Crime
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
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.
Emir Sanusi Warns Kano Youths Against Plans To Attack Igbos Over Edo Tragedy
Emir Sanusi warns Kano youths against plans to attack Igbos over Edo tragedy. The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has cautioned youths in the state against attacking innocent members of the non-indigenous community in the state following the kiIIings of 16 Kano bound Hausa travelers in Uromi, Edo State.
Sanusi spoke on Sunday, after leading the Eid-el-fitr prayer at the Kofar Mata Eid ground in the state.
His words, “We got information yesterday (Saturday evening) that youths in some areas are planning to launch reprisal attacks on non-indigenes after the Eid prayers. We are instructing them not to carry out such attacks.
“We appeal to them not to take laws into their hands. They should avoid a breakdown of law and order. We call on all traditional leaders to be vigilant.
Emir Sanusi Warns Kano Youths
“Similarly, we appeal to the relevant authorities to ensure justice for the victims. They should investigate and prosecute persons behind the barbaric act,” he said.
Sanusi also called on Muslim faithful to sustain the lessons learned from the Ramadan fasting and not return to sins or wrongdoings.
Police Rescue 2 Kidnap Victims, Hunt For Abductors In Lagos
Police rescue 2 kidnap victims, hunt for abductors in Lagos. Mr Hundeyin said that the alleged kidnappers abducted the victims on Wednesday at Ijede in the Ikorodu area of the state.
The police command in Lagos state says it has rescued two kidnap victims and launched a search for their alleged abductors.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.
Mt Hundeyin said that the alleged kidnappers abducted the victims on Wednesday at Ijede in the Ikorodu area of the state.
“The police received information that some kidnappers invaded Ijede community and kidnapped two persons.
“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives were mobilised to the scene where it was observed that the kidnappers forcefully gained entrance into the house of a 40-year-old man, killed the security dog and kidnapped him.
Police
“The kidnappers equally forced their way into the nearby house and kidnapped the landlord’s 25-year-old daughter, ” he said.
The spokesperson said that the victims were rescued on Saturday, March 29.
“With the collaborative efforts of both the police joint task force and other stakeholders, the kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt and handed over to their family members.
“The area is relatively calm and being closely monitored.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the wanted suspects, ” Mr Hundeyin said.
Eid-el-Fitr: Group (SDAI) Salutes Troops For Keeping Nigeria Safe
Eid-el-Fitr: Group (SDAI) salutes troops for keeping Nigeria safe. Security, Development and Advancement Initiative (SDAI), a civil society organisation, has saluted troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their sacrifices and sustained onslaught against terrorists across theatres of operation.
The group gave the commendation in a message by its convener, Mattias Ebong, to the armed forces on the occasion of Eid-el-fitr, on Sunday in Abuja.
Mt Ebong likened the fasting period to the sacrifices being made by members of the armed forces to keep the country safe and united.
He said the military under the command of Gen. Christopher Musa, had been exemplary in terms of making sacrifices for the country.
The group lauded the chief of defence staff for the operational successes that had seen insurgents, terrorists and bandits being depleted by troops.
He said the Ramadan period was that of intercession to usher in peace and stability in security challenged areas in the country, and expressed hope that those places would soon experience a turn around.
Nigerian Army
“As you celebrate the end of Ramadan and mark the occasion of Eid-el-fitr, the security, development and advancement initiative send our warmest felicitations.
“May this joyous occasion bring you peace, happiness, and spiritual renewal. May the blessings of Allah be upon you and your loved ones.
“As we celebrate, let us remember the sacrifices made by the armed forces of Nigeria to keep the country safe and united.
“May we continue to uphold these values in our daily lives and continuously work for our unity,” he said.
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