South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has stirred controversy after declaring that he does not want Nigeria’s Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking in an interview with Radio 947, McKenzie accused Nigeria of working against South Africa’s qualification efforts, citing behind-the-scenes actions during the CAF World Cup qualifying campaign.
“I know what they did behind the scenes to stop us from qualifying. I want them to lose; they will not go to the World Cup. Let another African country represent us,” McKenzie said.
The outspoken politician and former gangster emphasized that his remarks were not driven by hatred but by football rivalry.
“It’s not personal,” he added. “They don’t like us, and we don’t like them — just like the rivalry between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.”
Nigeria will face Gabon in the continental playoff this November. A win would see them advance to a decisive clash against Congo DR or Cameroon, with the victor earning a spot in the intercontinental playoff for the World Cup.
