Russia 2018 world cup: who among the 5 rep can do Africa more proud?


After several weeks of qualifying matches 5 countries have finally emerge to represent Africa at the FIFA 2018 world cup taking place in Russia.
they include


• Egypt
• Morocco
• Nigeria
• Senegal
• Tunisia


cc: lalasticlala, mynd44
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/index.html

Egypt

Pedigree: Egypt are currently 30th in Fifa's world rankings - one place below the Netherlands. Having missed out on the 2010 and 2014 competitions after play-off defeats, they qualified for Russia when Liverpool's Mohamed Salah scored an injury-time winner against Congo on 8 October. Their last notable success at a major tournament was in 2010, when they lifted the Africa Cup of Nations for the seventh time.



Mohamed Salah has scored six goals in qualifying but has never been to a World Cup competition

Mohamed Salah will be making his World Cup debut in Russia

Key player: Mohamed Salah, Liverpool's major summer signing, is Egypt's most talented player. The speedy forward has scored 32 goals in 56 international appearances, including five during qualifying for Russia.

Premier League players: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Mohamed Elneny (Arsenal), Ahmed Hegazy (West Brom), Ramadan Sobhi (Stoke),

Championship players: Ahmed Elmohamady (Aston Villa).

League One players: Sam Morsy (Wigan).

Who's the boss? Argentinian Hector Cuper, who previously coached Valencia and Inter Milan, was appointed in March 2015. He also managed Georgia between 2008 and 2009. His only major tournament was the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations - where Egypt were defeated 2-1 in the final by Cameroon.


http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/41147762

2. Morocco

Pedigree: Morocco will be making their first appearance at a World Cup finals in 20 years next summer. In 1998 in France, a win, a draw and a defeat was not enough for them to qualify from the group stage. They have managed this feat just once in four attempts at finals, in Mexico in 1986 when they reached the last 16, where they were beaten 1-0 by eventual runners-up West Germany.

Key player: He has not been a regular with club side Juventus this season (there is some stiff competition there at the back) but defender Medhi Benatia is extremely highly rated at the Italian champions, who signed him on a permanent deal from Bayern Munich this year following a successful loan spell. The 30-year-old is Morocco's captain and has 52 caps to his name, five of which came during a 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign in which they did not concede a goal. He also scored one of the goals in the 2-0 win over Ivory Coast that sealed their place in Russia.



Medhi Benatia

Medhi Benatia joined Juventus from Bayern Munich on a permanent deal in May

Premier League players: Sofiane Boufal (Southampton)

Championship players: Romain Saiss (Wolves)

Who is the boss? Frenchman Herve Renard has had something of a nomadic coaching career since retiring from playing in 1998. One of his early roles was as boss of Cambridge United, who he joined in the summer of 2004 and left 25 games later with the club second bottom of League Two. Since then he has won the Africa Cup of Nations twice, with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015. After an unsuccessful stint as Lille boss, he took over as Morocco head coach in 2016.

3. Nigeria

Pedigree: This will be Nigeria's sixth appearance at a World Cup - and their third in a row. They have reached the last 16 three times - 1994, 1998 and 2014 - but have never advanced beyond that stage.

Key player: Captain John Mikel Obi, the most experienced member of the squad with 80 caps, will be a key figure for the Super Eagles in Russia. This will be the former Chelsea midfielder's second World Cup - the 30-year-old helped the team reach the knockout stages in 2014 for the first time since 1998. He now plays in China with Tianjin Teda.



John Mikel Obi

John Mikel Obi helped Nigeria win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations

Premier League players: Alex Iwobi (Arsenal), Victor Moses (Chelsea), Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), Ahmed Musa (Leicester City) and Ola Aina (on loan at Hull City from Chelsea).

Who is the boss? Gernot Rohr has managed all over the world. From Nice to Gabon, Burkina Faso to Nigeria, the 64-year-old German has extensive knowledge. Rohr played at Bayern Munich and Bordeaux. He then coached Bordeaux when they lost to Bayern in the 1996 Uefa Cup final. Previous managerial jobs also include French club Nantes, Young Boys Berne in Switzerland, Tunisian side Etoile du Sahel and the Niger national team.

4. Senegal

Pedigree: This is the first time Senegal have qualified for the World Cup since 2002 - and only the second time in history. In 2002, they reached the quarter finals where they were beaten 1-0 by Turkey.

Key player: Sadio Mane is the West African team's most experienced player with 48 caps and 14 goals since his debut in 2012. In 2015 he set a new Premier League record for the fastest hat-trick after scoring three times in 176 seconds during a 6-1 Southampton win over Aston Villa. When he transferred to Liverpool in 2016, he became the most expensive African player in history at the time, for a fee of £34m.


Sadio Mane

Mane became the most expensive African player in history at the time, for a fee of £34m

Premier League players: Cheikhou Kouyate (West Ham), Diafra Sakho (West Ham), Idrissa Gueye (Everton), Sadio Mane (Liverpool).

Championship players: Alfred N'Diaye (Wolves), Cheikh N'Doye (Birmingham City),

Who is the boss? Aliou Cisse is a former Senegal, Pompey and Birmingham City player. The 41-year-old briefly became head coach of the team in a caretaker role after Amara Traore's sacking in 2012. He then coached Senegal's under-23 side from 2012-2013 before heading back to the national team in a permanent position.

I wish the Super Eagles luck. Click like if u think they will make it to the quarter finals this time.
Click share if u think they won't get that far.

5. Tunisia

Pedigree: Next summer will represent the first time Tunisia have appeared at a World Cup finals since the tournament in Germany in 2006, at which they failed to make it beyond the group stage. In three finals appearances prior to that - 1978, 1998 and 2002 - they failed to make the knockout rounds.

Key player: Centre-back Aymen Abdennour is an experienced and talented figure in Tunisia's defence. Currently on loan at French club Marseille from Valencia, he has 57 international caps and has scored twice. Previously linked with moves to the Premier League with both Everton and Chelsea, the 28-year-old was recently reported to be on Watford's radar.



Wahbi Khazri

Wahbi Khazri began this season in the Championship with Sunderland but joined Rennes on loan in August

Premier League players: None

Championship players: Wahbi Khazri (Sunderland, on loan at Rennes)

Who is the boss? Nabil Maaloul is in his second spell as Tunisia coach. His first lasted just seven games in 2013, which ended in his resignation after he failed to take his country to the 2014 World Cup finals. He returned in April of 2017, following spells with El Jaish SC in Qatar and the Kuwait national team. Prior to all this, he was assistant to then head coach Roger Lemerre as Tunisia won the 2004 African Cup of Nations and led ES Tunis to an historic treble in 2011. He won 74 caps for Tunisia during his playing days as a midfielder in the 1980s and 1990s, representing them at the Olympics in Seoul in 1988

robosky02,

Which is the best team for you out of those 5?

Super Eagles at Fifa World Cup in numbers


As the Super Eagles prepare for their sixth appearance at the Fifa World Cup in Russia, Goal gives an account of the Nigeria national team's outing in the competition’s history in numbers.


1- The number of red cards received by any Super Eagles player since making their debut at the USA 1994 World Cup. Sani Kaita was given his marching orders by referee Olegario Benquerenca in the 33rd minute against Greece in a group stage game at the Durban Stadium on June 6, 2010.



2- The number of times Nigeria have drawn a game at the tournament. The first was recorded against England in Korea/Japan 2002 while the second was in the country’s last group game versus South Korea that ended 2-2 four years ago.

2- The number of goals scored by Kalu Uche, Daniel Amokachi and Emmanuel Amuneke who are Nigeria’s joint highest goal scorers.

3- The number of times Nigeria have faced Argentina, with the Super Eagles losing every time to the South Americans. Both countries will meet at this year's edition in Brazil for a record fourth time.

4- The number of games Nigeria have won in four Fifa World Cup tournaments, a record that falls far short of the all-time record (held by Brazil with 67 wins). The Super Eagles have lost eight matches while they have secured a draw just twice.



4- This number also represents the most goals conceded in a single match by Nigeria at the mundial. The Super Eagles were spanked 4-1 by Denmark in a second round encounter at France 98 in a match played at the Stade de France, Saint-Denis on June 28, 1998.

4- The number of victories over European countries by the Super Eagles. They defeated Bulgaria and Greece at USA '94 and Spain and Bulgaria at France '98.

7- Most goals scored in a tournament. This was achieved at USA 94 where Clemens Westerhof’s Eagles found the back of the net seven times in four games. Whereas at South Korea/Japan 2002, Nigeria recorded their least number of goals with just one, from Julius Aghaowa, against Sweden in a 2-1 defeat.

8- The number of minutes when Samson Siasia scored Nigeria’s fastest goal in World Cup history. He achieved this feat with his strike on June 25, 1994 against Argentina at the Foxborough Stadium.

9- This figure accounts for the most appearances made by a Nigerian player in senior World Cup history. Austine ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha boasts of this record with nine games in three Fifa World Cups. He made six starts with three from the substitutes' bench, winning three games, losing five and drawing one.


14- The number of matches Nigeria have played at Fifa World Cups, making them the second-highest playing African country in the history of the competition after Cameroon. This figure also represents the total number of points gathered by the country in all World Cup matches to date. Cameroon boast of the most points (19) by an African team at the tournament while Brazil (216) have the most points gathered by any country in the history of the World Cup.

15- The number of times Nigeria have failed to make it to the world stage. Their first black-out was at the inaugural edition staged in Uruguay in 1930, and they remained on the outside until Italia 90, before eventually making their debut in the 15th edition hosted by the United State of America. The country last missed out of the competition in 2006 when Angola beat them to the ticket.



17- The total number of goals Nigeria have scored in all Fifa World Cups, they have conceded 21 goals in the same number of outings. The Super Eagles also boast of these same number of shots on goal in the history of the competition which makes them the best African team in terms of attacking prowess.
17- Femi Opabunmi is the youngest-ever Nigerian to have represented the country at 17 years, three months and nine days. He is the third youngest player ever after Northern Ireland’s Norman Whiteside (17years, one month and 10 days) at Espana '82 and Cameroonian forward Samuel Eto’o Fils (17years, three months and seven days) at France '98.

20- Julius Aghahowa is the youngest Nigerian player to score at the Fifa World Cup at the age of 20 years and four months. He achieved this feat at the Home’s Stadium in Kobe where the Super Eagles lost 2-1 to Sweden. Aghahowa’s 27th minute strike put the Nigerians ahead before Henrik Larsson’s brace caged the Eagles.



21- On June 21, 1994 at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Nigeria made her debut in the Fifa World Cup by beating Bulgaria 3-0 with goals from Rashidi Yekini, Daniel Amokachi and Emmanuel Amunike.

24- The number of yellow cards Nigeria have bagged in four appearances at the World Cup, an average of six cautions per tournament.

30- Nigeria’s oldest goal scorer in Fifa World Cup history is Rashidi Yekini at age 30 and eight months. The goal came against Bulgaria on June 21, 1994 at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas. Incidentally, it was Nigeria’s first World Cup goal.

34- Legendary goalkeeper Peter Rufai is the oldest Super Eagles player to feature at the Fifa World Cup at 34 years and 10 months. His last game was in Nigeria's 4-1 spanking by Denmark on June 28, 1998.



37 – The country is ranked as the 37th best country ever to have participated in the senior World Cup. Nigeria occupy the third spot in Africa with Cameroon occupying the 28th position in the world while Ghana, with just two appearances, are placed 34th.

77- The minute in which Sunday Oliseh scored Nigeria's winning goal in a 3-2 defeat of pre-tournament favourites Spain at Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes on June 13, 1998. The cracker is regarded among the best World Cup goals.

77,000- This is the record number of spectators to watch a Super Eagles game in the World Cup. This was set on June 28, 1998 at Stade de France in Nigeria’s second round 4-1 defeat against Denmark. The former European champions won with goals from Peter Moller, Brian Laudrup, Michael Laudrup, and Thomas Helveg. Tijani Babangida’s 77th-minute strike was little more than scant consolation.

Hati13:
robosky02,

Which is the best team for you out of those 5?

In no particular order.

Nigeria
Tunisia
Morocco
Senegal
Egypt.

I rate all of them to do well but I think Nigeria, Tunisia and Senegal might go all the way to the last 16 if they maintain their forms.

Hati13:
robosky02,

Which is the best team for you out of those 5?

you already know the answers

gbosaa:


In no particular order.

Nigeria
Tunisia
Morocco
Senegal
Egypt.

I rate all of them to do well but I think Nigeria, Tunisia and Senegal might go all the way to the last 16 if they maintain their forms.

Good

robosky02:
Super Eagles at Fifa World Cup in numbers


4- The number of victories over European countries by the Super Eagles. They defeated Bulgaria and Greece at USA '94 and Spain and Bulgaria at France '98.

This is obviously old.

Nigeria had recorded 5 wins against European countries. Bosnia-Herzegovina being the 5th at the 2014 World Cup

On the topic


If we rated the best-performing team according to which team has the best-looking players, Nigeria would obviously win . The ranking would go:

1. Nigeria
2. Tunisia
3. Morocco
4. Egypt
5. Senegal

However, if we are to gauge their performances at the mundial based on how they played at the Qualifiers, I would say:

1. Nigeria

They made it out of a group of death comprising of two former African Champions, a reigning Champion and a formerly ranked number 1 team in Africa.
They did this with a game to spare and with no losses. They scored a total 12 goals, NONE of which came from a PK, ALL from open play (Lethal Attack)
They conceded only 4 goals, 2 of which were from Penalties
Obviously, this is the African team to be feared. No be beans to whip top opposition, considerably the best teams from each region at the start of the Third Round of Qualifiers.
They obviously have a team mixed with both youth and experience, both will be vital at the mundial.
The goal keeping issue might be their biggest hindrance going into Russia and sincerely, could be the only thing that will stop them from making a Quarter final berth in Russia


2. Morocco

Funny how the two least ranked African teams will be my picks for the top two performers right?
Not only did Morocco qualify for Russia 2018, they did it in GRAND style, conceding 0 goals all through the final round if qualifiers.
They also ensured the Elephants of Ivory Coast missed out despite them having the better players in the likes of Serge Aurier and Eric Bailly, two of Africa's best defenders in Europe, as well as veteran Gervinho and former Three Lions player, Zaha
It should also be noted that they have a brilliant coach in the person of French man Herve Renard, a man with a stellar record in African football having taken Zambia and Ivory Coast to the AFCON trophies in 2012 and 2015 respectively. If his record is anything to go by then I expect this Moroccan team to give other nations some serious headache next year


3. Egypt

Going into their first World Cup appearance in 27 years, the 7-time African Champions are obviously not going to Russia to visit Edward Snowden.
Coming off a performance that saw them clinch the second position at the just concluded AFCON and saw them end the hopes of one of Africa's most consistent performers at the World Cup, Ghana, you can tell these Pharaohs will not be beaten by anyone as easily as they were beaten by Moses.
I expect blood, sweat and tears from Egypt, I expect a battle Ghana would be proud of and with the likes of Mohammed Salah and El Neny, I expect other nations to keep a keen eye on this Arab nation.


4. Senegal

This is one team I NEEDED to make it to Russia, having lost out of the ticket to Brazil in an EPIC encounter with Ivory Coast, Senegal was the team to beat in their Group and I expected them to give the others a resounding fight..
Granted, they did not kick off their battle in the manner I expected of them and considering the opposition, I was a but disappointed, but that FIFA's decision for a replay against SA gave them the right boost and Mane and his boys weren't going to just let it slip past.
I expect Senegal to put up a fight the likes of which they gave in 2013 and being that they are the only other West African team at the mundial, I will be waving the Senegalese flag alongside that of Nigeria

5. Tunisia

I didn't quite follow their qualification journey, however, they did show great team spirit coming back from a 2-goal deficit within the last 10 minutes against DRC in the latter's home that was incredibly decisive as the one point they earned in that draw was the difference between them and DRC as they clinched the ticket with 14 points to DRC's 13.
I expect a similar fight as the one they gave DRC, however, I have the least expectations of them of all Africa's representatives.


Generally, Africa is going to give the world something to talk about come next year and I am highly optimistic that our reps will show up. This is one of the best contingents this continent will be sending to Russia and I wish them all the best at the World Cup Draws come December 1st.



Cc: Icon4s, Mujtahida, Icon79, junnyjake, joebie, terzurum5, Kog45, Goke7. Drop your own analysis

Semid4lyfe, make this thread reach FP abeg, this my sexy analysis cannuh just lost in NL's Archives mbok

morocco,nigeria,senegal to round 16

It will depend majorly on the group each team falls into.
I am sure Nigeria and Morocco will make it beyond the group stage.
Senegal and Egypt are maybes
I don't think Tunisia will go beyond the group stage

To me, this is the best representation we're gonna get as far as the continent is concerned.

Everyone fought a good fight and deserved to have qualified.

The African teams are not here to make up numbers this time, we're here for the world know to witness our glory.


I'd rate naija above the rest, but It might be seen as favoritism, I don't care anyways, it's no mean feat to survive a group made up of former/present African champions, we came out unscathed, without loosing a single game.

We have Morroco, these guys are disciplined defensively and that's an asset that'd make them a difficult to beat, we saw them during the Afcon and the qualifiers, their records speaks for them.

Then Egypt they had a great time at the Afcon 2017, they did great by winning the war against WC regulars Ghana this time, one thing with these guys is that they always have one standout player who's dedicated to lifting the team, players like Zaki, Mido, Aboutrika and now Salah who's been a blast from Roma to Liverpool, translating his form to the NT. Qualifying for the first time in 27 years, expect hunger from these ones. NB==> Safarigirl El shawarry plays for Italy not Egypt.

Senegal Stand out performers at the Afcon too, glad to see them qualify as the other west Africa team, I believe in the cohesiveness of their team. I'm sure they'd cause upset to many oppositions

Tunisia Been absent for a while now, there's one thing I like with north African teams, they have a way of playing refined football like the Europeans, only that they can get physical when the play calls for it and that blend makes them interesting to watch, just like how Algeria held Germany for 90 mins last time.

I'm hoping, they come good this time, make the continent proud.

Safarigirl, I'm sure you're super delighted at the qualification of your pharaoh pals.

Let's wait for the groupings though.

safarigirl:
On the topic


If we rated the best-performing team according to which team has the best-looking players, Nigeria would obviously win . The ranking would go:

1. Nigeria
2. Tunisia
3. Morocco
4. Egypt
5. Senegal

However, if we are to gauge their performances at the mundial based on how they played at the Qualifiers, I would say:

1. Nigeria

They made it out of a group of death comprising of two former African Champions, a reigning Champion and a formerly ranked number 1 team in Africa.
They did this with a game to spare and with no losses. They scored a total 12 goals, NONE of which came from a PK, ALL from open play (Lethal Attack)
They conceded only 4 goals, 2 of which were from Penalties
Obviously, this is the African team to be feared. No be beans to whip top opposition, considerably the best teams from each region at the start of the Third Round of Qualifiers.
They obviously have a team mixed with both youth and experience, both will be vital at the mundial.
The goal keeping issue might be their biggest hindrance going into Russia and sincerely, could be the only thing that will stop them from making a Quarter final berth in Russia


2. Morocco

Funny how the two least ranked African teams will be my picks for the top two performers right?
Not only did Morocco qualify for Russia 2018, they did it in GRAND style, conceding 0 goals all through the final round if qualifiers.
They also ensured the Elephants of Ivory Coast missed out despite them having the better players in the likes of Serge Aurier and Eric Bailly, two of Africa's best defenders in Europe, as well as veteran Gervinho and former Three Lions player, Zaha
It should also be noted that they have a brilliant coach in the person of French man Herve Renard, a man with a stellar record in African football having taken Zambia and Ivory Coast to the AFCON trophies in 2012 and 2015 respectively. If his record is anything to go by then I expect this Moroccan team to give other nations some serious headache next year


3. Egypt

Going into their first World Cup appearance in 27 years, the 7-time African Champions are obviously not going to Russia to visit Edward Snowden.
Coming off a performance that saw them clinch the second position at the just concluded AFCON and saw them end the hopes of one of Africa's most consistent performers at the World Cup, Ghana, you can tell these Pharaohs will not be beaten by anyone as easily as they were beaten by Moses.
I expect blood, sweat and tears from Egypt, I expect a battle Ghana would be proud of and with the likes of Mohammed Salah and El Neny and El-Shawarry, I expect other nations to keep a keen eye on this Arab nation.


4. Senegal

This is one team I NEEDED to make it to Russia, having lost out of the ticket to Brazil in an EPIC encounter with Ivory Coast, Senegal was the team to beat in their Group and I expected them to give the others a resounding fight..
Granted, they did not kick off their battle in the manner I expected of them and considering the opposition, I was a but disappointed, but that FIFA's decision for a replay against SA gave them the right boost and Mane and his boys weren't going to just let it slip past.
I expect Senegal to put up a fight the likes of which they gave in 2013 and being that they are the only other West African team at the mundial, I will be waving the Senegalese flag alongside that of Nigeria

5. Tunisia

I didn't quite follow their qualification journey, however, they did show great team spirit coming back from a 2-goal deficit within the last 10 minutes against DRC in the latter's home that was incredibly decisive as the one point they earned in that draw was the difference between them and DRC as they clinched the ticket with 14 points to DRC's 13.
I expect a similar fight as the one they gave DRC, however, I have the least expectations of them of all Africa's representatives.


Generally, Africa is going to give the world something to talk about come next year and I am highly optimistic that our reps will show up. This is one of the best contingents this continent will be sending to Russia and I wish them all the best at the World Cup Draws come December 1st.



dd
Cc: Icon4s, Mujtahida, Icon79, junnyjake, joebie, terzurum5, Kog45, Goke7. Drop your own analysis

Semid4lyfe, make this thread reach FP abeg, this my sexy analysis cannuh just lost in NL's Archives mbok

A good wrap up our first lady.

In terms of ability I would personally put Nigeria, Senegal, Morocco and Egypt on the same level. Tunisia is just a step behind.

In terms of which team will perform best at the world cup I would like to see the groups pairings first. Then also who each team would likely meet if they qualify for the second round.

For eg if Nigeria is to be in group D with a team like Spain and a team like Germany or Brazil are in C it means we have to top our group so as to avoid Brazil or Germany who are likely to top their group. A meeting with Germany or Brazil will LIKELY be WC dreams over for us. You know Permutations like that. So let's see the groups pairings first.

Also note that the best African representatives on paper do not go the farthest all the time. A lot of things come into play.

Nne, that was a very good analysis. You deserve a pat on the back for this one

I think the real dark horses amongst the African teams are Nigeria and Morocco. Morocco may not have the name pedigree of a team like Senegal but they are a well oiled machine. My only concern is that some of these North African teams tend to underachieve when it comes to the World Cup. As for Nigeria, the less said the better. And funny enough, these two teams are going to find themselves in pot 4.

But regardless, all things being equal, it's gonna take a real group of death for Nigeria not to make it out of the group stages. For instance, on a good day, as from Spain I will not bet against Super Eagles versus any team in pot 2. And in pot 1, I won't mind playing either Poland or Portugal. Even Belgium and the perennial underachievers France are beatable too. For us not to get out of the group stages, it gotta be something like this:

Group F
Brazil
Spain
Sweden/Iran
Nigeria


O pari

safarigirl:
On the topic


If we rated the best-performing team according to which team has the best-looking players, Nigeria would obviously win . The ranking would go:

1. Nigeria
2. Tunisia
3. Morocco
4. Egypt
5. Senegal

However, if we are to gauge their performances at the mundial based on how they played at the Qualifiers, I would say:

1. Nigeria

They made it out of a group of death comprising of two former African Champions, a reigning Champion and a formerly ranked number 1 team in Africa.
They did this with a game to spare and with no losses. They scored a total 12 goals, NONE of which came from a PK, ALL from open play (Lethal Attack)
They conceded only 4 goals, 2 of which were from Penalties
Obviously, this is the African team to be feared. No be beans to whip top opposition, considerably the best teams from each region at the start of the Third Round of Qualifiers.
They obviously have a team mixed with both youth and experience, both will be vital at the mundial.
The goal keeping issue might be their biggest hindrance going into Russia and sincerely, could be the only thing that will stop them from making a Quarter final berth in Russia


2. Morocco

Funny how the two least ranked African teams will be my picks for the top two performers right?
Not only did Morocco qualify for Russia 2018, they did it in GRAND style, conceding 0 goals all through the final round if qualifiers.
They also ensured the Elephants of Ivory Coast missed out despite them having the better players in the likes of Serge Aurier and Eric Bailly, two of Africa's best defenders in Europe, as well as veteran Gervinho and former Three Lions player, Zaha
It should also be noted that they have a brilliant coach in the person of French man Herve Renard, a man with a stellar record in African football having taken Zambia and Ivory Coast to the AFCON trophies in 2012 and 2015 respectively. If his record is anything to go by then I expect this Moroccan team to give other nations some serious headache next year


3. Egypt

Going into their first World Cup appearance in 27 years, the 7-time African Champions are obviously not going to Russia to visit Edward Snowden.
Coming off a performance that saw them clinch the second position at the just concluded AFCON and saw them end the hopes of one of Africa's most consistent performers at the World Cup, Ghana, you can tell these Pharaohs will not be beaten by anyone as easily as they were beaten by Moses.
I expect blood, sweat and tears from Egypt, I expect a battle Ghana would be proud of and with the likes of Mohammed Salah and El Neny and El-Shawarry, I expect other nations to keep a keen eye on this Arab nation.


4. Senegal

This is one team I NEEDED to make it to Russia, having lost out of the ticket to Brazil in an EPIC encounter with Ivory Coast, Senegal was the team to beat in their Group and I expected them to give the others a resounding fight..
Granted, they did not kick off their battle in the manner I expected of them and considering the opposition, I was a but disappointed, but that FIFA's decision for a replay against SA gave them the right boost and Mane and his boys weren't going to just let it slip past.
I expect Senegal to put up a fight the likes of which they gave in 2013 and being that they are the only other West African team at the mundial, I will be waving the Senegalese flag alongside that of Nigeria

5. Tunisia

I didn't quite follow their qualification journey, however, they did show great team spirit coming back from a 2-goal deficit within the last 10 minutes against DRC in the latter's home that was incredibly decisive as the one point they earned in that draw was the difference between them and DRC as they clinched the ticket with 14 points to DRC's 13.
I expect a similar fight as the one they gave DRC, however, I have the least expectations of them of all Africa's representatives.


Generally, Africa is going to give the world something to talk about come next year and I am highly optimistic that our reps will show up. This is one of the best contingents this continent will be sending to Russia and I wish them all the best at the World Cup Draws come December 1st.



Cc: Icon4s, Mujtahida, Icon79, junnyjake, joebie, terzurum5, Kog45, Goke7. Drop your own analysis

Semid4lyfe, make this thread reach FP abeg, this my sexy analysis cannuh just lost in NL's Archives mbok

I was just about to say that .... Great minds think alike


O pari

safarigirl:
This is obviously old.

Nigeria had recorded 5 wins against European countries. Bosnia-Herzegovina being the 5th at the 2014 World Cup

Icon4s:


A good wrap up our first lady.

In terms of ability I would personally put Nigeria, Senegal, Morocco and Egypt on the same level. Tunisia is just a step behind.

In terms of which team will perform best at the world cup I would like to see the groups pairings first. Then also who each team would likely meet if they qualify for the second round.

For eg if Nigeria is to be in group D with a team like Spain and a team like Germany or Brazil are in C it means we have to top our group so as to avoid Brazil or Germany who are likely to top their group. A meeting with Germany or Brazil will LIKELY be WC dreams over for us. You know Permutations like that. So let's see the groups pairings first.

Also note that the best African representatives on paper do not go the farthest all the time. A lot of things come into play.

good

I'm particularly impressed with all of them. I'd rather want to talk about their chances after the draw.

safarigirl:
On the topic


If we rated the best-performing team according to which team has the best-looking players, Nigeria would obviously win . The ranking would go:

1. Nigeria
2. Tunisia
3. Morocco
4. Egypt
5. Senegal

However, if we are to gauge their performances at the mundial based on how they played at the Qualifiers, I would say:

1. Nigeria

They made it out of a group of death comprising of two former African Champions, a reigning Champion and a formerly ranked number 1 team in Africa.
They did this with a game to spare and with no losses. They scored a total 12 goals, NONE of which came from a PK, ALL from open play (Lethal Attack)
They conceded only 4 goals, 2 of which were from Penalties
Obviously, this is the African team to be feared. No be beans to whip top opposition, considerably the best teams from each region at the start of the Third Round of Qualifiers.
They obviously have a team mixed with both youth and experience, both will be vital at the mundial.
The goal keeping issue might be their biggest hindrance going into Russia and sincerely, could be the only thing that will stop them from making a Quarter final berth in Russia


2. Morocco

Funny how the two least ranked African teams will be my picks for the top two performers right?
Not only did Morocco qualify for Russia 2018, they did it in GRAND style, conceding 0 goals all through the final round if qualifiers.
They also ensured the Elephants of Ivory Coast missed out despite them having the better players in the likes of Serge Aurier and Eric Bailly, two of Africa's best defenders in Europe, as well as veteran Gervinho and former Three Lions player, Zaha
It should also be noted that they have a brilliant coach in the person of French man Herve Renard, a man with a stellar record in African football having taken Zambia and Ivory Coast to the AFCON trophies in 2012 and 2015 respectively. If his record is anything to go by then I expect this Moroccan team to give other nations some serious headache next year


3. Egypt

Going into their first World Cup appearance in 27 years, the 7-time African Champions are obviously not going to Russia to visit Edward Snowden.
Coming off a performance that saw them clinch the second position at the just concluded AFCON and saw them end the hopes of one of Africa's most consistent performers at the World Cup, Ghana, you can tell these Pharaohs will not be beaten by anyone as easily as they were beaten by Moses.
I expect blood, sweat and tears from Egypt, I expect a battle Ghana would be proud of and with the likes of Mohammed Salah and El Neny, I expect other nations to keep a keen eye on this Arab nation.


4. Senegal

This is one team I NEEDED to make it to Russia, having lost out of the ticket to Brazil in an EPIC encounter with Ivory Coast, Senegal was the team to beat in their Group and I expected them to give the others a resounding fight..
Granted, they did not kick off their battle in the manner I expected of them and considering the opposition, I was a but disappointed, but that FIFA's decision for a replay against SA gave them the right boost and Mane and his boys weren't going to just let it slip past.
I expect Senegal to put up a fight the likes of which they gave in 2013 and being that they are the only other West African team at the mundial, I will be waving the Senegalese flag alongside that of Nigeria

5. Tunisia

I didn't quite follow their qualification journey, however, they did show great team spirit coming back from a 2-goal deficit within the last 10 minutes against DRC in the latter's home that was incredibly decisive as the one point they earned in that draw was the difference between them and DRC as they clinched the ticket with 14 points to DRC's 13.
I expect a similar fight as the one they gave DRC, however, I have the least expectations of them of all Africa's representatives.


Generally, Africa is going to give the world something to talk about come next year and I am highly optimistic that our reps will show up. This is one of the best contingents this continent will be sending to Russia and I wish them all the best at the World Cup Draws come December 1st.



Cc: Icon4s, Mujtahida, Icon79, junnyjake, joebie, terzurum5, Kog45, Goke7. Drop your own analysis

Semid4lyfe, make this thread reach FP abeg, this my sexy analysis cannuh just lost in NL's Archives mbok

The two west African nation will do better than the three from the north

safarigirl:
On the topic

1. Nigeria
2. Tunisia
3. Morocco
4. Egypt
5. Senegal

Semid4lyfe, make this thread reach FP abeg, this my sexy analysis cannuh just lost in NL's Archives mbok

As an ardent fan of the Super Eagles, I don't care any sequence the performance of the African reps my take provided Nigeria is ahead.
I expect Nigeria to reach the finals.

Am I asking too much? Time will tell.

Nigeria's weakest link at the moment is in the goal keeping department, albeit our defense line and options appears to the best we have ever had in over 20 years. At Brazil 2014, we had a weak bench , from the first 11, only the keeper was xtraordinary the others were simply average., the bench had below average players.

Should we get it right at the goal keeping department, which i doubt, cause the ray of options lack the depth of global experience. Nigeria can get a top four position.