Key Points
- Gayton McKenzie says Nigeria should miss the World Cup. He links it to rivalry, not personal hate.
- He claims Nigeria worked behind the scenes to hinder South Africa. He says he wants them to lose the playoff.
- South Africa top Group C after a 3–0 win. Nigeria face Gabon next, then Congo DR or Cameroon.
South Africa’s sports minister Gayton McKenzie has taken a bold stance. He told Radio 947 he wants Nigeria to miss 2026 World Cup. He framed it as rivalry, not a personal issue.
His remarks follow a tight qualifying race between both nations. A points dock hit South Africa for an ineligible player. Nigeria stayed alive with back-to-back wins, including Osimhen hat-trick keeps Nigeria alive.
Rivalry colours minister’s hard line
McKenzie said he is merely matching Nigeria’s “energy” in football rivalry. He alleged Nigeria worked behind the scenes to frustrate South Africa. He stressed it is not hate, only sharp competition.
What the playoff path looks like
Nigeria face Gabon in November in the CAF continental playoffs. A win could set up Congo DR or Cameroon in the final. The intercontinental slot then awaits the final winner in March.
South Africa beat Rwanda three nil to seal top spot. That result confirmed their return to the summit. It left Nigeria bound for the November playoff draw.
McKenzie also compared the feeling to Chiefs versus Pirates. He said rivals should expect bold words before big games. He insisted it is football talk, not deep ill will.
Nigeria still have a long path to cross. Calls for reform show pressure, as Mikel Obi demands NFF overhaul. Beating Gabon would set up a Congo DR or Cameroon clash.
CAF will stage the playoffs in Morocco this November. Winners then reach a final round for Africa’s spare slots. An intercontinental tie later sets the last ticket in March.
Nigeria’s forward line remains strong under a fit Victor Osimhen. Midfield balance and set-piece focus may decide close games. Defensive lapses must drop for tight playoff tests.
McKenzie’s words will likely fuel Nigeria’s locker room fire. Coaches often bank on rivalry to tune sharp focus. The rest now happens on grass, not on radio.
