‘I Don’t Want Nigeria to Qualify for 2026 World Cup’ — South African Sports Minister Declares

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

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

Speaking during an interview with Johannesburg-based Radio 947, McKenzie accused Nigeria of attempting to sabotage South Africa’s qualification campaign, describing his comments as a direct response to what he called “hostile actions” from the Nigerian side.

His statement comes amid mounting tension between the two nations following a fiercely contested World Cup qualifying series. South Africa had earlier suffered a major setback when FIFA deducted three points from their tally for fielding an ineligible player — a punishment that temporarily threatened their hopes of topping the group.

Nigeria took advantage of the situation by winning their final two group matches to remain in contention. However, South Africa eventually sealed the Group C ticket with an emphatic 3–0 victory over Rwanda, earning their first World Cup appearance since 2010.

With Nigeria now demoted to the continental playoffs, the Super Eagles must overcome Gabon in November before potentially facing Congo DR or Cameroon to keep their World Cup hopes alive — a scenario McKenzie openly said he opposes.

“I heard people saying we were also supporting Nigeria, but let me be clear, I don’t want them to qualify for the 2026 World Cup,” the 51-year-old minister said.

McKenzie further alleged that Nigeria acted “behind the scenes” to frustrate South Africa’s qualification efforts.

“I know what they did. I want them to lose. They will not go to the World Cup; let another African country go,” he added.

The minister, however, maintained that his remarks were not driven by personal animosity but by sporting rivalry.

“It’s not that I dislike Nigeria. I simply match the energy they give. They don’t like us, and we don’t like them — it’s that simple. It’s just like the rivalry between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates,” McKenzie concluded.