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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Associated Press

Nigeria handed fresh twist in World Cup qualification battle as South Africa issue statement after punishment

Nigeria have a good chance of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup if South Africa’s punishment stands - (AFP via Getty Images)

The South African Football Association said it plans to appeal a FIFA ruling that stripped the men's national team of a win in 2026 World Cup qualifying over fielding an ineligible player.

The FIFA judgment on Monday to overturn a 2-0 win against Lesotho in March as a 3-0 loss by default knocked South Africa off top spot with two rounds left in a qualifying group that ends in two weeks.

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