South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has openly declared that he does not want Nigeria’s Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking in an interview with Johannesburg’s Radio 947, McKenzie accused Nigeria of trying to sabotage South Africa’s qualification efforts, saying his stance was a reaction to what he described as “behind-the-scenes” interference.
“I heard you saying earlier that we [South Africa] were rooting also for Nigeria,” McKenzie said during the interview. “I want to make it very clear that I wish for them not to qualify [for the 2026 FIFA World Cup].”
The minister’s comments come amid heightened tension between the two nations following a dramatic World Cup qualifying campaign. South Africa’s progress was nearly derailed when FIFA deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player, jeopardizing their automatic qualification hopes. Nigeria capitalized on the setback by winning their last two group matches, keeping the pressure on South Africa for the top spot.
However, South Africa ultimately secured the Group C ticket with a decisive 3-0 win over Rwanda on the final match day, booking their place at the World Cup for the first time since 2010. Nigeria, meanwhile, now faces a difficult route through the continental playoffs to stay in contention.
“I knew what they did behind the scenes for us not to get there (qualify for the World Cup),” McKenzie claimed. “I want them to lose; they will not go to the World Cup, and another African country must go.”
He clarified that his comments were not personal but reflected a competitive rivalry. “It’s not that [I don’t like Nigeria]. I give the energy you give; they don’t like us and we don’t like them, that is all. It’s not personal. It’s like [the rivalry] between [Kaizer] Chiefs and [Orlando] Pirates.”
Nigeria will face Gabon in the continental playoff in November. If victorious, they will move on to a final clash against either Congo DR or Cameroon for a chance to represent Africa at the intercontinental playoff.
