Former Super Eagles and Lazio midfielder Ogenyi Onazi believes more African teams are likely to feature in the knockout stages of this year’s edition of the FIFA World Cup as a result of its newly expanded format, Footynaija.com reports.
FIFA’s decision to expand the Mundial to feature 48 teams made room for a record 10 participants from the African continent, as opposed to previous tournaments where there were only five slots for African teams out of 32 participating nations.
At the tournament, currently ongoing in the United States, Mexico and Canada, Africa’s contingent include Morocco, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Algeria, South Africa, Cape Verde, Tunisia, Ghana and DR Congo who dispatched the Super Eagles en route to booking their ticket via the play-offs.
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The likes of Morocco and Ivory Coast got off to bright starts after recording a draw and a win against Brazil and Ecuador respectively while South Africa and Tunisia have plenty of work to do following disappointing defeats to Mexico and Sweden respectively.
Speaking on the tournament in a recent interview with Footy Africa and Africa’s prospects, Onazi expressed optimism that the expanded World Cup format could pave the way for a stronger African presence in the knockout rounds.
Onazi singles out Morocco for praise
The former Lazio midfielder singled out Morocco for praise following their impressive performance against Brazil, insisting the Atlas Lions have already shown they are capable of competing with the very best teams on the global stage.
“I was very impressed with how the Moroccans played against the Brazilians. They dominated them for long spells of the game and could have even won it,” Onazi said.
“You could see that they had confidence going into the game and, with what they achieved last time out in Qatar, they seem determined to go a step further and do even more.
“I was impressed with them and they showed no fear by taking the game to the Brazilians. I hope our other African brothers can emulate them.”
Onazi backs Algeria, Ghana, Egypt, DR Congo to reach knockouts
Onazi went on to predict that several African nations could progress beyond the group stage, highlighting Algeria, Ghana, Egypt and DR Congo as teams with realistic chances of reaching the last 32 despite facing challenging opposition.
He also noted that the new tournament format, which allows some third-placed teams to qualify for the knockout rounds, could significantly boost Africa’s representation in the latter stages of the competition.
“This expanded format gives more room for the best third-placed teams, so I am sure we will see more African countries in the knockout stages,” Onazi continued.
“Algeria have a tough group that includes Argentina, Austria and Jordan. I think the Argentina game will be difficult, but they can still get something from it.
“For Ghana, even though they are our rivals, they have to navigate their way through England, Panama and Croatia, which on paper looks very difficult but still doable.
“I also see Egypt making the most of their group. If they can get something from the Belgium game, then they can finish second. As for DR Congo, the country that got the ticket ahead of us, they have to be at their very best, to be honest.
“That group is crazy and I think they will come third with a good record, considering they have Portugal and Colombia to contend with.
“I think those countries can make it to the knockout stages alongside Morocco, who have already sent a message.”
The quartet will soon have the opportunity to justify Onazi’s faith in them, with Egypt taking on Belgium on Monday, Algeria facing Argentina on Tuesday, while DR Congo and Ghana are scheduled to meet Portugal and Panama respectively on Wednesday.
