NFF Denies FIFA Clearance: South Africa's Ineligible Player Issue Unresolved

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) refutes rumors of FIFA clearing South Africa for fielding an ineligible player in the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho. South Africa's Teboho Mokoena, who had accumulated two yellow cards, played in the match despite being suspended.

Contrary to reports, the NFF states that FIFA has not officially communicated any clearance to South Africa. The NFF Director of Communications clarified that FIFA's regulations penalize teams for fielding ineligible players, with the opposing team having the right to protest within 24 hours of the match.