Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign has been a disaster, losing three of its five games so far. After two straight losses to Syria and Congo on the road, it was seen as their last chance in Group B before heading home. But North Africa are unbeaten in their first four matches, including a win over Cameroon that puts them top with six points while Nigeria sits second-bottom at the bottom.
North Africa has been the top team in World Cup qualifying so far. Nigeria is a team that could be in trouble if they don’t win their next game.
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- Ed Dove is a writer and scout with a lifelong interest in African sports, politics, and literature. @EddyDove22 on Instagram, @EddyDoveAfrica on Facebook
Friday’s first-leg World Cup qualifiers throughout Africa were full of tension and tactical interest, with the four countries from Africa’s north clearly in the ascendancy after 90 minutes — even if their performances aren’t especially promising ahead of Qatar.
Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia all won big against Senegal, Cameroon, and Mali, respectively, while Morocco can rest easy knowing that their 1-1 draw in the Democratic Republic of Congo puts them in control of the tie moving into the second leg. Ghana held Nigeria to a 0-0 draw in Kumasi, the only encounter not featuring a North African country, and both teams will like their chances of progressing in the second leg on Tuesday.
The important talking topics from Friday’s African internationals are listed below.
A World Cup without the champions of Africa?
We already know that Europe’s champions, Italy, will not be attending the World Cup after being stunned by North Macedonia in their playoff on Thursday, but will Africa’s champions also be missing out? Senegal is 1-0 down following a loss to Egypt in Cairo on Friday, and it seems like this is a serious possibility.
This game was advertised as a repeat of last month’s Africa Cup of Nations final, as well as a duel between Liverpool colleagues and Anfield brothers Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. A tough and dogged Egyptian approach neutralized Senegal’s higher individual skill in a game with few opportunities.
Dan Thomas is joined by Craig Burley, Shaka Hislop, and others to discuss the most recent news and debate the most important topics. ESPN+ has a live stream available (U.S. only).
The Black Stars, who have home advantage in the second leg, will be relieved that they were not undone at the Baba Yara Stadium, which has been the graveyard for several fine sides over the years, were much improved under Otto Addo — actually looking like they had a coherent strategy — while the Super Eagles, who have home advantage in the second leg, will be relieved that they were not undone at the Baba Yara Stadium, which has been the graveyard for several fine sides over the years
Nigeria has home advantage in the second leg, but not necessarily the advantage, as Ghana knows how important an away goal can be. They’ll also be encouraged by their midfield performance, where Thomas Partey, Iddrisu Baba, and Mohammed Kudus shone against Nigeria’s duo.
The Super Eagles are without probably their most crucial player, Wilfred Ndidi, who is sidelined, and despite his potential, FC Lorient’s Innocent Bonke is a considerably poorer version of the Leicester City man. Because of Ndidi’s absence and Ghana’s additional midfielder, the Black Stars took control of the game, and if Augustine Eguavoen doesn’t make amends in the second leg, Nigeria might be Africa’s most high-profile World Cup absentees.
In Qatar, the Ivory Coast had the opportunity to represent Africa.
Finally, although few of the African teams left alive in World Cup qualifying performed well in Friday’s playoffs — albeit in difficult conditions — the Ivory Coast put up a fantastic performance in a friendly versus France in Marseille. Despite the fact that Patrice Beaumelle’s Elephants were beaten 2-1, the defending world champions only won the game in the 93rd minute thanks to Aurelien Tchouameni, and the Elephants flourished in a lively Stade Velodrome.
“I’m pleased,” the French coach remarked following the West Africans’ first match since losing to Egypt in the Nations Cup. “We demonstrated that we have a fantastic squad capable of competing with the best and even playing entertaining football.”
“I’m still working on the specifics, but in the long run, as long as I’m in charge of this team, I’m not going anywhere. This is a squad with a soul. I’m hoping we’ll be rewarded for our efforts in the future.”
The Elephants were eliminated from contention for Qatar after losing to Cameroon in their last qualifying group game, but Friday’s setback provided a tantalizing preview of what they may have accomplished against some of the world’s best later this year.
The “world cup qualifiers – africa fixtures 2022 groups” is a list of the African national teams that are competing in World Cup qualifying. The top two teams from each group will advance to the next round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nigeria qualify for the World Cup?
A: Typically, Nigeria has not qualified for the World Cup since its inception in 1930.
Did Nigeria qualify for the World Cup 2022?
A: Yes. They qualified for the World Cup 2022 on June 9th, 2019.
Which teams qualify for 2022 World Cup in Africa?
A: Countries that only have one team in the world cup qualify for 2022. .
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