2026 WCQ: Sodje slams Nigeria for celebrating FIFA deducting 3pts from South Africa

Former Nigeria defender, Samuel Sodje, has claimed that Nigeria celebrating South Africa’s three-point deduction by FIFA, is “embarrassing”.
The world football governing body announced the sanction on Monday.
It is punishment against Bafana Bafana for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, against Lesotho in a 2026 World Cup qualifier in March 2025.
FIFA has also deducted three goals from South Africa’s tally.
The news saw a section of the Nigerian football community jubilate, amid renewed hope for the Super Eagles, who sit third in the group with 11 points, now three points behind South Africa.
“For South Africa, they did break the rules, and they’ve taken three points off them. I think that’s normal,” Sodje told Soccernet.
“What’s surprising now is Nigerians [are] seeing this as big news. I think it’s embarrassing.”