FIFA’s decision to deduct three points from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho has reshaped the race for qualification in Group C.

The ruling, which also cancelled South Africa’s 2-0 victory, means the Bafana Bafana drop from first to second place, handing the Super Eagles a golden opportunity to pick the World Cup ticket.

According to The New York Times, Hugo Broos’ men were punished for fielding midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who should have been suspended after accumulating two yellow cards in earlier qualifiers.

Instead, the Bafana Bafana midfielder played 82 minutes in the victory over Lesotho.

As per FIFA regulations, the match was forfeited, resulting in a 3-0 win for Lesotho, and South Africa was fined CHF 10,000 (₦18,632,293.00).

South Africa's Bafana Bafana loses 3 points for fielding an ineligible Player, Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho.

FIFA also fined the South African Football Association $12,500. pic.twitter.com/oB8hg6JGTX

— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) September 29, 2025

The punishment significantly alters the standings in Group C, moving Benin to first place on goal difference and pushing Nigeria back into contention for the World Cup ticket.

While South Africa can still appeal within 10 days, for now, the race for the World Cup ticket has been blown wide open between Benin, South Africa, and Nigeria.

How Nigeria can qualify for the World Cup

The Super Eagles, who sit third with 10 points, now have a renewed chance to claim top spot in Group C.

If Nigeria wins all their remaining matches, including the crunch clash against Benin on October 14, the three-time African champions could end the qualifiers with 17 points, as seen on FIFA.com.

That total may be enough to secure first place outright but results elsewhere will play a role as their upcoming games against Lesotho and Benin will prove decisive.

Following the deduction of South Africa's points by FIFA for fielding an ineligible player, this is what the table looks like with two matches to the end.

Nigeria's last two matches 🇳🇬
Lesotho - away
Benin - home

South Africa's last two 🇿🇦
Zimbabwe - away
Rwanda - home… pic.twitter.com/Qfzkp3x6Q9

— Leagues Reporter (@LeaguesReporter) September 29, 2025

Nigeria’s biggest advantage now lies in controlling its destiny, as a victory over Benin not only strengthens the Super Eagles' chances but simultaneously damages the prospects of a direct rival.

Play-offs still an option

Even if Nigeria fails to top the group, finishing second may not spell disaster.

CAF’s qualification format ensures that the four best second-placed teams across the nine groups will enter a play-off round.

From there, one additional African team will earn a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

This means the Super Eagles must aim to maximise points and improve their goal difference in every remaining match.

The Super Eagles must win their next two matches against Lesotho and Benin convincingly to stand a chance.

With South Africa facing Zimbabwe and Rwanda, and Benin also clashing with Rwanda before their showdown with Nigeria, the group remains delicately poised.

One slip from either rival could hand Nigeria a decisive edge.