The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has written a strongly worded protest to FIFA, complaining that there is no fair play in the race for the qualifying ticket to the 2026 World Cup in Group C.
The NFF’s grievance stems from the fact that both Lesotho and Zimbabwe, who are in the same qualifying group as the Super Eagles, are playing their home games in South Africa.
This effectively means that South Africa will now play their remaining four World Cup qualifying matches at home in South Africa in the real sense of it.
In September, Matchday 7 vs Lesotho (away) and Matchday 8 vs Nigeria (home) will all be played in South Africa. The same applies in October for Matchday 9 (away) vs Zimbabwe and Matchday 10 (home) vs Rwanda.
Their away games were against the Super Eagles (1-1), Rwanda (lost 2-0), and Benin (won 2-0). “This is against fair play as it gives South Africa an undue advantage to qualifying for the World Cup.”
“The NFF are therefore asking that the forthcoming home games of Lesotho and Zimbabwe against South Africa be moved out of South Africa.”
South Africa lead Group C with 13 points from six matches, while Rwanda are second on eight points. Benin are third with eight points, Nigeria fourth on seven points, Lesotho are fifth with six points, and Zimbabwe are bottom having only four points.
The NFF’s protest to FIFA is a clear indication that the federation is not willing to let the issue slide, and is determined to ensure that fair play is upheld in the qualifying process. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, the NFF’s move is likely to spark a heated debate among football fans and pundits.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how FIFA will respond to the NFF’s protest. One thing is certain, however: the outcome will have significant implications for the qualifying process and the teams involved.