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FIFA Sanctions South Africa, Awards 3–0 Win to Lesotho in World Cup Qualifiers
The race for qualification in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers has been thrown wide open after FIFA handed South Africa a heavy sanction on Monday, awarding a 3–0 victory to Lesotho for fielding an ineligible player.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The decision changes the balance of the group, which also includes Nigeria, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, and Benin. The points shift has given Lesotho new hope of reaching the next stage, while South Africa now faces a tougher path in the qualification campaign.
FIFA confirmed the sanction after reviewing a protest lodged by the Lesotho Football Association. The protest centered on South Africa’s use of a player who had not completed a suspension. FIFA’s disciplinary committee ruled that the player should not have taken part in the qualifier earlier this month.
Under FIFA regulations, teams that field ineligible players automatically forfeit the match. The opponent is then awarded a 3–0 win, regardless of the original scoreline.
The ruling means South Africa loses the points it thought it had secured, while Lesotho gains three vital points. This development pushes Lesotho up the Group C standings and makes the battle for the top spot even tighter. Only the group winner is guaranteed a place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) said it was “shocked and disappointed” by FIFA’s ruling. In a short statement, SAFA said it would study the decision and consider whether to appeal. “We respect FIFA’s processes, but we strongly believe this sanction is unfair to our team and supporters,” the statement read.
Lesotho officials, however, welcomed the outcome. “This is justice for our players, who gave their all on the pitch,” said Lesotho coach Leslie Notsi. “We now have a real chance to dream big. Every point matters in this competition.”
The decision also has major consequences for other teams in the group. Nigeria, which had been trailing South Africa closely, will now see Lesotho rise as a serious challenger. Rwanda and Zimbabwe remain in contention as well, while Benin still has a mathematical chance to qualify.
Analysts say the sanction could reshape the psychology of the group. “This ruling is not just about points on the table. It shifts momentum,” said sports journalist Tinashe Moyo. “Lesotho now has belief, and South Africa has pressure. That combination could make the remaining matches unpredictable.”
The case has also renewed calls for African teams to strengthen their administrative systems to avoid costly mistakes. Fielding ineligible players has been a recurring problem in African football, often leading to punishments that undo months of hard work on the pitch.
South Africa, which hosted the 2010 World Cup, has a proud football history but has struggled to consistently qualify for the tournament. The latest setback adds to years of frustration for Bafana Bafana and their supporters.
For Lesotho, a small mountain kingdom of just over two million people, the ruling offers a historic chance. The national team, nicknamed the Crocodiles, has never qualified for a World Cup. If they can maintain form in the remaining matches, they could write one of the biggest underdog stories in African football.
The next round of Group C fixtures is set for November. South Africa will try to recover lost ground, while Lesotho will aim to build on the gift of three points. Nigeria, the group’s traditional powerhouse, will be watching closely as the battle for qualification heats up.
FIFA has not yet released details on whether South Africa plans to appeal, but the sanction stands for now. The ruling ensures that Group C will be one of the most closely followed races in African qualifying.
The Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has appealed to residents of Abia State and other road users along the Aba–Azumini highway to protect the newly completed road from activities that could damage it.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
FERMA’s South-East 2 Zonal Director, Suleiman Mohammed Omonowo, issued the warning during an inspection of the project, cautioning against the burning of tyres during celebrations, which he said could damage the road surface.
He noted that destructive practices by some youths and community members often contribute to the early failure of road projects across the country.
“Our advice to road users, especially indigenes, is to protect the road from destruction. Let nobody come and destroy it or burn tyres in the name of celebration,” he said.
Omonowo said the Aba–Azumini highway was previously in a very bad condition before FERMA intervened, describing it as a death trap for commuters and residents.
He also expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done on the project, adding that drainage structures such as catch pits would help prevent flooding and extend the lifespan of the road.
According to him, the highway serves as a major link between Aba, several Abia communities, and Cross River State, carrying heavy traffic daily.
He urged local construction firms to improve on quality delivery to compete effectively with foreign contractors.
Meanwhile, the Federal Roads Maintenance Engineer in Abia State, Festus Okafor, said FERMA workers have not faced harassment or violence from residents during operations in the state.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Yobe State Command, has declared a 30-year-old inmate wanted after he escaped following a road accident involving a prison transport vehicle.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The incident reportedly occurred on April 13, 2026, while inmates were being conveyed from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Potiskum to Damaturu.
In a statement issued in Damaturu, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Abdullahi Adamu, said the vehicle conveying the inmates was involved in a crash during the journey.
He said the accident happened while efforts were ongoing to rescue those affected.
The escaped inmate was identified as Dahiru Mohammed, with prison number J/1539/24, who was admitted into custody on November 29, 2024.
The Correctional Service described him as dangerous and warned members of the public not to have any form of contact with him.
It urged residents to report any useful information that could lead to his re-arrest to the nearest security agency.
Authorities also cautioned that harbouring a fugitive is a criminal offence punishable under the law.
The Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, has ordered the University of Ibadan (UI) to reinstate three students suspended over their participation in a protest against tuition fee hikes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Nkeonye Maha set aside the decision of the university’s Central Student Disciplinary Committee, ruling that the students were denied fair hearing during the disciplinary process.
The court held that the failure to allow the students call witnesses and present evidence violated their constitutional right to fair hearing, rendering the sanctions against them invalid.
The affected students — Aduwo Ayodele, Mide Gbadegesin, and Nice Linus — were suspended on July 14, 2025, after taking part in a protest against increased school fees approved by the university’s governing council.
Dissatisfied with the suspension, they approached the court, arguing that the disciplinary proceedings breached their fundamental rights and due process.
They asked the court to quash the suspension, reinstate their studentship, and award damages for alleged rights violations.
In her ruling, Justice Maha agreed with their arguments, stating that the university’s actions failed to meet the standards of natural justice.
Following the judgment, rights group CAPPA hailed the decision, urging the university to comply fully, reinstate the students, and issue an apology.
The group said the ruling reinforces constitutional protections for freedom of expression and serves as a warning against the suppression of student protests in tertiary institutions.
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