World Cup feels incomplete without Nigeria – CAF President

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has described the FIFA World Cup as incomplete without the participation of Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions.

The Super Eagles missed out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup after finishing behind South Africa in the CAF qualifiers before suffering a penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the final round of the African play-offs.

Reflecting on Africa’s campaign at the tournament, Motsepe said the absence of two of the continent’s traditional football powerhouses was deeply felt, given their rich history on the global stage.

“I am happy for Nigeria and Cameroon. Nigeria did not make the World Cup, and I keep telling people that a World Cup for me without Nigeria, Cameroon, and many others is incomplete because Nigerians and Cameroonians have all made us proud,” Motsepe said.

The CAF president acknowledged the enormous contribution both countries have made to African football, saying their performances over the years have helped build the continent’s reputation at the World Cup.

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Motsepe also reaffirmed CAF’s commitment to helping more African nations qualify for future World Cups through increased investment in football development.

According to him, the continental body will intensify efforts in youth development, coaching education, infrastructure and competitions to strengthen the standard of football across Africa.

“And a part of what we are going to do is to work harder than we have ever done before because in life, if you work hard and you are determined, you will succeed,” he added.

Motsepe admitted that progress would take time but expressed confidence that sustained commitment and investment would produce long-term success for African football.

“You may not succeed immediately or overnight, but I am enormously confident, and I cannot have a quantifiable objective, criteria and facts that justify the optimism,” he said.

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