NFF UNFazed BY FIFA SANCTION ON SOUTH AFRICA OVER INELIGIBLE PLAYER

FIFA’s ruling boosts Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes amid South Africa’s penalty.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expressed no surprise over FIFA’s decision to sanction South Africa for fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their March 21 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho. FIFA’s disciplinary committee awarded a 3-0 forfeit win to Lesotho, fined the South African Football Association CHF10,000, and warned Mokoena. South Africa’s appeal is pending, but the ruling could favor Nigeria’s campaign in the same qualification group. Amid setback, SAFA remains committed to supporting its team’s quest for maximum points in upcoming matches against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.