CAF Makes Key Announcement Ahead of WCQ As Super Eagles Eye South Africa Slip-Up
- The Confederation of African Football has made a major announcement ahead of the final phase of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers
- With 11 points alongside Rwanda, Nigeria would hope for slip-ups from South Africa and Benin, who lead the group with 14 points
- South Africa’s Bafana Bafana forfeited three points and three goals due to a sanction from FIFA for fielding an ineligible player
CHECK OUT: How to Start Earning with Copywriting in Just 7 Days – Even if You’re a Complete Beginner
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has made a huge announcement ahead of the final phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria would hope for miracles in their qualification group C as they pray for both South Africa and Benin to slip up in the final two matches.
The Benin Republic leads the pack on the same number of points as Bafana Bafana, but with a better goal difference after a FIFA sanction.
Source: Getty Images
Recall that Bafana Bafana were stripped of three points and three goals by the international football body for fielding an ineligible player.
Teboho Mokoena had received yellow cards in two previous matches and should have been suspended for the tie against Lesotho on March 21.
However, the Mamelodi Sundowns striker was in action during that encounter as Bafana Bafana defeated the Crocodiles 2-0, leading to sanctions.
Nigeria have 11 points, alongside Rwanda, with the top teams in the qualifying group hoping for favourable results heading into the final phase.
On October 10, according to FIFA, the Super Eagles face Lesotho in a must-win game, South Africa take on Zimbabwe, and Benin meet Rwanda.
Women's AFCON expands to 16 teams
Ahead of the upcoming fixtures, CAF has announced that the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals will expand from 12 to 16 teams, starting from the 2026 edition.
Nigeria's Super Falcons are the reigning queens, having defeated hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final of the delayed 2024 edition in July.
According to the football body, further details are expected as soon as the executive committee meeting in Kinshasa is concluded.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe said, according to the BBC:
"I am pleased with the progress we've made in women's African football. Part of my starting point is making sure [men and women] are paid well and they can make a career out of football. I can assure you women's football will continue to improve because that is an area we are focusing on a lot."
WAFCON winner announces retirement
Meanwhile, Nigerian striker Ifeoma Onumonu had announced her retirement from professional football at the age of 31. Born in California, her love for football began at the age of eight when she joined a local youth team, according to ICIR.
The superstar forward featured for her country at the Olympic Games, the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and played a crucial role in helping the Super Falcons secure a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in 2025.
Source: Getty Images
Former NFF president bags FIFA appointment
Legit.ng earlier reported that the former president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, had bagged an appointment with the world's football governing body, FIFA.
Pinnick has been appointed as the deputy chairperson of the FIFA Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee, a position that gives him a strong voice in the arena of world football.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
