Ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA world cup qualifiers between Nigeria and South Africa, South Africa’s Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms Lindi Mminele, has declared that football is not war, but rather a friendly competition that reveals teams competencies on the pitch of play.
She said this when she paid a courtesy call on the office of the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr. Sanusi Mohammed on Monday afternoon in Abuja.
Previous games between the two national teams have produced moments of dramatic contest, heightened stakes and intense passion from both fans and players, regardless, Mminele says both countries shares cordial bilateral relationships that extends beyond the game.
“Nigeria and South Africa have friendly and cordial relationships bilaterally, it’s also been attested by the bi-nation commission we have by the two states.”
“But when it comes to the sporting world, I’d like to say, indeed it’s not a war, it’s just a friendly competition that shows our competencies, it’s a win this time and a loss the other time and at the end of the day we’re still brothers and we have a relationship that extends beyond the game.”
“Whether you win today or lose tomorrow, at the end of the day, we’re still going to shake hands.”
Discussions between Lindi Mminele and NFF’s General Secretary was centred around visa procurement for Super Eagles players and officials ahead of the all important world cup qualifiers, with the Deputy High Commissioner assuring the federation of making the process seamless.
Dr. Sanusi Mohammed received Mminele in a friendly and positive way, and out of his magnanimity gifted her a branded custom made Nigeria national team jersey, which Mminele felt she is overwhelmed by his kind gesture and the warm reception she received.
“I’m really overwhelmed by the warm gesture being extended to me, I feel honoured to be seen as one of the daughters of the soil and am really proud and pleased to say thank you.” She said.
