Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, has openly expressed his desire to see Nigeria fail in their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to reports from Soccernet.ng.
These provocative remarks surfaced amid Nigeria’s turbulent campaign in the World Cup qualifiers, a saga marked by intense competition and significant developments affecting both nations.
“I’ve heard it said that South Africa would support Nigeria,” McKenzie stated during an interview shared on X by renowned South African sports journalist Robert Marawa.
“To be frank: I want them to be unsuccessful. I am aware of what has transpired behind the scenes. Nigeria should not be the African nation representing us at the World Cup. Another country deserves that chance.”
When questioned whether his stance was fueled by personal issues with Nigerians, McKenzie clarified:
“This is not personal. I’m merely reflecting the reception we get. They don’t back us, so we won’t back them. It’s not about individuals.”
NAZOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
“I want Nigeria to lose!! They must NOT go to the #FIFAWorldCup“
“We have been humiliated as a nation…!!” (by SAFA).
Minister of Sports Arts and Culture @GaytonMcK LIVE ON #MSWOn947 demanding action over the “yellow card…” pic.twitter.com/qbclG7eEbS
– robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) October 16, 2025
Stay Updated with the Latest in Sports – Subscribe to Our WhatsApp Channel Today!
The Intense Rivalry Shaping the African World Cup Qualifiers: Nigeria vs South Africa
McKenzie’s remarks come amid one of the most fiercely fought African World Cup qualifying campaigns in recent years.
Both Nigeria and South Africa were placed in Group C, where their two encounters ended in identical 1-1 draws, each team holding firm on home soil.
While the Super Eagles had a slow start to the qualifiers, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana initially topped the group before a major setback.
FIFA penalized South Africa by deducting three points and three goals after the team fielded Teboho Mokoena, an ineligible player, during their 2-0 win over Lesotho. This decision dramatically altered the group’s dynamics, with Benin and Nigeria pushing for the sanction.
The penalty elevated Benin to the summit of the group ahead of the final matches. In a dramatic finale, Benin faced Nigeria in Uyo, while South Africa hosted Rwanda.
Had Benin defeated Nigeria, they would have secured direct qualification. However, Nigeria’s commanding 4-0 victory crushed Benin’s hopes and simultaneously ensured South Africa’s automatic qualification following their 3-0 win against Rwanda.
Although many South Africans expressed appreciation towards Nigeria for their role in South Africa’s qualification, McKenzie dismissed any goodwill, accusing Nigeria of ulterior motives.
Super Eagles Advance to Play-offs Alongside Cameroon, DR Congo, and Gabon
While South Africa celebrates their direct qualification, Nigeria’s campaign continues in the African play-offs, joined by Cameroon, DR Congo, and Gabon-teams equally determined to secure a World Cup spot.
Gabon finished second in Group F behind Ivory Coast, while DR Congo edged out Sudan to claim runner-up behind Senegal in Group B.
Cameroon faced disappointment in Group D, as a final-day draw allowed Cape Verde to make history by qualifying for their first-ever World Cup, becoming the second-smallest nation to do so after Iceland.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that Nigeria, currently ranked 41st globally, will face Gabon in a single-leg semi-final in Morocco on November 13. On the same day, Cameroon will take on DR Congo.
The victors of these matches will clash in the final on November 16, also in Morocco, to determine which African nation advances to the inter-confederation play-offs in Mexico next March, where two coveted slots for the 2026 World Cup remain available.