South Africans are celebrating after the country was ranked as Africa’s most powerful nation by US News.
This was announced Bafana Bafana secured their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Africa Facts Zone tweeter, “South Africa has been ranked as Africa’s most powerful country by US News.”
The news has sparked widespread debate on social media, especially as Nigeria only advanced to the playoffs.
Many users took to X to share their thoughts, with some praising South Africa’s progress and others questioning the title.
One user wrote, “South Africa is powerful, yes, but at two speeds. A country where skyscrapers rise beside shantytowns, where luxury speaks English and poverty speaks Zulu. A nation’s strength isn’t measured by its towers but by those it uplifts. Power without justice’s an empire on a fault line.”
Another commented, “Without corruption, we will be the most powerful country in the world.”
Others proudly embraced the ranking, with one person saying, “You cannot have the most powerful economy and not be the most powerful nation. The size of your economic power determines the extent of the power you command as a nation. God bless South Africa.”
Not everyone agreed, though. A Nigerian user hit back, writing, “South Africa, stop whining yourself. Nigeria remains the most powerful.”
Radio personality Sol Phenduka joined in the conversation, posting, “GIANTS OF AFRICA 🇿🇦.”
The conversation has since trended across both nations, adding fuel to the long-standing rivalry between South Africa and Nigeria