South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has ignited controversy after publicly declaring that he wants Nigeria to miss out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In an interview with Veteran South African journalist Robert Marawa, McKenzie made the fiery remarks while addressing Nigeria’s involvement in South Africa’s turbulent qualifying campaign.
“I want them to lose. Nigeria must not go to the World Cup. Another African country must go,” McKenzie said.
“It’s not personal. They don’t like us, we don’t like them. I give you the energy you give me.”
The minister’s comments follow one of the most dramatic qualification storylines in recent African football history. Both nations were drawn in the same group but the Bafana Bafana finished top after a chaotic series of results.
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South Africa were docked three points and three goals by FIFA for fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena in a 2-0 win over Lesotho, a decision pushed for by Nigeria and Benin. The ruling drastically altered the group standings.
South Africa’s Sports Minister. Photo Credit: SABC/X
Ironically, Nigeria’s 4-0 victory over Benin in the final round helped South Africa secure the group’s automatic World Cup ticket following their 3-0 win against Rwanda. While many South Africans expressed gratitude to the Super Eagles, McKenzie insists Nigeria’s role was far from altruistic.
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Nigeria, ranked 41st in the world, will now seek redemption through the African play-offs alongside Cameroon, DR Congo, and Gabon.
The semi-finals will be played on November 13 in Morocco, with the winners advancing to a final on November 16 to determine who qualifies for the inter-confederation play-offs in Mexico next March.
