South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has caused a stir after openly declaring that he does not want Nigeria’s Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His comments come in reaction to Nigeria’s role in the recent controversy that almost derailed South Africa’s qualification campaign.
Bafana Bafana were docked three points and three goals after fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their match against Lesotho. The decision followed protests jointly lodged by Nigeria, Lesotho, and Benin Republic, who petitioned FIFA to take disciplinary action.
While the deduction was a setback, South Africa still managed to finish top of Group C with 18 points — just one ahead of Nigeria, who finished second.
Following Bafana Bafana’s successful qualification, McKenzie expressed his discontent in an interview shared on X (formerly Twitter) by journalist Robert Marawa. According to the Minister, Nigeria’s behind-the-scenes role in the protest left a bitter taste, prompting his blunt wish that the Super Eagles fail to make the global showpiece.
McKenzie’s outburst divides fans across Africa
“I heard you earlier saying that we will also root for Nigeria,” McKenzie said. “I want to make it clear — I wish for them not to qualify. They tried things behind the scenes, and I want them to lose. Nigeria must not go to the World Cup. Another African country must go.”
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Asked if he doesn’t like Nigeria “that much”, McKenzie said, “No, it’s not that. I give the energy you give. They don’t like us, we don’t like them and that is okay. It’s not personal.”
His remarks have since divided opinion across the continent. While some South Africans supported his emotional reaction, others felt it was unbecoming of a public official to wish failure on a fellow African team.
On Nigerian social media, the statement has sparked outrage, with many fans labelling it “unnecessary provocation” given the long-standing football rivalry between both nations.
Despite McKenzie’s comments, the Super Eagles still have a path to qualification. They will compete in the African playoffs in Morocco this November, starting with a semi-final clash against Gabon. If they advance, they will face either Cameroon or DR Congo in the final.
Should they triumph in those encounters, Nigeria will proceed to the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico next March, keeping their World Cup dream alive.
Tags: Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Sports, Robert Marawa, South Africa, Super Eagles, #SoarSuperEagles, World Cup qualifiers, World Cup playoffs.
