Motsepe: World Cup ‘incomplete’ without Nigeria and Cameroon

Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe says the World Cup feels “incomplete” when traditional African powerhouses Nigeria and Cameroon are missing – and has pledged a major push to ensure more teams from the continent reach future tournaments.

The South African administrator was speaking after Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon both failed to reach the 2026 World Cup in North America, despite their rich history on football’s biggest stage.

Nigeria were beaten to an automatic qualifying place by South Africa and then missed out again in the African playoffs, losing on penalties to DR Congo in the final in Morocco.

Cameroon, five-time African champions and quarter-finalists at the 1990 World Cup, also fell short in qualifying, leaving the continent without two of its most recognisable sides.

“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.

African giants ‘sorely missed’ on global stage

Motsepe acknowledged that the absence of both nations was strongly felt, given the impact they have had in raising Africa’s profile at previous tournaments.

Nigeria have appeared at six World Cups since 1994, producing some of Africa’s most memorable performances, while Cameroon’s famous run at Italia 90 – inspired by Roger Milla – remains a landmark moment for the continent.

Motsepe said their legacy underlined why CAF wants a broader and more competitive African presence at upcoming World Cups, especially as the tournament expands.

The 2026 edition in the United States, Canada and Mexico will feature 48 teams, with Africa’s direct allocation rising, but Motsepe stressed that simply having more slots is not enough.

CAF to ‘work harder than ever’ on development

The CAF president outlined plans to deepen investment in the game across the continent, with a particular focus on youth structures, coaching and facilities.

According to Motsepe, CAF will intensify its efforts to strengthen football development through:

– Expanded youth football programmes
– Enhanced coach education and technical training
– Improved infrastructure, including pitches and training centres
– More competitive and better-organised continental competitions

“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.

Long-term vision for African success

Motsepe cautioned that the benefits of these reforms would take time to show, but insisted that sustained commitment from CAF and its member associations would eventually deliver results on the global stage.

“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 maintained that the optimism is rooted in the talent and passion that already exist in African football, pointing to the success of several African nations at youth level and in recent senior World Cups.

Motsepe reiterated that CAF’s objective is not only to increase the number of African qualifiers, but also to ensure that when teams reach the World Cup they are capable of challenging the traditional powers from Europe and South America.

For now, though, the CAF president’s comments highlight the sense of loss felt across the continent at a World Cup staged without the Super Eagles and the Indomitable Lions – two sides he believes must be central to Africa’s football story in the years ahead.