South Africa minister Nigeria must not qualify World Cup
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has publicly stated that he does not want Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He made his remarks in the wake of his country’s recent troubles during the African qualification process for the tournament.
In the interview shared on social media, McKenzie said: “I want to make it very clear: I wish for them not to qualify. I just want to make that one clear… Nigeria must not go to the World Cup. Another African country must go.”
The context behind this strong statement relates to a key incident in the qualification campaign for Group C. South Africa’s team, the Bafana Bafana, were docked three points and three goals by FIFA after fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their match against Lesotho. Nigeria was among the nations that protested that incident, which is apparently part of the reason for McKenzie’s displeasure.
Despite that deduction, South Africa still managed to top the group with 18 points, edging Nigeria by one point, and ensuring automatic qualification to the World Cup. Nigeria, having finished second in the group, must progress via the African playoff route.
McKenzie insisted that his comments are not grounded in personal dislike for Nigerians, but rather about what he perceives as actions taken “behind the scenes” by Nigeria during the qualifiers. He stated: “It’s not that. I give you the energy you give me. They don’t like us, we don’t like them.”
This statement has stirred reactions across African football circles, raising questions about sportsmanship, national rivalries, and whether such public remarks by a senior official are appropriate in the context of international competition.
