World Cup without Nigeria and Cameroon is incomplete – CAF President Motsepe

Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe has described the absence of Nigeria and Cameroon from the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a major loss for African football, insisting the global tournament feels incomplete without two of the continent’s most successful football nations.

Both Nigeria and Cameroon missed out on the just ended 2026 World Cup tournament, which was co-hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Spain emerging as the champions at the end of the tournament.

Speaking while reflecting on Africa’s campaign at the World Cup, Motsepe said Nigeria and Cameroon have played a significant role in shaping the continent’s reputation on the international stage and expressed his determination to ensure more African nations qualify for future editions of the tournament.

Motsepe acknowledged the contributions both countries have made to African football over the years, noting that their rich history and consistent performances at previous World Cups have earned them global respect.

“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.

Nigeria, three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions, failed to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Cameroon, one of Africa’s most decorated football nations, also missed out on the expanded tournament.

Motsepe admitted their absence was keenly felt, given the legacy both countries have built through memorable performances on the world stage. Cameroon became the first African nation to reach the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals in 1990, while Nigeria has consistently produced exciting teams and reached the Round of 16 on multiple occasions.

Despite their disappointment, the CAF president believes African football’s future remains bright and stressed that the continental governing body is committed to creating better opportunities for all its member associations.

According to Motsepe, CAF will intensify its efforts to strengthen football development across the continent through greater investment in youth football, coaching education, infrastructure and competitions to ensure more African nations are capable of competing at the highest level.

“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.

Motsepe acknowledged that progress would not happen overnight but expressed confidence that sustained commitment and investment would eventually produce the desired results.

“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.”

His comments underline CAF’s long-term vision of elevating African football to compete consistently with the world’s traditional powers. The South African businessman has repeatedly stated that one of the federation’s ultimate ambitions is to see an African nation lift the FIFA World Cup trophy.

While celebrating the achievements of countries such as Morocco and Egypt at the 2026 tournament, Motsepe maintained that the development of African football must include every nation, particularly traditional giants like Nigeria and Cameroon, whose presence, he believes, adds prestige and excitement to the World Cup.

The CAF president’s remarks reflect his belief that with determination, strategic investment and sustained development, African football can continue its upward trajectory and ensure that more of the continent’s leading nations return to the biggest stage in future World Cups.