Local News
Samuel Sodje Slams Nigerian Fans For Celebrating South Africa’s FIFA Sanction
Former Nigeria international Samuel Sodje has strongly criticised the reaction of Nigerian football fans following FIFA’s decision to deduct three points from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player.
Bafana Bafana were penalised after midfielder Teboho Mokoena featured in their World Cup qualifier against Lesotho despite not being eligible. FIFA overturned their 2-0 victory into a 3-0 defeat, docking three points from their tally.
The sanction leaves South Africa on 14 points, level with Benin Republic, while Nigeria remain in third with 11 points — just three behind Bafana — keeping their qualification hopes alive.
But Sodje, speaking to Soccernet.ng, called it “embarrassing” that Nigerians were celebrating an administrative punishment instead of focusing on the Super Eagles’ on-field performances.
“It’s nice to see FIFA doing what they have to do. For South Africa, they did break the rules, and they’ve taken three points off them. That’s normal,” Sodje said.
“What’s surprising now is Nigerians seeing this as big news. I think it’s embarrassing. With the kind of players we have, a big footballing nation like Nigeria shouldn’t be celebrating three points being taken off South Africa. We should be earning results ourselves.”
He added that Nigeria’s current struggles reflect poorly on the team’s standards:
“We’ve put ourselves in a situation where we had to depend on others losing points. If we have any slim chance, hopefully we can earn it on the pitch. That’s the only way.”
Group C Still Wide Open
With two games remaining, Group C remains tightly contested. South Africa and Benin Republic lead with 14 points, while Nigeria and Rwanda trail closely on 11 each. Lesotho, though further behind, are still mathematically in the race.
For the Super Eagles, the message is clear: their World Cup fate will only be decided by results on the pitch, not by administrative rulings.
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