Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has insisted that Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are still alive, despite South Africa’s current lead in Group C. Rohr, now the head coach of Benin Republic’s Cheetahs, believes both Nigeria and Benin could benefit if South Africa is docked three points for allegedly fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho.
Speaking to AllAfrica.com, Rohr stated, “Both Benin and Nigeria could have a chance to qualify if South Africa loses three points for playing a suspended player.”
As it stands, South Africa leads Group C with 13 points after six matches, while Rwanda sits second with 8 points, ahead of third-placed Benin on goal difference. Nigeria trails in fourth place with seven points, followed by Lesotho (6 points) and Zimbabwe (4 points) at the bottom.
If FIFA confirms the point deduction, Lesotho will move to second place with 9 points, while South Africa’s lead will shrink to just one point at the top of the table. This development could significantly alter the race for World Cup qualification, giving Nigeria a fresh opportunity to close the gap.
Rohr Reacts to Super Eagles’ Draw Against Zimbabwe
Despite widespread frustration over Nigeria’s last-minute draw against Zimbabwe in Uyo, Rohr said he was not surprised by the result. He described Zimbabwe as a solid team capable of competing with top sides in Africa.
Meanwhile, Rohr blamed Ramadan fasting for Benin’s 0-2 home loss to South Africa, suggesting that his players suffered from fatigue during the match.
South Africa Coach Hugo Broos Remains Silent on Player Eligibility Controversy
Amid the ongoing controversy, South Africa’s head coach, Hugo Broos, has declined to comment on allegations that his team fielded a suspended player in their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
Midfielder Teboho Mokoena reportedly received yellow cards in two previous qualifiers—against Benin in 2023 and Zimbabwe in 2024—which, according to FIFA regulations, should have resulted in a one-match suspension.
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When asked about the issue, Broos responded, “I cannot comment on that at this point. It is a matter that will be resolved in the coming days, so I ask that you do not expect further information from me.”
A source close to the South African Football Association (SAFA) blamed the error on administrative incompetence, suggesting that the team manager failed to notify Broos about Mokoena’s ineligibility.
Meanwhile, Nigerian football officials remain concerned about whether Lesotho filed their protest on time. FIFA’s regulations require eligibility protests to be lodged within 24 hours of a match, and it remains unclear whether Lesotho met the deadline.
With the World Cup qualification race heating up, all eyes are now on FIFA’s final decision, which could have major implications for Nigeria’s path to the 2026 tournament.
