'Some question marks' – Troost-Ekong says he is unconcerned with Bafana Bafana and Mokoena saga

Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of Nigeria's World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong hinted that he is paying little attention to Bafana Bafana and the controversy involving Teboho Mokoena.

Troost-Ekong was asked whether the Super Eagles are still confident of topping Group C following Bafana Bafana's 3-0 victory over Lesotho on Friday.

Although diplomatic in his response, the former Watford defender acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding South Africa's points tally, with Fifa yet to issue a ruling on their use of Mokoena, who was ineligible for the qualifier against Lesotho in March due to accumulated bookings. 

"I don't think we want to look at what other teams are doing. I think our focus remains on playing our game," Troost-Ekong told reporters. 

"There's still some question marks that you guys have all discussed about Bafana Bafana and where they will finish and some of their points, but that's not something I want to think about.

"I am not even thinking about any other team but Rwanda for tomorrow, so we want to focus on what we can control and everything else is not something that's going to distract us now."

Bafana Bafana's victory over Lesotho moved them nine points clear of Nigeria on paper, but that lead could yet be reduced if Fifa enforces a three-point deduction. 

Under qualification rules, fielding an ineligible player results in an automatic sanction, and South Africa could be punished for fielding Mokoena despite his suspension.

In 2017, Nigeria were deducted three points by Fifa during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers after fielding Abdullahi Shehu, who was ineligible due to suspension, in a 1–1 draw against Algeria.

The sanction did not affect Nigeria's qualification as the Super Eagles had already secured top spot in their group and a place at the World Cup in Russia.

This case is often cited as precedent in discussions about South Africa's possible points deduction for fielding Mokoena while suspended.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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