Amaju Melvin Pinnick, the former head of the Nigeria Football Federation, has issued a sharp rebuttal to South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, following McKenzie’s public wish for Nigeria’s failure in the 2026 World Cup playoff, according to Soccernet.ng.
Over the weekend, McKenzie sparked outrage during an appearance on Robert Marawa’s Marawa Sports Worldwide by openly expressing his desire for the Super Eagles to be eliminated in their upcoming playoff matches in Morocco.
His remarks have drawn widespread criticism from the African football community, who view them as provocative and inappropriate for a government official.
McKenzie stated:
“Let me be clear: I want Nigeria to fail to qualify. I am aware of what transpired behind the scenes. I want them to lose. Nigeria should not make it to the World Cup. Another African nation deserves that spot.”
His outburst seems to stem from frustration after FIFA penalized South Africa by deducting three points for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their 2-0 win over Lesotho in March.
This ruling significantly altered the dynamics of Group C, reopening qualification hopes for both Benin and Nigeria.
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Pinnick’s rebuttal to McKenzie’s remarks
Serving also as the Deputy Chair of FIFA’s Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee, Pinnick condemned McKenzie’s statements as reckless and unbecoming of a minister.
“If destiny favors Nigeria’s qualification, no careless words from the South African sports minister can prevent it,” Pinnick told THISDAY.
“It is regrettable that someone like McKenzie holds a ministerial position in a progressive and civilized nation such as South Africa. I know many South African football experts who would never express such bitterness.”
Pinnick urged McKenzie to adopt a more statesmanlike approach, highlighting how Nigerian sports officials maintain professionalism even under pressure.
The FIFA decision that ignited the dispute
The controversy traces back to a pivotal moment in African World Cup qualifying history.
South Africa initially led Group C until FIFA’s decision to strip them of three points and three goals following protests from Benin and Nigeria. This verdict instantly reshaped the group standings.
As the final fixtures approached, Benin hosted Nigeria in Uyo, while South Africa faced Rwanda. Had Benin triumphed over Nigeria, they would have secured automatic qualification.
However, Nigeria’s commanding 4-0 win dashed Benin’s hopes and, paradoxically, paved the way for South Africa to clinch the group’s direct qualification spot after their 3-0 victory against Rwanda.
While many South Africans viewed Nigeria’s result as a goodwill gesture, McKenzie dismissed it as part of a conspiracy.
Pinnick labels McKenzie ungrateful
Pinnick reminded McKenzie of Nigeria’s own experience in 2018, when FIFA penalized them by deducting three points for fielding ineligible defender Shehu Abdullahi during World Cup qualifiers.
“When FIFA docked points and goals from Nigeria, we accepted responsibility without blaming others. Neither the NFF nor our Sports Minister at the time pointed fingers because we acknowledged our mistake,” Pinnick recounted.
He added, “The South African Football Association has admitted their error. So why should a sports minister shift the blame onto Nigeria for the repercussions?”
The ex-FIFA council member accused McKenzie of ingratitude, emphasizing that South Africa should appreciate Nigeria’s role in defeating Benin.
“I consider this minister ungrateful for failing to acknowledge the Super Eagles’ victory over Benin Republic in Uyo. Had Benin won or drawn, South Africa would not have secured the direct qualification spot from Group C,” Pinnick stated.
Nigeria sets sights on Morocco and Mexico
Nigeria qualified for the African playoffs as one of the top four runners-up and is set to face Gabon in a single-leg semi-final on 13 November in Morocco.
The victor will advance to the final on 16 November, also in Morocco, to determine who moves on to the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico next year.
CAF has confirmed that Cameroon will face DR Congo in the other semi-final.
The winners of these matches will compete for the remaining African slots in Mexico, where two places for the 2026 World Cup will be decided.
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