Jay Jay Okocha Explains What Needs to Happen for an African Team to Thrive at the World Cup

• Jay-Jay Okocha knows what African teams need to do to excel at the World Cup
• African teams have struggled to make an impact at the World Cup over the years
• Only Morocco have gone past the quarter-final in the tournament

Before Morocco reached the semi-final of the 2022 World Cup, African teams had struggled to get past the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Former Nigerian superstar Jay-Jay Okocha said the continent needs to develop players with more passion, which will help their teams start excelling at the World Cup.

No African team has ever won the World Cup, and only Morocco came close in December last year in Qatar. Unfortunately, there is no sign that a team from Africa will win the tournament.

Only teams from Europe and South America have ever won the tournament. Cameroon, Ghana and Senegal are the only other African teams to get past the Round of 16 in the tournament.

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Okocha's Nigeria have not progressed past the last 16 in the tournament. The former PSG star played nine World Cup games but did not score or provide an assist, per Transfermarkt.

Okocha on African World Cup dream

In a recent interview with SABC, Okocha said African teams will thrive at the biggest stage if they ignite their passion for the sport.

"By igniting our passion, there is a possibility of excelling in the World Cup and even securing the prestigious Best Player in the World award in the future."

"I have yet to witness a contemporary player who rivals those from the bygones era. This is why I emphasise the need for improvement starting with today’s local footballers."

Morocco, Spain and Portugal will host the 2030 World Cup, and now is a great time for African countries to produce talent that will perform when that time comes.

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Okocha on lack of flair

Sports Brief earlier reported on Okocha, saying there's no flair in African football at the moment.

The former Bolton Wanderers is one of the most exciting footballers of his generation, and he feels like players are more attracted to money.

Currently, the best African player is a striker, Victor Osimhen. None of the top 10 best African players right now have the flair Okocha had in his day.