Nigeria’s John Utaka takes swipe at Gennaro Gattuso over criticism of Africa’s World Cup slots

Nigerian football legend John Utaka has taken a swipe at Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso for criticizing Africa’s World Cup slots.

The 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded 48-team format, giving Africa a record nine automatic slots.

And Gattuso speaking in an interview with the Italian media expressed frustration over Europe’s allocation under FIFA’s expanded format.

His remarks have sparked public backlash, with many describing it as disrespectful and dismissive of Africa’s steady football development.

However, the former Niegrai international in an interview with Brila FM stressed Gattuso has no basis for questioning FIFA’s decision.

“FIFA is the governing body that decides which country and what country should be at the World Cup. If everyone is complaining then it must be equal.”

“If you are giving Europe five then you give others five in general so we make it even. Why will Europe get more than the rest and he is still complaining? It does not add up.”

“Call a spade a spade. If there are sixteen teams and you cannot qualify then that is your problem. It is his own perception of how he sees things.”

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles will not be participating in the upcoming World Cup after falling short during the qualifiers.