'If it's true' - Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle reacts to South Africa fielding ineligible player Mokoena

The Super Eagles' hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup as Group C winners are hanging in the balance following a disappointing 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium n Uyo on Tuesday evening. 

The three-time African champions thought they had managed to secure back-to-back wins after Victor Osimhen broke the deadlock with a trademark header in the 74th minute, only to concede a stoppage time equalizer.

Nigeria could be handed a lifeline in their bid to qualify for the World Cup following confirmation that current table toppers with thirteen points South Africa fielded an ineligible player during their 2-0 victory over Lesotho four days ago.

Having picked up two yellow cards, 2023 Africa Cup of Nations star Teboho Mokoena was supposed to serve a one-match ban and should not have played against Lesotho.

Mokhosi Mohapi, secretary-general of the Lesotho Football Association, confirmed that a formal inquiry regarding Mokoena has been sent to both Fifa and Caf.

Speaking to reporters after his side's 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe, Chelle declined to comment on whether his players knew beforehand that South Africa had allegedly fielded an ineligible player.

The Malian tactician made it clear that his focus remains firmly on the performance of the Super Eagles, not external controversies.

"I don't want to tell you about that. I said yesterday we are focused on our game, so this is why I talked to my guys after the game," Chelle stated. 

"I told them to look forward to second place. They did a great job during the ten days, so they deserve this qualification."

He added: "I am trusting them and maybe if South Africa loses three points, the last game is against Rwanda so we can pass this team and after that we have a game against South Africa.

"If it is true, we will see what happens in the coming days."

Should Lesotho's appeal over Mokoena be upheld, they would move up to nine points, while South Africa's tally could drop to 10, three more than Nigeria, with four matches still to play.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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