South African Minister Sparks Controversy, Says He Hopes Nigeria Misses 2026 World Cup

By Diafa Doubra,

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

In a post that has since gone viral, McKenzie expressed strong sentiments against the Super Eagles, suggesting that Nigeria’s dominance in African football has bred arrogance among its supporters. He said he would personally be delighted if South Africa’s Bafana Bafana secures a place at the World Cup while Nigeria fails to qualify.

His statement quickly drew backlash from football fans across the continent, with many Nigerians describing the minister’s comments as “unsportsmanlike” and “divisive.” Others argued that his remarks reflect growing football rivalry between the two nations, especially after Nigeria’s dramatic victory over South Africa in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final.

Analysts say McKenzie’s comments could fuel tension ahead of future qualifiers and friendly matches between both countries. Meanwhile, officials from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) have yet to formally respond to the minister’s remarks, choosing instead to focus on the team’s upcoming World Cup qualification fixtures.

The Super Eagles are set to resume qualifiers next month, and fans hope the minister’s outburst will only motivate the team to prove their critics wrong on the pitch.