2026 WCQ: Drama in Super Eagles’ group as South Africa face 3-point deduction

Published

3 months ago

March 25, 2025

Nigeria’s hopes of playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup might have just gotten an unexpected boost following controversy around South Africa midfielder, Teboho Mokoena.

Mokoena should have been suspended for Bafana Bafana’s Matchday 5 clash against Lesotho due to accumulated yellow cards.

He was booked in their Matchday 1 fixture against Benin Republic and picked up another on Matchday 4 against Zimbabwe.

The two bookings rendered Mokoena ineligible to feature in the subsequent fixture against Lesotho.

These revelations have sparked speculation that South Africa could face a points deduction if confirmed by the relevant authorities.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers rulebook subsection 9 states that a player who receives two yellow cards in separate matches must serve a one-match suspension.

Mokoena playing for 81 minutes against Lesotho is therefore a potential breach of FIFA regulations.

If the standard six-game suspension rule applies to the 10-game qualification format, South Africa could face a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player.

This development could dramatically shift the dynamics of Group C, where Nigeria is battling to secure a World Cup ticket.

South Africa currently tops Group C with 10 points, followed by Benin with eight, Rwanda with seven, and Nigeria in fourth place with six points.

Turkey: Osimhen scoops Goal of the season award

Published

16 hours ago

June 18, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Victor Osimhen has won the Turkish Super Lig Goal of the Season for 2024/25, Ekwutosblog reports.

Osimhen won the award for his superb bicycle kick against Antalyaspor.

The spectacular strike came in stoppage time of Galatasaray’s 3-0 win at the RAMS Park.

It was the Nigeria international’s third league goal for the Yellow and Reds.

The 26-year-old finished as top scorer in the league with 26 goals.

Osimhen joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan deal from Napoli last September.

Club World Cup: Liam Delap speaks after providing assist on Chelsea debut

Published

2 days ago

June 17, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

New Chelsea striker, Liam Delap, has expressed his happiness at making his debut for the club.

Delap arrived from Ipswich Town this summer after the Blues triggered his 30million release clause.

Enzo Maresca started the 22-year-old on the bench for their Club World Cup opener against Los Angeles FC on Monday.

Delap came on with Chelsea leading 1-0 thanks to Pedro Neto and laid on the assist for the second scored for Enzo Fernandez in the 79th minute.

Speaking after the game, Delap told Channel 5: “It’s a really happy feeling for me. I’m so excited to be here and to play my first game and be able to contribute is a good feeling.

“The team have welcomed me really well. I have only had a few sessions here but I am excited for more.”

On if we can expect to see more assists from him, he added: “Yes of course it is good to help the team but I want to score some as well.”

Club World Cup: We’ve never won it before – Vinicius rates Real Madrid’s chances

Published

2 days ago

June 16, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Real Madrid winger, Vinicius Junior, has expressed confidence that his team will win this year’s FIFA Club World Cup.

According to the Brazilian, the new Club World Cup expanded format is the only title that the Los Blancos have never won before.

According to him, Xabi Alonso’s side are eager to win it because people never forget the first one.

Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s first Club World Cup tie with Al-Hilal on Wednesday, Vinicius said as quoted by Madrid Xtra: “We are eager to win this first Club World Cup because people never forget the first one.

“It’s the only title Real Madrid doesn’t have. We are going for it,” he stated.

Real Madrid are in Group H of the Club World Cup, taking place in the USA.

The Spanish LaLiga giants will also face Pachuca and RB Salzburg in the group stage.