“Nigeria must find ways to qualify for the 2026 World Cup” – Lawal

Nigerians were given some news to celebrate following FIFA’s decision to deduct three points from South Africa for fielding an unqualified player in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The world football governing body docked Bafana Bafana three points for fielding Teboho Mokoena on March 21 against Lesotho with FIFA declaring a 3-0 forfeiture by the Rainbow nation and fine for South African Football Association (SAFA) to the tune of 10,000 Swiss Francs (about 12,540 U.S. dollars).

The decision by the world football governing body put the Super Eagles in contention to fight for a slot in next year’s football festival in Canada, USA and Mexico.

Notwithstanding FIFA’s decision former Nigeria international, Dimeji Lawal has stressed that the Super Eagles must look beyond South Africa’s points deduction and focus on securing victories in their remaining FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

Group C now has Benin and South Africa sharing 14 points

“I don’t get excited about boardroom points because one thing is to get three points taken away from South Africa, and another thing is for us to win our remaining games,” Lawal told Brila.net.

“I knew from the beginning that FIFA would not compromise its rules. When South Africa made that mistake, I was certain they would forfeit those three points and three goals.”

However, the former winger warned that the real challenge lies in Nigeria’s ability to deliver on the pitch.

“The bottom line is, can we win our last two games? That’s the crucial part of it,” he added.

“I’m not so excited about South Africa losing points. What I am looking forward to is how we can prepare ourselves in a manner that guarantees victories in the next two matches.”

Group C now has Benin and South Africa sharing 14 points with Nigeria and Rwanda on 11 points apiece. Lesotho have nine points with Zimbabwe on four points from eight matches cleared so far.

The Super Eagles will be away to Lesotho on October 10 before hosting Benin four days later to conclude the qualifiers.