South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, said he does not want Nigeria to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and accused the Super Eagles of undermining South Africa’s recent qualification bid.
Speaking in a radio interview on Radio 947 in Johannesburg this week, McKenzie — a former businessman and political figure — told listeners he was rooting against Nigeria in the upcoming playoff round, claiming there had been covert efforts to derail South Africa’s own campaign.
“I want to make it very clear that I wish for them not to qualify,” McKenzie said. “I knew what they did behind the scenes for us not to get there. I want them to lose… another African country must go.”
McKenzie’s comments, which have been circulated widely on social media, singled out Nigeria by name and referenced alleged “behind-the-scenes” actions, though he did not produce evidence during the interview to substantiate the claims.
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The remarks add to mounting tensions between supporters of African national teams as the continent’s qualification races enter the decisive playoff phase. Nigeria, coached by Eric Chelle, faces a final push to secure a place at the expanded 2026 tournament.
Attempts to reach McKenzie’s office for clarification were not immediately successful. The South African Football Association and Nigeria Football Federation had not issued public responses at the time of publication.
Observers say such statements from senior officials can inflame fan rivalries and diplomatic sensitivities, and they urged stakeholders to focus on the pitch rather than off-field controversies as teams prepare for the playoffs.