‘I wish Nigeria won’t qualify for 2026 World Cup’ – South African Minister

South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has openly said that he does not want the Super Eagles of Nigeria to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking on Radio 947 in Johannesburg, McKenzie accused Nigeria of working “behind the scenes” to frustrate South Africa’s World Cup qualification campaign, a claim that has added fresh fuel to the growing rivalry between both nations.

The tension stems from a dramatic end to the World Cup qualifying series, where South Africa were docked three points by FIFA for fielding an ineligible player, briefly putting their qualification hopes in jeopardy.

Nigeria capitalised on the confusion, winning their final two matches to stay in contention for the group’s top spot. But on the final day, Bafana Bafana sealed their place in the tournament with a convincing 3-0 win over Rwanda, qualifying for their first World Cup since 2010.

Nigeria, on the other hand, were left to battle through the continental playoffs,  a route McKenzie says he hopes ends in failure.

“I want to make it very clear that I wish for them not to qualify,” McKenzie said.
“I knew what they did behind the scenes for us not to get there. I want them to lose; they will not go to the World Cup, and another African country must go.”

The 51-year-old former gangster-turned-politician claimed his comments were not personal but a reflection of the long-standing sporting rivalry between both nations.

“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’s all. It’s like the rivalry between Chiefs and Pirates,” he added.

The Super Eagles will face Gabon in November’s playoff. A win would see them advance to a final tie against either Congo DR or Cameroon for a spot in the intercontinental playoffs.