takes place tomorrow in Mpumalanga, while Nigeria host Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Both fixtures will determine who advances to the next stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.