World Cup 2022: Former Super Eagles Defender Sam Sodje Hails Africa’s Participation in Qatar

• Sam Sodje has lauded the five African teams that participated at the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup
• The former Super Eagles defender has stated that the teams have done the continent proud at the Mundial
• Tunisia recorded a massive victory over France, but they failed to make it past the group stage

A former Nigerian international, Sam Sodje, has stated that the standard of football in Africa is improving following their performances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Of the five African teams that qualified for the global showpiece in Qatar, only Senegal and Morocco made it to the round of 16.

Cameroon, Tunisia and Ghana also showed impressive performances, despite failing to make it past the competition's group stage.

Tunisia defeated holders France 1-0 in their final group game. The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon also defeated five-time world champions Brazil with the same score line.

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Sodje told Brila FM via Daily Post:

“Even, though, Senegal lost, the standard of the African teams just showed that it has been improving.

“Morocco look to be a very good team and it is going to be tough, we all now hope that they do well.

“We’re looking forward to how they get on.”

Senegal president hails Teranga Lions

Meanwhile, Senegalese president Macky Sall is proud of the Lions of Teranga.

They were convincingly defeated by England 3-0 in the Round of 16, a complete anti-climax considering their upward trajectory in the tournament. He said:

"Dear Lions, you have not failed. And you played without Sadio [Mane], [Cheikhou] Kouyate and [Idrissa] Gana. You are among the top 16 teams in the world and England were a strong opponent."

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Jose Peseiro speaks ahead of the 2026 World Cup

Sports Brief earlier reported that the head coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Jose Peseiro, has boasted that Nigeria will qualify for the 2026 World Cup in Qatar.

The 23rd edition of the global showpiece is billed to be co-hosted by Canada, the ‎United States‎ and ‎Mexico‎.

Nigeria missed out at the 2022 edition in Qatar, conceding the ticket to the Black Stars of Ghana during the qualifiers.