South Africa’s coach, Hugo Broos, has accused Nigeria of triggering FIFA’s decision to dock three points from his team for fielding an ineligible player even as he now hopes the Super Eagles rescue Bafana Bafana’s World Cup dream.
FIFA punished South Africa after discovering that Teboho Mokoena, who was suspended, featured in the 2–0 win over Lesotho in March 2025. The deduction has left Bafana two points behind Group C leaders Benin heading into Tuesday’s final qualifying matches.
But Broos insists the world football body would never have noticed the infraction if Nigeria hadn’t raised the alarm.
“Not Lesotho, not me and my staff, and not even FIFA were aware of any wrongdoing,” he told Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad. “No doubt it was due to pressure from Nigeria, which was in a losing position and now has a chance again.”
Despite his frustration, Broos concedes that South Africa’s fate now rests on Nigeria. The Super Eagles must beat Benin in Uyo to keep Bafana’s hopes alive, while his men must defeat Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium.
“It’s not 100 per cent lost,” Broos admitted. “It will be very important what happens between Nigeria and Benin. If we win, we’ll see what happens. We have to believe.”
South Africa, on 15 points, sit behind Benin (17) and just ahead of Nigeria (14). A win for Nigeria could throw the group wide open, potentially sending Bafana to the 2026 World Cup if goal difference plays in their favour.
Broos remains philosophical, despite calling the situation “a very sad evening.”
“It will be heartbreaking if Nigeria beat Benin and we fail to win against Rwanda,” he said. “But football is about miracles — maybe we’ll get one on Tuesday.”
Bafana Bafana arrived in Mpumalanga on Saturday to begin preparations for the crunch game, though they’ll be without defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who was sent off late against Zimbabwe.
