Amaju Melvin Pinnick, the ex-president of the Nigeria Football Federation, has issued a strong rebuttal to South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, following McKenzie’s public wish for Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup playoff hopes to be thwarted, as reported by Soccernet.ng.
On a recent edition of Robert Marawa’s Marawa Sports Worldwide, McKenzie stirred controversy by openly expressing his desire to see the Super Eagles be eliminated in the upcoming playoff matches in Morocco.
His remarks have sparked widespread backlash within the African football community, who consider them provocative and inappropriate for a government official.
McKenzie was unequivocal in his statement:
“To be frank, I want Nigeria to miss out on qualification. I am aware of the behind-the-scenes maneuvers. Another African nation deserves that World Cup spot, not Nigeria.”
This outburst seems to stem from frustration over the three-point deduction FIFA imposed on South Africa’s Bafana Bafana after fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during their 2-0 win over Lesotho in March.
This penalty significantly altered the dynamics of Group C, reopening the race for qualification between both Benin and Nigeria.
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Pinnick’s Strong Rebuttal to McKenzie’s Provocative Remarks
Serving as the Deputy Chair of FIFA’s Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee, Pinnick condemned McKenzie’s comments as reckless and unbecoming of a minister.
“If Nigeria is destined to qualify for the World Cup, no irresponsible utterance from the South African sports minister will prevent it,” Pinnick told THISDAY.
“It is regrettable that someone like McKenzie holds a ministerial position in a country as advanced and civilized as South Africa. I know many South African football experts who would never express such bitterness.”
Pinnick urged McKenzie to adopt a more respectful and diplomatic approach, highlighting how Nigerian sports officials maintain professionalism even under pressure.
The FIFA Decision That Triggered the Dispute
The controversy dates back to a crucial juncture in African World Cup qualifying history.
South Africa had been leading Group C until FIFA’s ruling to strip them of three points and three goals following protests lodged by Benin and Nigeria. This verdict instantly reshaped the group standings.
As the final matches approached, Benin hosted Nigeria in Uyo, while South Africa faced Rwanda on home soil. A win for Benin over Nigeria would have secured their direct qualification.
However, Nigeria’s commanding 4-0 victory dashed Benin’s hopes and, paradoxically, enabled South Africa to clinch the group’s automatic qualification spot after their 3-0 triumph against Rwanda.
While many South Africans accepted Nigeria’s result as a fair sporting outcome, McKenzie dismissed it as part of a conspiracy.
Pinnick Highlights McKenzie’s Lack of Gratitude
Pinnick reminded McKenzie of Nigeria’s own 2018 ordeal when FIFA penalized the country by deducting three points for fielding an ineligible player, defender Shehu Abdullahi during World Cup qualifiers.
“FIFA docked Nigeria three points and three goals, and we accepted full responsibility because we knew we were at fault. Neither the NFF nor our Sports Minister at the time blamed any other party,” Pinnick recalled.
“I trust that the South African Football Association (SAFA) has acknowledged their mistake and taken ownership. So why should a sports minister shift blame onto Nigeria?”
The former FIFA council member accused McKenzie of showing ingratitude, emphasizing that South Africa should appreciate Nigeria’s pivotal role in eliminating Benin.
“It is disappointing that this minister fails to recognize the Super Eagles’ victory over Benin Republic in Uyo. Had Benin won or drawn that match, South Africa would not have secured the direct qualification spot from Group C,” Pinnick stated.
Nigeria’s Path Toward Morocco and Mexico
Nigeria qualified for the African playoffs as one of the top four runners-up and is scheduled to face Gabon on 13 November in a single-leg semi-final hosted in Morocco.
The winner will advance to the final on 16 November, also in Morocco, where the victor will earn a spot in next year’s intercontinental playoffs in Mexico.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that Cameroon will face DR Congo in the other semi-final.
These two finalists will battle for one of the remaining African berths in Mexico, where two World Cup places will be decided for the 2026 tournament.