Sport
Chelle urges FIFA to decide on Mokoena’s ineligible match before facing South Africa
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has urged FIFA to take swift action over the ongoing controversy surrounding South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena. He warns that the delay is creating unnecessary tension ahead of Nigeria’s crunch World Cup qualifier.
Mokoena, a key midfielder for Bafana Bafana, is accused of playing in March’s qualifier against Lesotho when he should have been suspended after picking up multiple yellow cards. South Africa went on to win that game 2–0, a result that strengthened their position at the top of Group C.
If FIFA rules that Mokoena was indeed ineligible, South Africa could face sanctions, including a possible three-point deduction or the overturning of that result. This decision could significantly alter the group standings and improve Nigeria’s chances of qualification.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the clash with South Africa, Chelle said, “I’m just a coach, I lead my team. But there’s an organisation called FIFA, and they have to handle this matter. They need to act quickly so everyone knows where they stand.”
Despite this, he insists that his focus remains on the pitch. “My concern is my players. They are focused, and we need to concentrate on our own performance, not the noise outside the game,” he said.
Coventry City manager, Frank Lampard, speaks on team player and states how the player’s stance will help the team get into the Premier League.
The player is revealed to be Onyeka who he spoke about in the recent interview.
“He brings a different quality and probably a different profile to the midfield players we have.
“As I say, the profile is slightly different and I think that helps us in terms of the options and the competition in the middle of the park for us.”
Arsenal coach, Mikel Arteta, after their last match, shares an update on the injured team members after their last match.
He shared an update on Saka and stated that he is doing better after going through a hip injury. “His hip is improving a lot. Hopefully, he’ll be ready soon.”
He added about the other team members: “Martin is getting better and will be back in a few days, and Jurrien is fit for the weekend.”
Super Eagles footballer, Alex Iwobi, speaks on the World Cup and reveals their hope to play in the 2026 World Cup.
He shared that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is hopeful about hearing from them after they submitted a petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“I mean we’re still waiting, well hopefully we can go to the World Cup, but I feel it’s a tough one.
“It’s a tough one because winning AFCON is like… It’s a great legacy, it’s a great thing to have in your career, a memorable moment. But then at the same time, because I’ve been to the World Cup already, a lot of the players haven’t been.”
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