South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has stirred controversy after declaring that he does not want Nigeria’s Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In an interview with Johannesburg’s Radio 947, McKenzie accused Nigeria of working “behind the scenes” to undermine South Africa’s qualification efforts, calling his comments a direct response to those alleged actions.
“I heard you saying earlier that we [South Africa] were rooting for Nigeria,” McKenzie said. “I want to make it very clear that I wish for them not to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
His remarks come amid growing tension between the two nations after a dramatic World Cup qualifying campaign. South Africa’s chances were briefly threatened when FIFA deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player, a move that allowed Nigeria to close the gap by winning their last two group games.
However, South Africa eventually sealed the Group C ticket with a convincing 3–0 victory over Rwanda, earning their first World Cup appearance since 2010. Nigeria, meanwhile, must now battle through the continental playoffs to keep their hopes alive.
“I knew what they did behind the scenes to stop us from qualifying,” McKenzie added. “I want them to lose; they won’t go to the World Cup. Let another African country go.”
He later clarified that his stance was not personal but rooted in sporting rivalry. “It’s not that I dislike Nigeria,” he explained. “I give the same energy you give. They don’t like us, and we don’t like them—it’s just rivalry, like [Kaizer] Chiefs and [Orlando] Pirates.”
Nigeria will face Gabon in the continental playoffs this November. A win would see them advance to a final clash against either Congo DR or Cameroon for a place in the intercontinental playoff.
