Motsepe: A World Cup Without Nigeria Is Incomplete

Motsepe made the comments at a press conference reviewing African teams' performances at the tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. "A FIFA World Cup without Nigeria representing Africa is not complete. Nigeria is one of the great football nations on our continent and we want to see them back where they belong," he said.

Nigeria, three-time African champions, failed to qualify for the tournament, extending a run of struggles in World Cup qualifying. Motsepe said restoring the country's place among the sport's elite will take coordinated work from the Nigeria Football Federation, players and coaches. "Nigeria has done so much for African football over the years. A lot of work must be done to regain that prestige and ensure the country qualifies for future World Cups," he added.

The CAF president reaffirmed the confederation's commitment to strengthening football structures across member associations, pointing to Nigeria's history, three AFCON titles and a long list of players who have gone on to succeed in Europe, as reason for confidence the Super Eagles can return to the world stage.