Benni McCarthy, a former striker for South Africa, has discussed the rivalry between his nation and Nigeria. In an interview with SportyTV, McCarthy acknowledged that in the past, South Africa and Nigeria were open and helpful. In the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, South Africa and Nigeria faced off once more and drew 1-1. “I have no idea why South Africa and Nigeria are involved in this unwelcome rivalry. We were close once. We were encouraging once,” McCarthy remarked. “As for me, I’m all for Africa. Although I’m from South Africa, I support anything African because it’s my continent. That makes me proud. “I understand when we play against each other and when there is rivalry on game day, but because we are Africans, we embrace each other after the game.”
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