Former Moroka Swallows and Nigeria goalkeeper Greg Etafia says everyone in his home country is hoping that Bafana Bafana will have points docked for fielding a suspended Teboho Mokoena in their FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in March.
Mokoena had accumulated two yellow cards ahead of that Group C encounter at the Peter Mokaba Stadium but administrators missed that, leaving coach Hugo Broos to pick the Mamelodi Sundowns man for the clash.
Bafana won 2-0 to rise to the top of the group and Likwena have also not laid a formal complaint with FIFA, leaving everyone in limbo and wait to see if the world governing body will use their discretion on the matter.
Bafana currently top the group with 13 points in six matches, while the Super Eagles who they face next Tuesday are in fourth place and six points behind South Africa from the same number of games. Etafia told iDiski Times senior writer Matshelane Mamabolo in edition 220 that Bafana being docked points will give Nigeria a better shot at qualifying for the 2026 event.
“Of course, the feeling is that Nigeria need to catch up,” Etafia told IDiski Times.
“We must win all our games. But what they really need is for South Africa to lose those three points. They are really fighting for those three points – for everyone back home, the supporters and everyone, those three points will really help.
“Nigeria believe they can win all their other matches, including beating South Africa. And if they get docked the points, then we have a chance.”
For the TS Galaxy goalkeeper coach believes qualification for the event in the USA, Canada and Mexico is must for the Super Eagles as it might be last opportunity for most of the current players to play in a World Cup. He emphasised that FIFA should wrap up the Mokoena saga before Tuesday.
“This one is a make-or-break for everyone,” added Etafia.
“Most of the guys are 26 or 27 (years old) and missing out on this World Cup means they might never get the chance to play on the biggest stage.
“So they are going to go out there and give their all to make sure Nigeria qualifies. What’s worrying is what FIFA is taking out to sort out the Teboho Mokoena yellow card issue.
“The case is taking too long, and that’s upsetting. It would be nice if we went into the match against South Africa knowing what FIFA’s verdict is.”
You can read Etafia’s full comments in Mamabolo’s feature on the World Cup qualifiers in edition 220 when you subscribe to IDiski Times media WhatsApp number for FREE.
