South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has sparked controversy after saying he would prefer that Nigeria’s Super Eagles fail to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing tensions between the two nations during the qualification campaign.
Speaking in an interview with Radio 947 in Johannesburg, Mr McKenzie accused Nigerian football officials of allegedly attempting to undermine South Africa’s qualification efforts.
“I knew what they did behind the scenes for us not to get there,” he said. “I want them to lose, they will not go to the World Cup. Another African country should go.”
His comments follow a dramatic qualifying campaign that saw both countries drawn in the same group. South Africa overcame early setbacks including a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player to top Group C after a 3–0 victory over Rwanda on the final matchday, securing their first World Cup appearance since 2010.
Nigeria, who finished second, must now go through the continental playoff route. The Super Eagles will face Gabon in November, with the winner advancing to a final tie against either Congo DR or Cameroon for a spot in the intercontinental playoffs.
Mr McKenzie later clarified that his remarks were not personal, describing them as part of a “healthy football rivalry” between the two nations.
“It’s not that I don’t like Nigeria,” he said. “It’s just rivalry like the one between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.”
The comments have stirred debate on social media, where fans from both countries exchanged sharp reactions, reflecting the long-standing football rivalry between the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana.