Gernot Rohr, coach of the Cheetahs of Benin, and George Aluo, a prominent member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), have expressed their appreciation for FIFA’s recent ruling to deduct three points from South Africa. This decision has effectively intensified the competition for automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the race in Group C heats up.
FIFA cited a violation of regulations concerning player eligibility as the reason for the sanction, which stemmed from South Africa’s usage of Teboho Mokoena in a preliminary match against Lesotho on March 21, 2025. The original result, a 2-0 win for South Africa, was overturned and awarded as a 3-0 victory for Lesotho, resulting in South Africa not only losing three crucial points but also facing a fine of CHF 10,000, with Mokoena receiving a warning from FIFA.
‘Finally, FIFA has taken the decision we have been waiting for a long time. It’s a logical outcome that comes just before our last games, ‘ Rohr told NationSports moments after FIFA’s decision was made public.
With the points deduction, the former Super Eagles trainer noted that his team is now in a stronger position within the group but acknowledged the tough matches that lie ahead-one against Rwanda in Kigali and another against Nigeria in Uyo.
‘If I have a good calculator, we are mow the leader in Group C but with two difficult games to finish the qualifying competition . We have to go to Rwanda (Kigali) and Nigeria(Uyo).,’ the vastly travelled Rohr sais.
Aluo who doubles as the Chairman of the Nigeria national League (NNL), echoed Rohr’s sentiments, noting that the sanction opens up the competition for all teams in Group C. He views the three points taken from South Africa as a boost for Nigeria to push towards qualification.
‘The decision has made the group wide open,’ Aluo remarked, highlighting Rwanda’s potential as a dark horse in this race.
He went on to emphasize the importance of the upcoming match between Rwanda and Benin, suggesting that the outcomes of those games could dramatically alter the standings.
‘If Rwanda wins that match and we triumph over Lesotho, the dynamics of the competition will change completely. All four countries-Nigeria, South Africa, Benin, and Rwanda-are very much in the hunt for qualification, and I expect Rwanda to be competitive against South Africa if they manage to defeat Benin at home.’
Yet Rohr maintained that it would be foolhardy for anyone to doubt his history-seeking Cheetahs, adding they are at the ready for the upcoming deciding matches in October.
‘I know we still have a chance even against Rwanda and Nigeria,’ maintained the former Bayern Munich defender. ‘ I think the first three teams can finish as the first team in the group especially if South Africa did not win any of their next games with high score.’
He added: ‘The next game (away to Rwanda) will be very important for us. Even now, Nigeria has a chance because Zimbabwe can even shock South Africa . It is very interesting , very interesting. ‘
Indeed, as the qualifying campaign approaches its climax, the focus remains on the outcomes of each match, with tension and excitement building among fans and teams alike in anticipation of who will eventually secure the Group C automatic ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
GROUP C: REMAINING MATCHES:
OCTOBER 12
Lesotho vs. Nigeria
Rwanda vs. Benin
Zimbabwe vs. South Africa
OCTOBER 14
Nigeria vs. Benin
South Africa vs. Rwanda