South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has publicly expressed his wish that Nigeria’s Super Eagles do not qualify for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. His comments come in light of the ongoing qualification campaign and the historical tensions between the two nations in football.
During an interview with Radio 947 in Johannesburg, McKenzie accused Nigerian football officials of allegedly obstructing South Africa’s bid for qualification. The rivalry intensified as both teams were drawn into the same qualifying group.
South Africa faced significant challenges in their campaign, particularly when FIFA deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player. This setback momentarily threatened their chances of automatic qualification. However, the Super Eagles capitalised on the situation, securing back-to-back victories in their concluding matches, heightening competition for the group’s top spot.
Ultimately, South Africa clinched first place in Group C with a decisive 3–0 victory over Rwanda, marking their return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010. Nigeria finished second and now must navigate a continental playoff route to secure their place in the tournament.
Addressing the rivalry, McKenzie firmly stated that South Africans are not in support of Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions. “I want to make it very clear that I wish for them not to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” he declared.
The minister, who has a history as a community activist and businessman, suggested that Nigeria has sought to influence the qualification process unfavourably towards South Africa. “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. Another African country should go,” he asserted.
However, McKenzie clarified that his sentiments stem from what he views as a healthy sporting rivalry rather than personal animosity. “It’s not that I don’t like Nigeria. It’s just rivalry — like the one between [Kaizer] Chiefs and [Orlando] Pirates,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Nigeria is set to face Gabon in the continental playoff tournament in November. A successful match would lead them to a final playoff tie against either Congo DR or Cameroon, with the opportunity to secure one of Africa’s remaining intercontinental playoff slots. Failing to progress would mean Nigeria misses consecutive World Cup appearances for the first time since 1994.
