‘He cannot stop it from happening’ - Ex-NFF president slams South African minister for wishing Super Eagles bad luck

McKenzie publicly stated last week that he hoped Nigeria would fail in their 2026 World Cup playoff bid.

Nigeria were in a difficult situation in their bid to qualify for the World Cup after having a disappointing performance in their qualifying games.

However, the Super Eagles made the World Cup playoffs on the final day of the qualifiers after beating Benin Republic 4-0.

The controversy erupted when McKenzie made his feelings about the Super Eagles clear ahead of their crucial playoff matches in Morocco next month.

"I want to make it very clear: I wish for them not to qualify," McKenzie declared. "I knew what they did behind the scenes. I want them to lose. Nigeria must not go to the World Cup. Another African country must go."

Pinnick, who is also the Deputy Chairperson of FIFA’s Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee, slammed McKenzie's comments as unbecoming of a public official.

"If it is the wish of God that Nigeria should qualify for the World Cup, the South African sports minister's careless statement cannot stop it from happening," Pinnick told THISDAY.

"It is unfortunate to have someone like McKenzie appointed a minister in a developed, civilised country like South Africa," he added, urging the minister to adopt a more statesmanlike tone, similar to his Nigerian counterparts.

Nigeria advanced as one of the top group runners-up and are now headed to the African playoffs. They are scheduled to play Gabon in a single-leg semi-final match in Morocco on November 13.

The victor of this match will progress to the final, also in Morocco, on November 16. This final will determine who competes in the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico, where the last tickets to the 2026 World Cup will be secured.