SOUTH AFRICA FACING TROUBLE – OLISEH WARNS OVER PLAYER ELIGIBILITY ISSUE

Former Super Eagles captain and FIFA Technical Expert, Sunday Oliseh, has issued a serious warning to the South African Football Association (SAFA) amid allegations that the national team fielded an ineligible player during the ongoing World Cup qualifiers.

Speaking on the controversy, Oliseh made it clear that if the allegations are confirmed, South Africa could face severe consequences.

“To the best of my knowledge, South Africa is in trouble,” Oliseh said. “It is the responsibility of the Football Association to ensure that only eligible players are used in official matches. If a team fields an ineligible player and a valid protest is upheld, the consequences are straightforward: a 3-0 forfeit loss, regardless of the actual result.”

In such a case, South Africa would lose three points, and their opponents—Lesotho—would be awarded a 3-0 victory and gain the three points.

Oliseh also addressed why FIFA has not yet issued a final ruling, despite growing attention around the case:

“Many people are wondering why it’s taking so long. The reality is, FIFA’s disciplinary process can take weeks or even months, as they often request additional documentation and clarification from the involved associations.”

Turning his focus to Nigeria’s qualification hopes, the 1994 AFCON winner warned against relying on a potential FIFA sanction to aid the Super Eagles:

“Let me be clear — any point deduction won’t help Nigeria if we don’t beat South Africa on Tuesday. That must be the priority. We need to win, and ideally, win well because goal difference could be decisive in the final standings.”

Despite concerns, Oliseh is optimistic about Nigeria’s chances following their hard-earned win over Rwanda:

“With that win, our qualification hopes are alive. But it would mean nothing if we don’t defeat South Africaand follow it up with strong performances against Lesotho and Benin.”

As the Super Eagles prepare for Tuesday’s crucial clash in Johannesburg, Oliseh’s message is clear:

Nigeria must control its own destiny and not depend on FIFA’s disciplinary outcome.

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