South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has stirred controversy after declaring he does not want Nigeria to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has openly stated that he wishes Nigeria would fail to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking in Johannesburg on Radio 947, McKenzie accused Nigeria of trying to sabotage South Africa’s qualification hopes, claiming his resentment stems from “what they did behind the scenes.”
His comments come amid an intense rivalry following a dramatic World Cup qualifying series. South Africa had earlier lost three points for fielding an ineligible player, a setback that almost ruined their campaign. Nigeria, meanwhile, won their final two games to stay in contention, but South Africa eventually secured top spot in Group C with a 3-0 win over Rwanda, earning their first World Cup ticket since 2010.
“I heard you saying earlier that we [South Africa] were rooting also for Nigeria,” McKenzie said. “I want to make it very clear that I wish for them not to qualify.”
The 51-year-old ex-gangster-turned-politician added, “I knew what they did behind the scenes for us not to get there. I want them to lose; they will not go to the World Cup.”
Nigeria will face Gabon in the playoffs in November, before a potential final clash against Congo DR or Cameroon for an intercontinental slot.