South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has openly stated that he does not wish to see the Super Eagles of Nigeria qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In an interview with Johannesburg-based Radio 947, McKenzie accused Nigeria of trying to sabotage South Africa’s qualification efforts, adding that his remarks were a direct response to what he described as “hostile actions” from the Nigerian side.
His comments come amid heightened rivalry between the two nations following a tense World Cup qualifying campaign. South Africa had earlier suffered a setback when FIFA docked three points from their tally for fielding an ineligible player — a sanction that temporarily threatened their chances of topping the group.
Nigeria capitalized on that moment by winning their last two group matches to remain in contention. However, South Africa ultimately secured the Group C ticket with a decisive 3–0 victory over Rwanda, earning their first World Cup berth since 2010.
Nigeria, now relegated to the continental playoffs, will have to overcome Gabon in November before potentially facing Congo DR or Cameroon to keep their World Cup dreams alive, a scenario McKenzie says he is firmly against.
“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.
He further alleged that Nigeria worked “behind the scenes” to hinder South Africa’s qualification chances. “I know what they did. I want them to lose. They will not go to the World Cup; let another African country go,” McKenzie added.
He clarified that his stance wasn’t personal but rooted in football rivalry. “It’s not that I h@te 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,” he said.
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