Super Eagles’ World Cup Hopes Still Alive as Dikko Hints at Possible FIFA Points Deduction for South Africa

By Ado Salisu

National Sports Commission Chairman, Shehu Dikko, says the Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be dramatically revived—pending a crucial disciplinary ruling from football’s world governing body, FIFA.

Speaking to UK-based Nigerian journalist Austin Okon-Akpan, Dikko revealed that FIFA is currently investigating a formal complaint alleging that South Africa fielded an ineligible player—Teboho Mokoena—in a World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in March.

“With the way things are, it’s still in our hands, depending on the outcome of the disciplinary decision that’s expected soon, if the decision goes as everyone expects—and we ourselves have faced a similar fate before—it means we can still control our own future. If we win our remaining four games, we can make it” Dikko said.

Mokoena a key figure in Bafana Bafana’s midfield, was on two yellow cards prior to the Lesotho game and should have been suspended. If FIFA confirms the breach and applies a standard sanction, South Africa could be docked three points and forfeit their 2-0 win, potentially awarding the match to Lesotho.

Such a ruling would dramatically alter the landscape in Group C, where Nigeria currently trails leaders South Africa by six points. With four matches still to play and only group winners guaranteed an automatic place at the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the door could swing open again for the Super Eagles.

Dikko was emphatic about the impartiality of FIFA’s rules: “The rules are the rules; it’s not about Africa, it’s FIFA. There are no two ways about it. Otherwise, anyone could field a player and then say it was a simple error.”

Nigeria’s road to the 2026 World Cup looked bleak after a string of underwhelming results left them winless in their opening three qualifiers before defeating Rwanda on match day 5 and drawing on game 6 against Zimbabwe in Uyo.

“All we can do now, is wait—and prepare to win every single game left Dikko concluded,

Failing to reach back-to-back World Cup tournaments would mark a historic low for Nigeria since their debut on the global stage in 1994. But with a favourable decision from FIFA, a flicker of hope remains.