I was glad when the curtain was drawn on the world cup qualifiers for the African continent. Not much to my amazement, we had two West African countries and three North African countries that finally made it. My very own country; Nigeria was the first to qualify with a game to spare. Then Egypt, Senegal, Tunisia and Morocco. The Moroccans produced an amazing feat registering eleven (11) goals without conceding. They were rock solid at the back. Nigeria scored the highest number of goals; twelve (12) to be precise and conceded four (4). That means we (Nigeria) were very prolific going forward and a bit shaky at the back. For me, we need two rock solid right backs, an additional left back, another number ten to deputize for Mikel in the case of injury, and a very good number one; the goalkeeper. Although two (2) of the goals we conceded were from the penalty spot (vs Cameroon and vs Algeria) as against the run of play. Our two centre backs (nicknamed the Oyinbo wall) were impressive. Their heights are an advantage, and their footwork good. For Senegal, Sadio Mane's influence was highly profitable. They only conceded two (2) goals in a pulsating encounter. A stoppage time penalty from the Liverpool talisman Mohammed Salah sealed qualification for the Pharoahs of Egypt. Tunisia had to wait until the last minute in Rades to secure qualification with a barren draw. They would have lost the ticket had their opponent registered a late goal. That would have amounted to their closest rival having the same number of points with them and more goal difference than they registered.
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It's time for Africa to rise up to its potential and shock the world. Though I don't expect any African country to lift the world cup trophy. To do that, you must have been preparing your team for at least four (4) to five (5) years. Spain, Brazil, and Germany are more of coordinated teams expected to lift the trophy. Even their reserves can do wonders. That is one area most African teams are lagging behind. Suppose a star player falls to injury or fatigue, will there be quality back up to efficiently replace him? Games are mostly won from the reserve. France won Euro 2000 from the bench with David Trezeguet scoring a stunner that gave them the trophy. Mario Gotze did same for Germany in the last world cup. If the African teams can get quality reserves, they will go far and might even win the world cup. Another thing to consider is team football. Teams like Argentina and Belgium have very talented players but no team enough to withstand the likes of Brazil, Spain and Germany. These three teams know what team football has achieved, will achieve and will continue to achieve. The World cup is not for a team where the players have eyes for personal glory. Everyone has to keep their pride and pursue one course, i.e winning together and sticking together. I can recall when Italy played Australia in 2006, they were a man down. They held their forte (defence) together and won that game with a last minute penalty from Totti. Play together, suffer together, win together. Until teams like Argentina and Belgium put aside their hunt for personal glory and focus on being a unified team, they will keep losing against nations with a team spirit. Our African representative should take note and play like a team. I believe someday, an African team will win the World cup with enough sacrifice, preparation. Go Africa. Make us proud. #TeamAfrica
