So, the big question is, can Nigeria still qualify?
Mathematically, it is possible. Here in Nigeria, we would have to do some permutations and calculations to qualify. South Africa is currently under controversy for fielding an ineligible player, Mokhema, against Lesotho. The player had received two yellow cards and, per FIFA rules, Mokhema was meant to be suspended for a match.
The Lesotho FA has said that they are not going to take up the case. However, rules are rules, and it would be unfair if FIFA does not deduct 3 points from South Africa. What comes to my mind is the 2017/2018 qualifiers, where Nigeria was given a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible Shehu. The only saving grace Nigeria had was that they had racked up maximum points to continue the qualifiers strong.
Can Nigeria Qualify?
If FIFA deducts three points from South Africa, they would drop to 10 points. Lesotho would move to second with 9 points, pushing Nigeria further down to fifth. Is that a good or a bad thing? Well, it’s a good thing. Lesotho is not a strong side and has not won any of their matches so far, which means that nine points might just be where they remain, or they might just manage a series of draws to cap off their qualifiers.
Benin Republic and Rwanda are not the strongest of sides either. The strongest side here is South Africa. So, if South Africa loses the three points, what happens? At 10 points, South Africa would have to win all their games, same as Nigeria. However, the two sides are meant to face each other in the qualifiers, and it’s likely that whoever wins the clash would qualify.
What Needs to Be Done?
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) must push for the three-point deduction, citing its own case with Shehu. Remember, Algeria didn’t even file a complaint against Nigeria for fielding an ineligible player, yet our three points were still deducted. So why should South Africa’s case be different? Or is it because Motsepe, one of their own, is the President of CAF and might influence FIFA?
But aside from that, the NFF had already started pursuing the case before Nigeria dropped easy points against Zimbabwe. If our players were not selfish on that pitch and had squared easy chances to our striker instead of trying to be in the spotlight for a World Cup we are yet to qualify for, we wouldn’t be here. But that’s a story for another day.
I am very sure the NFF would have actively pushed the case if we had won against Zimbabwe, pushing us to second. However, I urge the NFF not to drop the case, as when there is life, there is hope. If we get the points from South Africa, then it’s good.
If the boys then fail to deliver on the pitch, it’s on them.
Dear NFF, play your part in the miracle storyline.
Miracle no dey tire Jesus
