Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie has been accused of fuelling rising tensions between South Africa and Nigeria after sharing his views that the latter should not qualify for the Fifa World Cup next year.
The West African country will compete against three others – Cameroon, Congo DR, and Gabon – for a spot at the tournament next year. The play-offs will take place in November.
South Africa qualified to compete after making it through the first round of CAF qualifiers last week.
GAYTON MCKENZIE SHARES DISDAIN FOR NIGERIA
Speaking to Robert Marawa on 947 last week, Gayton McKenzie was asked about African representation at the Fifa World Cup, which will take place next year in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
The Minister of Sport brought up Nigeria, which will compete for a spot in the play-offs next month.
He said: “I want to make it very clear. I wish for them not to qualify. I knew what they did behind the scenes.
He continued: “I want them to lose; they must not go to the World Cup. I give the energy you give. They don’t like us, and we don’t like them. And that’s okay.
“It’s not personal, it’s like Chiefs and Pirates”.
Gayton added: “They must find hell. Another African country must take their place”.
Gayton’s comments were picked up by Nigerian publications, with many Nigerians accusing the minister of fuelling the stokes of xenophobia.
AFRICA PLAY-OFFS – WHO WILL QUALIFY FOR WORLD CUP?
Nine African countries have qualified to play in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
They are: Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Cape Verde, and South Africa.
The four runner-up competitor countries – Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo DR – will compete at the African play-off round next month. The winner will secure the World Cup’s Top 10 spot on the continent.
