‘This minister is an ingrate’ – Pinnick hits back at McKenzie for not appreciating Nigeria’s effort in helping them beat Benin

The Super Eagles defeated Benin Republic 4-0 on the final day of the qualifiers to secure a 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off ticket.

The win did not just give Nigeria a chance to qualify for the World Cup but also sealed South Africa’s automatic ticket.

Following the efforts made by the Super Eagles players, McKenzie made a statement claiming he does not wish Nigeria to qualify for the competition.

The South African sports minister's comment has not been taken lightly by the former NFF president, who has hit back, saying he is not grateful.

"I will rather say that this minister is an ingrate for not thanking the Super Eagles for defeating Benin Republic in Uyo," Pinnick stated. 

"He didn't realise that if Benin had won or drawn the match in Uyo, South Africa would not be the beneficiary of the Group C direct qualification ticket."

The former NFF boss also reminded McKenzie that Nigeria faced a similar penalty in 2018 for fielding an ineligible player but accepted the consequences without blaming other nations. 

"We didn't blame anyone because we knew we were at fault," he recalled. "Why then should a sports minister decide to put the blame for the consequences on Nigeria?"

Having advanced as one of the best group runners-up, Nigeria is now set for the African playoffs. The Super Eagles will face Gabon in a single-leg semi-final in Morocco on November 13.

The winner of that match will advance to the final on November 16, also in Morocco, to compete for a spot in the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico, where the final tickets to the 2026 World Cup will be decided.