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South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has stirred controversy by openly declaring that he wants Nigeria to miss out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the Super Eagles do not deserve to qualify, Footynaija.com reports.
Speaking in an interview shared on X by journalist Robert Marawa, McKenzie made no attempt to hide his disdain for Nigeria’s involvement in South Africa’s turbulent qualifying campaign.
NAZOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) October 16, 2025
“I want Nigeria to lose!! They must NOT go to the #FIFAWorldCup “
“We have been embarrassed as a country…!!” (by SAFA).
Minister of Sports Arts and Culture @GaytonMcK LIVE ON #MSWOn947 calling for action to be taken regarding the “yellow card… pic.twitter.com/qbclG7eEbS
“I heard you earlier saying that we (South Africa) will also root for Nigeria,” he said.
“I want to make it very clear: I wish for them not to qualify. I just want to make that one 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.”
When asked whether his remarks reflected personal animosity toward Nigerians, McKenzie replied bluntly:
“It’s not that. I give you the energy you give me. They don’t like us, we don’t like them. And it’s not personal.”
His words come on the heels of a chaotic qualification saga that saw FIFA dock South Africa three points and three goals for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, against Lesotho. The sanction altered the group’s dynamics, propelling Nigeria and Benin into a dramatic finish.
Nigeria’s 4-0 win over Benin in Uyo eventually ensured South Africa’s qualification, yet McKenzie insists there was nothing noble about it, only rivalry and resentment.
This gave me a whole new perspective. Thanks for opening my eyes.
This gave me a whole new perspective. Thanks for opening my eyes.
Very useful tips! I’m excited to implement them soon.