South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has publicly expressed his desire for Nigeria’s Super Eagles to miss out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking on Johannesburg’s Radio 947, McKenzie accused Nigeria of attempting to undermine South Africa’s qualification campaign, framing his remarks as a reaction to alleged “hostile actions” by Nigeria.The statement intensifies the football rivalry between the two nations, fueled by a competitive World Cup qualifying campaign. South Africa faced a setback when FIFA deducted three points for using an ineligible player, briefly jeopardizing their lead in Group C. Nigeria seized the opportunity, winning their last two matches to stay in the race. However, South Africa clinched the group’s World Cup spot with a 3–0 win over Rwanda, marking their first qualification since 2010.Nigeria now faces a tough path through the continental playoffs, starting with Gabon in November and potentially meeting Congo DR or Cameroon. McKenzie, 51, made it clear he opposes Nigeria’s progression. “I don’t want them to qualify for the 2026 World Cup,” he stated, alleging Nigeria’s behind-the-scenes efforts to derail South Africa’s campaign. “I know what they did. I want them to lose. Let another African country go.”McKenzie emphasized that his stance is driven by rivalry, not personal animosity. “It’s not that I hate Nigeria. I just match their energy. They don’t like us, and we don’t like them, it’s like Kaizer Chiefs versus Orlando Pirates,” he explained, likening the tension to a local football derby.
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