South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has stirred controversy after openly stating that he does not want Nigeria’s Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
During an interview on Johannesburg’s Radio 947, McKenzie claimed that Nigeria allegedly tried to sabotage South Africa’s qualification efforts.
“I heard you saying earlier that we were rooting for Nigeria. I want to make it very clear — I wish for them not to qualify,” he declared.
Tension from World Cup Qualifiers
The minister’s comments come following a tense World Cup qualifying campaign. South Africa’s hopes were nearly jeopardized when FIFA deducted three points from their tally for fielding an ineligible player. Nigeria seized the opportunity by winning their last two matches, putting pressure on South Africa for the top spot in Group C.
However, South Africa secured their qualification with a 3-0 victory over Rwanda on the final day — earning their first World Cup spot since 2010. Nigeria, on the other hand, now faces a difficult path through the continental playoffs.
“They Will Not Go to the World Cup”
McKenzie remained firm in his stance:
“I knew what they did behind the scenes for us not to qualify. I want them to lose. Another African country must go.”
He added that his comments were not personal but rather part of a long-standing sporting rivalry.
“It’s not that I don’t like Nigeria. It’s like Chiefs versus Pirates — they don’t like us and we don’t like them. It’s just competition.”
What’s Next for Nigeria?
Nigeria will face Gabon in November for a continental playoff. If they win, they must then defeat either Congo DR or Cameroon to reach the intercontinental playoff and keep their World Cup hopes alive.
The minister’s blunt statement has sparked mixed reactions across Africa, further fueling the football rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa as the road to 2026 heats up.
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