International Football
Morocco rewrite Africa’s World Cup history
African teams have claimed several giant-killing results at World Cups but nothing like the unprecedented run of Morocco in Qatar that will fuel hopes of more representation at future tournaments.
Morocco have eliminated Belgium, Spain and Portugal — all ranked in the world’s top 10 — to become the first African team to reach the last four and they now eye the scalp of holders France on Wednesday.
Cameroon upset holders Argentina in the opening match of the 1990 World Cup in Italy and went on to the quarter-finals while Senegal did the same to France when they began the defence of their title in 2002.
Algeria’s 1-0 defeat of West Germany in 1982 was also one of the tournament’s all-time shock results.
But for the rest, the continent’s achievements in the showpiece event have been limited, the reason why long-serving Confederation of African Football president Issa Hayatou put a lid on his members’ demands for more places at the finals.
“We need the result in order to make a strong case,” he repeatedly told CAF meetings.
Of the 160 matches played by African sides at the World Cup, only 37 have been won for a success rate below 25%.
FIRST PARTICIPANTS
Egypt were the first African participants in 1934, under Scottish coach James McCrae, but went home after one game, losing 4-2 to Hungary in Naples.
Most of Africa was still under colonial rule when the World Cup resumed after the Second World War but as countries gained independence, so CAF membership increased and Africa began to flex some muscle.
The continent boycotted the 1996 World Cup in England over the failure to grant Africa a place in the 16-team finals — it has to play off for one spot with teams from Asia and Oceania – and to protest against the entry of apartheid South Africa in the qualifiers.
A single African berth was granted for Mexico 1970 where Morocco finished bottom of the group, albeit holding Bulgaria to a draw in their last game.
Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo, were the subject of ridicule in 1974 as they lost all three games, including 9-0 to Yugoslavia. Zaire’s Yugoslav coach Blagoje Vidinic changed the goalkeeper after going 4-0 down in 22 minutes.
DISGRACE OF GIJON
A 3-1 victory for Tunisia over Mexico in Argentina in 1978 went a long way to restoring Africa’s morale and in 1982 two teams were unlucky not to advance — Cameroon going home after three draws and Algeria eliminated after the “Disgrace of Gijon” when West Germany beat Austria 1-0 in an allegedly contrived result that left the north Africans out third in the group.
The Germans scored early and the game progressively deteriorated to a virtual standstill in the second half. Subsequently, FIFA ruled the final two games in each group be played simultaneously to avoid any repeat.
Morocco were the first African side to qualify for the second stage in Mexico 1986, beating Portugal to finish ahead of England in their group.
Cameroon’s advance to the last eight in 1990 captured worldwide imagination, especially the goals and dancing celebrations of 38-year-old Roger Milla, whose inclusion had been ordered by the country’s president.
HANDBALL
That achievement held out the promise that Africa would not take long to produce a World Cup winner, but only Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010 were able to make the last eight.
With South Africa hosting in 2010, Africa had six teams but only Ghana got past the first round, denied a semi-final spot by a controversial handball from Uruguay’s Luis Suarez.
It got even worse in Russia in 2018 when no African teams made it to the last 16, sparking serious reflection about the direction of the game on the continent.
But Morocco’s class of 2022 have changed the mood and will be celebrated for years to come.
Africa has nine berths — plus a possible extra via playoffs — at the expanded 48-team finals in 2026, but there are now certain to be calls for more at tournaments after that.
-Reuters
Morocco fans in London after the Morocco v Portugal match – London, Britain – December 10, 2022 Morocco fans with flags in Piccadilly Circus celebrate after reaching the semi final REUTERS/Henry Nicholls/
Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has expressed deep appreciation to Nigerians at home and across the diaspora as he prepares to make his 100th appearance for the national team in Wednesday’s international friendly against Portugal in Leiria.
The Fulham star, who will become only the fourth Nigerian player to reach the century mark in international appearances, said he remains proud of his decision to represent Nigeria despite having featured for England at youth level.
“I am proud to be where I am today; proud to wear the green-and-white,” Iwobi said. “I am grateful to everyone, including the coach who called me up to the team for the first time. I have no regrets choosing Nigeria.”
Iwobi made his senior debut for Nigeria on October 8, 2015, in a friendly match against DR Congo in Visé, Belgium. Incidentally, it remains a notable date in Nigerian football history. October 8 marks the anniversary of Nigeria’s first-ever international match, and over the decades, it has often brought good fortune to the national team. The defeat to DR Congo was only the second loss Nigeria had suffered on that date in 77 years of international football.
Remarkably, 128 months after that debut, Iwobi—nephew of Nigerian football icon Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha—is set to celebrate his 100th cap in another friendly match on European soil.
Reflecting on the journey that has taken him from a promising youngster to one of Nigeria’s most experienced internationals, the 30-year-old revealed that he always felt a strong connection to his roots.
“I first went to the Nigeria U23 team camp and felt at home. I had represented England at youth level but always felt Nigeria was home,” he explained. “My father always told me to go out there and enjoy my football, and make the decision that I felt was good for me. He was part of the decision, but he didn’t force it down on me.”
Despite reaching a milestone achieved by only a select few Nigerian players, Iwobi remains humble about his place in the game’s history.
“After 10 years and eight months, I won’t say I am a legend; I only see myself as a Super Eagles player. It feels great to be looking at a 100th cap and, on a lighter note, I wish I could add another 100 caps. I have enjoyed my time with the Super Eagles.”
Among his many memories in national colours, Iwobi singled out his decisive goal against Zambia in Uyo in October 2017 as the most memorable moment of his international career. The strike sealed Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
“I loved the occasion because my dad and my mum were both at the stadium and saw it all, and we celebrated together afterwards. It was an exciting moment,” he recalled.
While he acknowledged that winning the Africa Cup of Nations and featuring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup would have further enriched his career, he remains content with his journey.
“Yes, I would have loved to win the AFCON and perhaps be with the Eagles at the FIFA World Cup that is about to kick off in a few days, but no regrets.”
Iwobi’s father, Barrister Chuka Iwobi, described the family’s pride in the midfielder’s achievement and thanked Nigeria for the opportunity afforded his son.
“We remain ever grateful to the nation for the opportunity Alex has been given,” he said. “When he made his debut in 2015, little did we know that this was the beginning of an amazing and incredible journey which would lead to him achieving the milestone of a hundred caps and with the potential of many more caps to come.”
He praised his son’s commitment to the national team, adding: “Alex loves playing for the nation and always gives his best. No one can ever question his commitment, devotion and patriotism while wearing the green-and-white. There have been highs and lows over the years, but he has emerged stronger from the experience of playing for the country.”
Iwobi’s international career has seen him feature at four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, winning a silver medal in 2023 and bronze medals in 2019 and 2025. He also represented Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
His impending 100th cap places him in an elite group of Nigerian footballers. Former captain Joseph Yobo was the first Super Eagles player to reach the milestone, doing so during Nigeria’s Round of 16 clash against France at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama followed, earning his 100th cap in a friendly match against Uganda in Uyo.
Current captain Ahmed Musa became the third member of the exclusive club in 2021, with his landmark appearance coming in Nigeria’s victory over the Central African Republic in Yaoundé, Cameroon—a feat made even more memorable by the team’s victory on the occasion.
Now, as he prepares to join that distinguished company, Iwobi will hope to mark the occasion with a memorable performance and a victory against Portugal, adding another proud chapter to an international career spanning more than a decade and defined by consistency, commitment and unwavering loyalty to the green-and-white colours of Nigeria.
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International Football
Eriksen Suffers Fresh Collapse During Denmark Friendly, Reviving Memories of Euro 2020 Ordeal
Denmark’s football community was left shaken once again on Sunday after midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed during an international friendly against Ukraine, five years after his dramatic cardiac arrest during the European Championship.
The 34-year-old playmaker fell to the turf 20 minutes into the second half of Denmark’s friendly match against Ukraine, prompting immediate concern among players, officials and supporters who recalled the harrowing scenes from Euro 2020.
The Danish Football Association (DBU) later reassured fans that Eriksen was conscious and in stable condition.
“Christian Eriksen is conscious and is doing well under the circumstances,” the federation said in a statement posted on the social media platform X, confirming that the match had been abandoned.
Television footage showed Eriksen clutching his chest moments before collapsing, triggering a swift response from medical personnel. As had happened during Denmark’s European Championship match against Finland in Copenhagen in 2021, players from both teams quickly formed a protective ring around him while medics attended to him on the pitch.
Eriksen was eventually able to walk unaided to an ambulance before being transported to hospital for further examination.
DBU doctor Morten Boesen said the midfielder had recovered consciousness quickly and was communicating normally.
“Christian is doing well and walked from the field himself. As I see it, the pacemaker is working as it should,” Boesen told Danish media.
“He was briefly gone, but very quickly regained consciousness, and we were quickly in contact with him. He will now be examined further in the hospital to find out what caused the incident.”
Boesen added that Eriksen had asked him to reassure teammates that he was okay.
The incident inevitably revived memories of June 12, 2021, when Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest during Denmark’s opening match of the European Championship against Finland. On that occasion, medical staff performed life-saving CPR on the field before he was rushed to hospital.
Following the incident, Eriksen was fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD), a device designed to monitor heart rhythms and deliver corrective electrical impulses when necessary. He subsequently resumed his professional career and returned to international football, becoming an inspirational figure in the sport.
Denmark captain Pierre-Emile Højbjerg described the shock felt by players as they witnessed Sunday’s incident unfold.
“There is a throw-in, and then I go out to the side and turn around, and I see Christian on his way to the floor,” Højbjerg told Danish broadcaster TV2.
“Everyone reacted super-fast and with respect. I can only compliment the courage shown by those who took care of Christian on the field. The most important thing is that Christian is doing well.”
At the time the match was halted, Denmark were leading Ukraine 2-1. Neither nation qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After officials called off the game, players and coaching staff from both teams gathered arm in arm in a circle at midfield in a show of solidarity.
Denmark coach Brian Riemer praised the dignified response of everyone involved.
“The most important thing is that Christian is doing well, and he has sent his regards to the players,” Riemer said.
“Now it’s about us standing together, as you could see that we did in the most dignified way on the field. It is about supporting one another and ensuring that everyone has a shoulder to lean on.”
As Danish football awaits further medical updates, Sunday’s events served as a stark reminder of one of the sport’s most frightening moments and highlighted once again the unity and compassion that can emerge in times of crisis.
By Kunle Solaja.
This Wednesday’s international friendly between Nigeria and Poland offers both nations a chance to begin rebuilding after narrowly missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Super Eagles and the White-Reds both fell at the final hurdle of their respective playoff campaigns, leaving them with unfinished business as they prepare to meet in Warsaw.
Nigeria reached the African playoff final after overcoming Gabon but suffered heartbreak in a penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo. Poland’s hopes were dashed in equally dramatic fashion as they defeated Albania before losing 3-2 to Sweden in the UEFA playoff final.
With World Cup dreams postponed, both sides are now focused on laying foundations for future competitions.
Both have met just once in the past, with Nigeria famously snatching a 1-0 win in a March 2018 friendly match. Victor Moses ’ 61st-minute penalty kick goal was the decider in the match in which Robert Lewandowski captained the Polish side.
For Nigeria, Wednesday’s match also presents an opportunity to maintain momentum after an encouraging run of results under Eric Chelle. The Super Eagles arrive in Warsaw unbeaten in their last five matches, including convincing victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica en route to retaining the Unity Cup.
Poland’s recent form has been less convincing. Following a 2-2 friendly victory over Malta and a playoff win against Albania, they have suffered defeats to Sweden and Ukraine.
The match will also revive memories of the nations’ only previous meeting in March 2018, when Victor Moses’ penalty secured a 1-0 victory for Nigeria in Wroclaw ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Seven years later, both teams meet again under different circumstances but with the same objective — restoring confidence and building momentum for the future.
NIGERIA’S LAST FIVE MATCHES
Egypt 0 Nigeria 0 (AFCON third-place match: 17/01/26) – Nigeria win after penalty shootout
Iran I Nigeria 2 (International Friendly: 27/03/26)
Jordan 2 Nigeria 2 (International Friendly: 31/03/26)
Nigeria 2 Zimbabwe 0 (Unity Cup 2026: 26/05/26)
Jamaica 0 Nigeria 3 (Unity Cup 2026: 30/05/26)
POLAND’S LAST FIVE MATCHES
Poland 1 Netherlands 1 (2026 World Cup Qualifier: 14/11/25)
Malta 2 Poland 3 (2026 World Cup Qualifier: 17/11/25)
Poland 2 Albania 1 (2026 World Cup Playoff: 26/03/26)
Sweden 3 Poland 2 (2026 World Cup Playoff: 31/03/26)
Poland 0 Ukraine 2 (International Friendly: 31/05/26)
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