Five Premier League players - including Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey - were among those to endure flight chaos after jetting out of Nigeria's latest 2026 World Cup qualifier. There was midair mayhem during that journey as a cracked windscreen forced the plane that the Super Eagles were travelling on to make an emergency landing. Said trip was eventually completed some 12 hours later than initially planned.
As Bafana Bafana's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes are on the brink of collapse, we look at key moments that led to the near-certain failure to qualify despite a campaign that seemed destined to end with the team competing in North America next year.
The Warriors were determined to stop Hugo Broos' men from getting maximum points in the recent meeting. The COSAFA rivals met in Durban, but it was the visitors who came with hopes of getting maximum points to keep alive their hope of competing with the best in the world. The hosts had already been eliminated and stood no chance of making it to the summit.
After their points were deducted by FIFA, South Africa needed to win against the Warriors in order to boost their chances to qualify for the global showpiece. However, they were unable to get the crucial points against their group opponents, who were disadvantaged after Knowledge Musona was sent off.
The Super Eagles were lucky to go home with maximum points following a 2-1 win over Lesotho at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday. While the West Africans were not at their very best, they collected maximum points on the road and kept themselves in contention to go to the global tournament.
The unfortunate deduction of three points by FIFA for fielding Teboho Mokoena when he was suspended dropped South Africa to second in Group C on goal difference. But qualification is still in reach if the team wins against Zimbabwe and Rwanda, and can score a few goals while doing it.
This fan urges South Africa not to rely on results elsewhere in Group C but to go 'for the kill' in their own games to ensure Mzansi can enjoy their first appearance at the global tournament since hosting in 2010.
In his characteristically blunt style the Belgian tactician pointed out the midfielder and defender were wrecking their AFCON and World Cup dreams by pursuing moves that led to them warming the bench instead of gaining valuable playing time.
The Belgian has responded to the administrator who had threatened a "thorough investigation into the incompetence that led to this sanction" after South Africa were deducted three points in their FIFA World Cup qualifying group.
With the case now settled, the football official says Bafana now have a chance of rightfully fighting for a slot in next year's finals. He also feels Lesotho would have played their last qualifier differently had FIFA rendered judgement.
It is advantage Benin after FIFA's sanctions on South Africa took them to the top of Group C. But Eric Chelle's side still have a chance to go to the summit of the standings, something that has restored hope in his side. But a former Nigeria international has lambasted the West Africans for relying on other teams.
SA found themselves in hot water following Mokoena's appearance against Lesotho, who complained and brought the matter to FIFA's attention. After the ruling, the FA official says he has been vindicated because he helped restore the game's integrity.
South Africa’s World Cup hopes took a major hit as FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee sanctioned the South African Football Association for fielding Mokoena, deemed ineligible, in the March 2025 qualifier against Lesotho. The ruling strips Bafana Bafana of crucial points, slaps SAFA with a fine and a warning to Mokoena.
South Africa’s hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have taken a major blow after FIFA sanctioned the South African Football Association for fielding the Mamelodi Sundowns midfield star in a qualifier against Lesotho. Mokoena was deemed ineligible, triggering disciplinary action and casting doubt over the campaign.
Mzansi might be forced to win their last two Group C games to get their ticket after the World Football Governing Body opened a case against Hugo Broos' side.
The Super Eagles and the Cheetahs have been banking on the world football governing body to punish the Southern African nation for a massive blunder made in the qualifiers.
There has been massive anxiety about the step the World Football Governing Body would take against Mzansi for fielding the suspended Mamelodi Sundowns star.
Lesotho
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