2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Points deduction is useless if Nigeria don’t beat South Africa – Super Eagles legend Sunday Oliseh

Nigeria legend Sunday Oliseh has urged his country not to depend on the possibility of South Africa being docked points ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

The two sides will clash in the Matchday 8 games of the qualifiers at the Free State Stadium.

Ahead of the game tonight, the former Super Eagles star issued a strong warning following an incident in which South Africa fielded an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their match against Lesotho earlier in the campaign.

According to Oliseh, expectations by Nigerians over a possible point deduction are misplaced, stressing that the team must focus on defeating the Bafana Bafana in Tuesday’s showdown.

“To the best of my knowledge, South Africa is in trouble, the Football Association is responsible for ensuring that only eligible players are fielded,” Oliseh said on his Podcast.

“If a team fields an ineligible player and a valid protest is upheld, the standard penalty includes the forfeiture of the match. The result is typically overturned to a 3-0 defeat for the offending team.

“Now, some might wonder because this is what is creating the buzz now, some might wonder why it has taken so long. It is simply because the process can take weeks to months, as FIFA may request additional information from the associations involved.

“But as of today, in September 2025, FIFA has not issued a final decision, which is leaving this outcome pending. Now, when it comes to Nigeria, I will advise one thing, because this is dangerous now,” he explained.

“I will advise you, my compatriots, and anybody who has Nigeria’s interest at heart, any points deduction sanctioned is useless to us as Nigeria, if we do not beat South Africa on Tuesday,” said the former Juventus star.

“So let’s focus first on winning, and if possible, winning well, as goals differences will count eventually, as we have seen now. However, I must say that with the victory over Rwanda, there is now a real possibility to qualify. It is useless if South Africa is sanctioned, and we don’t beat them,” he added.

According to FIFA regulations, SA should have been penalized with a three-point deduction. However, Lesotho did not file an official complaint after the match, meaning Bafana have seemingly avoided punishment.

As it stands, Hugo Broos and his troops are on the verge of qualifying for next year’s World Cup. They need only four points from their remaining three games to secure a place.

Kick off for the game is scheduled at 19:00 GMT.