World Cup incomplete without Nigeria, Cameroon, says CAF President Patrice Motsepe as he praises the Super Eagles’ legacy and Africa’s football growth

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has described the 2026 FIFA World Cup as incomplete without Nigeria and Cameroon, saying the absence of two of Africa’s traditional football powerhouses was deeply felt despite the continent’s impressive showing at the tournament.

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Speaking during a global press conference in Johannesburg on Wednesday, Motsepe reflected on Africa’s performance at the World Cup and reaffirmed his belief that Nigeria remains one of the continent’s greatest football nations.

“I keep telling my Nigerian friends, a World Cup for me without Nigeria, without Cameroon and many others, is incomplete because Nigeria has always made us proud,” Motsepe said.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 tournament, extending their World Cup absence after also missing the 2022 finals. Cameroon also missed out, leaving two of Africa’s most successful World Cup nations absent from football’s biggest stage.

Despite that disappointment, Motsepe insisted the setback had not diminished his confidence in Nigerian football, describing the country as one of Africa’s most consistent producers of elite talent.

“How many superstars are there? Not here, Nigeria, everywhere. Many, many outstanding young players,” he said.

The CAF president also highlighted the unique ability of the Super Eagles to unite Nigerians across ethnic and religious divides, recalling a conversation during one of his visits to the country.

“When I went to Nigeria, I was told when the national team plays, there’s nobody from the north, there’s nobody from the south. We’re all Nigerians. There’s no Christian, there’s no Muslim. We are all Nigerians,” Motsepe said.

Beyond Nigeria, Motsepe praised the overall progress of African football, pointing to the performances of Cape Verde and Egypt during the World Cup as evidence that the continent’s clubs and national teams are becoming increasingly competitive on the global stage.

“Nigeria has got some of the best players not just in Africa but in the world, and I’m confident Nigeria will continue to make us proud as they did in the past, same Cameroon and same Bafana Bafana,” he added.

The remarks come as CAF continues to push for stronger football development across the continent through greater investment in youth football, coaching, infrastructure and domestic competitions.

Motsepe has repeatedly said one of the governing body’s long-term ambitions is to see an African nation win the FIFA World Cup.

In a secondary announcement during the briefing, Motsepe disclosed that CAF’s Ordinary General Assembly will be held in Abuja in November, describing Nigeria as a proud football nation and suggesting the choice of venue reflected the country’s enduring importance to African football.

“There’s a reason why I took it to Nigeria,” he said, without elaborating further.

Nigeria remains one of Africa’s most successful football nations, having qualified for six FIFA World Cups and won the Africa Cup of Nations three times.

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Although the Super Eagles missed the last two World Cups, Motsepe’s comments underscore the country’s enduring influence on the continental game and the expectation that it will return to football’s biggest stage in future editions.