Benni McCarthy Bemoans Broken Relationship Between Bafana Bafana and Key African Rival

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy does not understand the rivalry that now exists between his country South Africa and Nigeria when it comes to football.

South Africa and Nigerian fans have become bitter rivals in recent years and this was heightened in 2025 when the two countries were vying for a 2026 World Cup ticket in the same group.

Besides meeting twice, South Africa also suffered a setback when they were docked three points by FIFA for fielding an ineligible player, something they feel was orchestrated by Nigeria, after it took over six months before the matter was looked into.

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Eventually, Nigeria did South Africa a favour when they beat Benin to help Bafana Bafana qualify for the World Cup while the West Africans dropped to the playoffs.

Instead of wishing Nigeria well after the big favour, South Africans, led by their Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, expressed a desire to see the Super Eagles knocked out and when it happened at the African playoff final, there was some form of celebration in Mzansi, something that has left McCarthy bemused.

"I don't know what is this unwanted rivalry between South Africa and Nigeria. We used to be very close. We used to be supportive,” McCarthy said on Sporty TV.

"For me, I support everything Africa. I am South African but if I see anything African, I support. I encourage because it's my continent, I'm proud of that.”

McCarthy feels the rivalry should only be restricted to what happens on the pitch but brotherhood and camaraderie embraced off the field, not as it is now.

"I understand when we play against each other, when there's a rivalry on the day of the match, then your support for Africa goes out of the window,” he added.

"I support my country but after the game we embrace each other because we're Africans. I was pleased Nigeria taught Benin a lesson because it opened the door for us to walk through and qualify for the World Cup."