Sports
2026 WCQ: NFF should be putting pressure on FIFA to deduct three points from South Africa – Udeze
Former Nigeria international Ifeanyi Udeze has said the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) should be putting pressure on FIFA to remove three points from South Africa.
Bafana Bafana of South Africa are cruising through the World Cup qualifiers in Group C.
The 1996 AFCON champions have a five-point lead over second-place Rwanda and six clear of the Super Eagles of Nigeria...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
However their bid to reach a first World Cup since hosting the tournament in 2010 hangs in the balance.
Despite their healthy lead in the group, a potential points deduction looms over Bafana following the fielding of Teboho Mokoena in their game against Lesotho, when he should have been serving a suspension.
With the matter still under FIFA’s review, the controversy has cast a shadow over Bafana’s hopes of qualifying.
Lesotho FA Threatens To Protest Against South Africa
Lesotho Football Association (LFA) secretary-general Mokhosi Mohapi reiterated on Thursday they will lodge a protest if Mokoena is in the match-day squad for today’s (Friday).
Mohapi said the Lesotho FA believes Mokoena, who was fielded in their last game against Bafana — a 2-0 win to South Africa in Polokwane in March — when he should have been serving a suspension, should not play against them on Friday.
Also Read: 2026 WCQ: Bafana Coach Broos Dismisses Lesotho’s Protest Threat As Nonsense
Commenting on the issue, Udeze believe the NFF are not doing enough, stating that former Super Eagles coach and current Benin Republic handler Gernot Rohr has been vocal about the incident.
“By now I expect the NFF to be putting pressure on FIFA to remove the three points from South Africa,” Udeze said on Brila FM. “What are they waiting for, they also have their own fault.
“Look at Gernot Rohr, he has come out to question why FIFA have not done anything concerning the three points issue yet because it could benefit his team.
“So I don’t understand why the NFF have been keeping quiet.”
Super Eagles Hope To Get Faltering Campaign Back On Track
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles will hope Bafana drop points against Lesotho in today’s clash in Bloemfontein.
On their part, the Eagles will host Rwanda on Saturday in Uyo and will look to do the double over them.
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino has insisted that Iran “will be participating” in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, dismissing calls for Italy to replace them. Iran is currently embroiled in a war with the USA and Israel, raising doubts about their participation. Infantino said, “The reason is simple, because we have to unite. We have to bring people together.” Iran’s group matches are scheduled to be played in the United States.
Key Points:
Iran was the only country not represented at Thursday’s FIFA congress in Vancouver.
Trump’s special envoy had pushed for Italy to replace Iran, claiming a “more than 50 per cent chance.”
Italian football officials have insisted they would not want to be added to the tournament this way.
Iran will face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, then Egypt in Seattle.
The World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
Infantino’s statement rules out the possibility of an Italy recall.
Sources: Complete Sports
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Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has reaffirmed his commitment to Galatasaray amid growing transfer speculation linking him to Barcelona and Arsenal. The 27-year-old said, “I think I’ve found a home here where I am comfortable.” Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli two years ago before completing a permanent €75 million transfer last summer. He has recorded 57 goals and 15 assists in 72 appearances for the Turkish giants.
Key Points:
Osimhen is the highest earner in Turkey with a package of around €21 million net.
He praised the club’s atmosphere, calling it “family, love, unity, and utmost respect.”
He said hundreds of fans crowded the airport to welcome him upon arrival.
The club organised an elaborate tifo to honour him and his late mother.
Any formal bid would need to be in the nine-figure range...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
Osimhen’s comments suggest he is settled in Istanbul and not looking for a move.
Sources: Soccernet, Complete Sports
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Former Super Eagles midfielder Sunday Oliseh has praised the late Nigerian football legend Stephen Keshi as the nation’s “first genuine superstar.” Speaking on the Global Football Insights podcast, Oliseh said:
“We never questioned his quality as a player because you could see how he performed. This man was the first superstar of Nigerian football.” He highlighted Keshi’s leadership, professionalism, and impact both on and off the field.
Key Points:..TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
Keshi became the first Nigerian to play in a major UEFA club competition final.
He was a member of the victorious 1994 Super Eagles AFCON-winning team.
Oliseh noted Keshi would fly from Belgium to play at AFCON and return to his club.
He described Keshi as disciplined and a winner who “led by example.”
Keshi’s playing career included stints in Belgium, France, and the Ivory Coast.
Oliseh emphasised that Keshi’s performances were self-evident and propelled him to legendary status.
Sources: Complete Sports
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