CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has declared that the 2026 FIFA World Cup “did not feel complete” without Nigeria and Cameroon.
Motsepe made the statement in Johannesburg during a global press briefing to review Africa’s performance at the tournament.
He said: “I am very proud of Nigeria and Cameroon. A World Cup without Nigeria and Cameroon is incomplete because Nigeria has always made Africa proud.”
The Super Eagles missed the 2026 World Cup for the second consecutive time after also failing to qualify for Qatar 2022.
Nigeria finished second behind South Africa in their group, beat Gabon in the playoff semi-final, but lost 1-1 on penalties to DR Congo in the final playoff. A protest by the NFF over alleged ineligible DR Congo players was dismissed by FIFA.
Despite the miss, Nigeria remain 4th in Africa and 26th globally in the latest FIFA rankings, behind Morocco, Senegal and Egypt.
Motsepe insisted the failure to qualify does not diminish Nigeria’s status.
According to him, “Nigeria has many outstanding young players. The country continues to produce some of the best football talents in Africa and the world.”
He also highlighted football’s unifying role in Nigeria:
“When I visited Nigeria, I was told that whenever the Super Eagles play, there is no North or South, no Christian or Muslim. Everyone comes together as Nigerians,” Motsepe added.
The CAF president commended Africa’s World Cup performances, particularly Cape Verde and Egypt, saying CAF competitions are helping teams compete at the highest level.
He expressed confidence that Nigeria, Cameroon and South Africa will make Africa proud in future tournaments.
Motsepe also announced that CAF’s Ordinary General Assembly will hold in Abuja in November, calling Nigeria “a proud football nation.”
