I want them to lose - South African minister wants Nigeria to miss 2026 World Cup

South Africa's Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has publicly expressed his hope that Nigeria's Super Eagles will fail to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

McKenzie's comments stem from what he described as Nigeria's behind-the-scenes actions during a contentious period in the qualification campaign.

The controversy arose after Bafana Bafana were penalised with a deduction of three points and three goals for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho.

Nigeria was reportedly among the nations that protested with FIFA, urging the governing body to enforce the rules.

Despite this setback, South Africa, managed by Hugo Broos, ultimately secured the top spot in Group C, finishing just one point ahead of the Super Eagles.

In an interview shared by South African journalist Robert Marawa, McKenzie made his position clear.

"I heard you earlier saying that we (South Africa) will also root for Nigeria," McKenzie stated.

He continued, "I want to make it very clear: I wish for them not to qualify. I want to make that one clear. They tried… I knew what they did behind the scenes. I want them to lose."

He concluded emphatically, "Nigeria must not go to the World Cup. Another African country must go."