Confederation of African Football President, Patrice Motsepe, has said the FIFA World Cup feels incomplete without Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions, describing both nations as key contributors to Africa’s football legacy.
Nigeria failed to secure a place at the tournament after South Africa claimed the automatic qualification ticket from their group.
The Super Eagles were handed another opportunity through the African qualifying playoffs in Morocco but were beaten by DR Congo in a penalty shootout in the final, ending their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking on Africa’s performance at the global showpiece, Motsepe praised the long-standing contributions of Nigeria and Cameroon, noting that both countries have played a major role in elevating African football on the world stage.
He also reaffirmed CAF’s commitment to helping more African countries qualify for future World Cups.
“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 noted that the absence of the two African football giants was deeply felt because of their rich history and memorable achievements at previous World Cup tournaments.
Motsepe maintained that the future of African football remains promising, adding that CAF is focused on expanding opportunities for its member associations through sustained development initiatives.
He explained that the continental football body plans to increase investment in youth football, coaching development, infrastructure and competitions to improve the competitiveness of African teams on the international stage.
“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.
While admitting that meaningful progress would take time, Motsepe expressed confidence that consistent effort and long-term investment would ultimately deliver success.
“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.”
