South Africa’s Sports Minister Says Super Eagles Must Not Qualify
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has stirred controversy after openly declaring that he does not want Nigeria’s Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
McKenzie made the remarks while reacting to Nigeria’s reported role in his country’s recent qualifying drama. South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana, were earlier deducted three points and three goals for fielding an ineligible player in their match against Lesotho. Nigeria was among the countries that lodged protests to FIFA, demanding disciplinary action.
Although Hugo Broos’ men eventually topped Group C, finishing one point ahead of Nigeria, the minister insists he still harbours resentment toward the Super Eagles.
“I heard you saying that we (South Africa) will also root for Nigeria,” McKenzie said in an interview shared on X by South African journalist Robert Marawa.
“I want to make it very clear — I wish for them not to qualify. I just want to make that clear. They tried… I knew what they did behind the scenes. I want them to lose.
Nigeria must not go to the World Cup. Another African country must go.”
His comments have sparked reactions across social media, with many football fans describing the statement as “unsportsmanlike” and “politically charged.”
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles will resume their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign next month, hoping to secure a ticket to the global tournament co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada
