Nigeria’s absence left big void at 2026 World Cup – Motsepe

CAF President Patrice Motsepe has said the 2026 FIFA World Cup did not feel complete without Nigeria and Cameroon.

He made the statement on Wednesday during a global press conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he reviewed the performance of African teams at the tournament.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, missing the competition for the second time in a row after also failing to reach the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

The Super Eagles finished second behind South Africa in their qualifying group. They later defeated Gabon in the playoff semi final but lost to the Democratic Republic of Congo on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the final playoff.

The Nigeria Football Federation protested the result, claiming DR Congo used ineligible players, but FIFA dismissed the complaint.

Nigeria are currently fourth among African teams in the latest FIFA rankings, behind Morocco, Senegal and Egypt. They remain 26th in the world rankings.

Speaking at the event, Motsepe said Nigeria and Cameroon have always been important countries in African football.

“I am very proud of Nigeria and Cameroon. A World Cup without Nigeria and Cameroon is incomplete because Nigeria has always made Africa proud,” he said.

He added that Nigeria’s recent failure to qualify does not change the country’s status as one of Africa’s biggest football nations.

“Nigeria has many outstanding young players. The country continues to produce some of the best football talents in Africa and the world,” Motsepe said.

The CAF president also praised the unity football brings to Nigerians.

“When I visited Nigeria, I was told that whenever the Super Eagles play, there is no North or South, no Christian or Muslim. Everyone comes together as Nigerians,” he said.

Motsepe said Africa’s strong performances at the World Cup, including those of Cape Verde and Egypt, showed that CAF competitions are helping teams compete at the highest level.

He expressed confidence that Nigeria, Cameroon and South Africa would continue to make Africa proud in future tournaments.

Motsepe also announced that CAF’s Ordinary General Assembly will take place in Abuja in November, describing Nigeria as a proud football nation.