Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe believes the FIFA World Cup loses part of its identity when continental heavyweights Nigeria and Cameroon are absent.
The South African football administrator made the remarks while reflecting on Africa’s representation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Super Eagles failed to qualify after missing out on both automatic qualification and the continental playoffs.
Nigeria finished behind South Africa in their qualifying group before falling to DR Congo on penalties in the African playoff final, ending their hopes of reaching football’s biggest tournament.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe says the FIFA World Cup feels incomplete without Nigeria and Cameroon, praising both nations’ historic contributions to African football while pledging greater investment in the game.
Despite the disappointment, Motsepe said the Super Eagles and Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions remain among Africa’s most influential football nations because of the legacy they have built on the global stage.
“I am happy for Nigeria and Cameroon. Nigeria did not make the World Cup, and I keep telling people that a World Cup for me without Nigeria, Cameroon, and many others is incomplete because Nigerians and Cameroonians have all made us proud,” Motsepe said.
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Nigeria is one of Africa’s most successful World Cup nations, having qualified for the tournament on multiple occasions since making its debut in 1994.
The Super Eagles have reached the Round of 16 three times and have consistently produced memorable performances and players on football’s biggest stage, helping raise the profile of African football worldwide.
Cameroon, meanwhile, made history in 1990 by becoming the first African nation to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, paving the way for future generations.
Motsepe acknowledged that the absence of both countries from the 2026 tournament was keenly felt because of their longstanding contributions to the global game.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe CAF promises greater investment. Photocredit: CAFonline
The CAF president reiterated the governing body’s commitment to strengthening football development across Africa through sustained investment in youth football, coaching, infrastructure and domestic competitions.
According to Motsepe, improving standards across the continent will increase the number of African nations capable of competing consistently at the highest level.
“And a part of what we are going to do is to work harder than we have ever done before because in life, if you work hard and you are determined, you will succeed.”
He admitted progress would require patience but insisted CAF remains confident that its long-term development strategy will deliver results.
“You may not succeed immediately or overnight, but I am enormously confident, and I cannot have a quantifiable objective, criteria and facts that justify the optimism.”
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