South Africa's sports minister: Why I don't want Nigeria to qualify for 2026 World Cup
Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s minister of sports, arts, and culture, says he does not want Super Eagles of Nigeria to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
McKenzie spoke during an interview… pic.twitter.com/TbIbA4mi5Z
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Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s minister of sports, arts, and culture, says he does not want Super Eagles of Nigeria to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
McKenzie spoke during an interview with Radio 947 in Johannesburg, where he accused Nigeria of attempting to sabotage South Africa’s own recent qualification campaign.
The 51-year-old stated that the South African nation does not support Nigeria’s World Cup dreams, and hopes the Eric Chelle-coached team fails in the playoffs.
“I heard you saying earlier that we [South Africa] were rooting also for Nigeria,” he said.
“I want to make it very clear that I wish for them not to qualify [for the 2026 FIFA World Cup].”
McKenzie, a former gangster turned minister, claimed Nigeria worked against South Africa’s qualification hopes hence the reason he hopes Super Eagles don’t qualify for the prestigious tournament.
“I knew what they did behind the scenes for us not to get there (qualify for the World Cup). I want them to lose; they will not go to the World Cup, and another African country must go,” he added.