Lesotho FA Admits Protest Against Bafana Bafana Wasn’t Filed Correctly, Seeks FIFA To Enforce Rules

Lesotho FA admits protest against Bafana Bafana wasn’t filed correctly, seeks FIFA to enforce rules. FIFA’s decision on the case could significantly impact the group standings and determine the fate of the African qualifiers.

The secretary-general of the Lesotho Football Association (LFA), Mokhosi Mohapi, has admitted that his federation did not officially file a protest against South Africa for fielding an ineligible player in their 2026 World Cup qualifier.

However, he insists that FIFA must still enforce its regulations for the integrity of the game.

South Africa, which currently leads Group C with 13 points, faces a possible three-point deduction after Teboho Mokoena played against Lesotho despite accumulating two yellow cards in previous qualifiers against Benin and Zimbabwe.

Bafana Bafana won the game 2-0 with goals from Relebohile Mofokeng and Jayden Adams, but if FIFA applies the standard penalty for fielding an ineligible player, their qualification hopes could take a serious hit.

While acknowledging that Lesotho failed to file the protest within FIFA’s official timeframe (two hours after the match and within 24 hours post-game), Mohapi told South African TV station Newzroom Afrika that he believes FIFA should act independently:

“If you look at article 8.3, which says they should have been automatically suspended, the ball is in FIFA’s court.

“It is up to them to make a decision that is consistent with what they have done in the past and what they should be doing in the future to ensure that the sport is played fairly,” Mohapi said.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is reportedly monitoring the situation closely, as a points deduction for South Africa would boost Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the World Cup.

However, Mohapi dismissed any notion that Lesotho’s actions were influenced by Nigeria’s interests:

“Whether they give us the three points or not is not a matter for consideration. The letter was sent on Tuesday, and we are in constant communication with FIFA and SAFA.

Lesotho FA Admits Protest Against Bafana Bafana

“There is no bad blood between us and SAFA. We do not even mean to allow ourselves to be drawn into the Nigerian aspiration of qualification. Let us all play the game on the field of play with strict adherence to the regulations,” he said.

With six games played, Nigeria sits fourth in Group C with 7 points, trailing South Africa (13 points), Rwanda (8 points), and Benin (8 points).

FIFA’s decision on the case could significantly impact the group standings and determine the fate of the African qualifiers.

Court Sentences Mother, Daughter To 6 Months In Prison For Stealing Ponmo, Stockfish

Court sentences mother, daughter to 6 months prison for stealing ponmo, stockfish. Ms Odumosu sentenced both the mother and daughter to six months’ imprisonment, each with an option of a N5,000 fine.

Amagistrates’ court in Isabo, Abeokuta, on Friday, sentenced a mother and daughter, Falilatu Amidu and Ayisatu Amidu, to six months’ imprisonment each for stealing dry ponmo (cow skin), stock fish and dried meat valued at N1 million.

The defendants, who reside at No. 21 Ago-oko area in Abeokuta, Ogun, were convicted on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

The magistrate, O.O. Odumosu, held that all evidence presented by the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt that the convicts were guilty of the offence as charged.

Ms Odumosu sentenced both the mother and daughter to six months’ imprisonment, each with an option of a N5,000 fine.
She ordered that the convicts should refund N100,000 each to the complainant as restitution before accessing the N5,000 fine given.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Kehinde Fawunmi, told the court that the defendants committed the offence sometime in August 2024 at Lafenwa market.

Mr Fawunmi explained that Ms Falitatu conspired with her daughter, Ms Ayisatu, to steal a big sack containing stockfish, dry ponmo and dry meat valued at N1 million belonging to one Kafayat Alao.

According to
him, Ms Falilatu used to help the complainant carry loads from her store in Lafenwa to where the latter sells her items.

“The complainant asked her to help her pick goods from the store; she waited for over an hour, and she did not see the defendant, which made her go to the store to check on her.

Daughter To 6 Months In Prison

“On getting to the store, she did not find Falilatu, and she noticed a big bag containing dried meat, ponmo, and stockfish was missing, and the defendant was nowhere to be found,” he said.

Mr Fawunmi explained that Ms Falilatu stole the goods and gave them to the daughter (Ayisatu) to sell them.

He said Ms Ayisatu received the goods from her mother, knowing that they were stolen.

The prosecutor noted that the offence contravened sections 516, 390(9) and 127 of Ogun’s Criminal Code Laws of Ogun 2006.

Government Orders Immediate Removal Of Indecent Artworks On Roads In Enugu

Government orders immediate removal of indecent artworks on roads in Enugu. The Enugu State government has ordered the immediate removal of all indecent and obscene artworks and pictures displayed on major roads in the state.

The order is contained in a statement by the commissioner for children, gender affairs and social development, Ngozi Enih, on Friday in Enugu.

She described such artworks as detrimental to public morals and a contravention of the Child’s Rights Law of Enugu State. Ms Enih said offenders would be made to face the law henceforth.

“You are, by this statement, ordered to take down without delay all indecent and obscene artworks and pictures displayed on Enugu roads. You are also warned to henceforth cease the exhibition of indecent and obscene artwork and pictures on Enugu roads.

Enugu Government

“Those indecent and obscene artworks and pictures are detrimental to public morals and decency, and they also offend the provisions of the Child’s Rights Law of Enugu State, 2016.

“Any of such pictures or artworks displayed at your stand will warrant your immediate arrest, prosecution and possible forfeiture of such works of art. Consider this letter as the first and final warning on this issue,” she said.