South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has openly stated that he does not want Nigeria’s Super Eagles to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Gatekeepers News reports that, speaking during an interview with Radio 947 in Johannesburg, McKenzie accused Nigeria of working behind the scenes to hinder South Africa’s qualification campaign. This claim has intensified the rivalry between the two footballing nations.
The controversy follows a tense World Cup qualifying group in which South Africa was penalised with a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player, a sanction that initially jeopardized their chances of automatic qualification. Nigeria, seizing the opportunity, won their last two group matches in a bid to top the table.
Despite the setback, South Africa eventually secured the Group C ticket with a commanding 3-0 victory over Rwanda, booking their place in the World Cup for the first time since 2010. Nigeria, however, fell short and must now compete through the continental playoffs for a final spot.
McKenzie made it clear that he harbors no goodwill toward Nigeria’s qualification hopes. He said, “I heard you saying earlier that we [South Africa] were rooting also for Nigeria. I want to make it very clear that I wish for them not to qualify [for the 2026 FIFA World Cup].”
The minister, who once lived a life of crime before turning to politics, alleged that Nigeria’s actions during the qualifiers were aimed at sabotaging South Africa’s success.
He said, “I knew what they did behind the scenes for us not to get there (qualify for the World Cup). I want them to lose; they will not go to the World Cup, and another African country must go.”
McKenzie emphasised that his remarks were not personal but reflective of a competitive rivalry. He said, “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 not personal — it’s like the rivalry between [Kaizer] Chiefs and [Orlando] Pirates.”
Nigeria will face Gabon in the continental playoffs in November. A win would move the Super Eagles into the final round, where they must defeat either Congo DR or Cameroon to earn Africa’s slot in the intercontinental playoff.
