World Cup Without Nigeria Is Incomplete — CAF President Motsepe
Patrice Motsepe says CAF will invest harder in youth development, coaching, and infrastructure to help more African nations reach future tournaments.
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CAF President Patrice Motsepe says the 2026 FIFA World Cup felt incomplete without Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions, both of whom missed out on this year’s tournament.
Nigeria lost the automatic African qualification spot to Motsepe’s own South Africa, before missing a place via the play-offs in Morocco following a penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the final.
Reflecting on Africa’s campaign at the tournament, Motsepe said both nations have played a significant role in shaping the continent’s reputation on the global stage, adding, “a World Cup for me without Nigeria, Cameroon, and many others is incomplete.” He said their absence was keenly felt given the legacy both countries have built through memorable performances on the world stage.
Looking ahead, Motsepe said CAF is committed to creating better opportunities for its member associations and will intensify investment in youth football, coaching education, infrastructure, and competitions to help more African nations compete at the highest level. He acknowledged that progress won’t happen overnight, but said he remains confident that sustained effort and determination will eventually produce results.
Did You Know?
- Nigeria lost the automatic African World Cup qualification spot to South Africa.
- The Super Eagles then lost to DR Congo on penalties in the final of the African play-offs in Morocco.
- Patrice Motsepe is the president of the Confederation of African Football and also South African.
- Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions also missed out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
- Motsepe has pledged increased CAF investment in youth football, coaching education, and infrastructure.
- Nigeria’s last FIFA World Cup appearance came in 2018 in Russia.
- Motsepe has also separately voiced support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s re-election bid.
