Former Super Eagles defender Ifeanyi Udeze has urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to mount pressure on FIFA to deduct three points from South Africa over an eligibility controversy.
Bafana Bafana currently top Group C of the World Cup qualifiers, five points clear of Rwanda and six ahead of Nigeria. But their qualification hopes face uncertainty after fielding Teboho Mokoena in a March match against Lesotho, despite the midfielder reportedly being suspended.
The case is still under FIFA review, and Lesotho’s FA has threatened to formally protest if Mokoena features in Friday’s game.
Speaking on Brila FM, Udeze criticized the NFF for staying silent.
“By now I expect the NFF to be putting pressure on FIFA to remove the three points from South Africa,” he said. “What are they waiting for? Even Gernot Rohr, who now coaches Benin, has spoken up because it could help his team. So why is the NFF quiet?”
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles are hoping South Africa slip against Lesotho in Bloemfontein. Nigeria will host Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday, aiming to revive their faltering qualification campaign with back-to-back wins.