π¨ Mikel Obi on why an African nation should never be ruled out of winning the World Cup:
π£οΈ Obi:
βAfter watching Morocco against Brazil, how can anyone still say an African nation cannot win the World Cup? We're talking about Brazil. One of the biggest football nations in history. Yet there were moments Morocco looked just as good, and at times even better. That's not luck. That's quality.
And Morocco aren't the only African team capable of competing. People forget Senegal beat Morocco in the AFCON final. If they bring that same spirit and belief to the World Cup, they can go very far too. What people underestimate is the amount of talent Africa produces.
I'll always say it: If every player of African heritage chose to represent their African nations, an African country would have every chance of winning the World Cup. Look at that young midfielder for Morocco. Bouaddi. Only 18 years old. Controlling the tempo. Rarely wasting a pass. Making decisions like a veteran.
If he played for England and in the Premier League, people would already be talking about Β£100m. But that's not even the point. The point is that Africa keeps producing these players. Weβre lucky he chose to represent Morocco and not France. For years, some of them have ended up representing other nations.
Imagine how many world-class players have roots in Africa. That's why I never rule out an African nation. The talent has always been there. The question is whether the football world is finally ready to admit it.β