Former Nigerian international Sam Elijah during an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa gave a glowing assessment of Ivory Coast’s historic opening victory at the 2026 World Cup, while offering a scathing review of Tunisia’s heavy defeat to Sweden.
The Elephants secured a dramatic 1-0 win over Ecuador in Philadelphia on Sunday, marking the first victory by an African nation at this summer’s tournament.
Manchester United winger Amad Diallo proved to be the hero, coming off the bench to score a clinical 90th-minute winner that snapped Ecuador’s remarkable 19-game unbeaten streak.
Reflecting on the continental breakthrough, Elijah praised the psychological fortitude of the African champions.
“Honestly speaking, it’s just like I said,” he told Footy-Africa. “You know the Ivorian players, you know them for resilience, you know them for commitment, you know them for hard work. So, honestly speaking, I’m not surprised. I tell you, watch out for more, because with this first win, I tell you they will fight to the end. So, I think I will say kudos to the Ivorians.”
Amad ready to сarry
The headline story from the Group E clash was the impact of Amad Diallo, who was a surprise omission from Emerse Faé‘s starting lineup. Introduced in the 56th minute for Bazoumana Touré, the 23-year-old completely altered the complexion of the final third before converting Wilfried Singo’s late cross.
Elijah believes the Manchester United attacker is primed to establish himself as the definitive leader of this Ivorian campaign on the global stage.
”Wow, that’s their star player, and I tell you, with the first win, I tell you he’s going to carry the Ivorians on his back. He knows what is expected of him as a big player, Premier League player. So, I think he’s going to carry them far, very far. I believe that.”
World Cup 2026: Diallo’s last-gasp heroics earn Ivory Coast historic win over Ecuador
Morocco inspires, while Tunisia falters
The tournament’s opening fixtures have yielded mixed fortunes for Africa. While Morocco turned heads by holding powerhouse Brazil to a high-octane 1-1 draw on Sunday, Group F saw Tunisia suffer a bruising 5-1 defeat at the hands of Sweden in Monterrey.
Elijah admitted the scale of the Carthage Eagles’ capitulation was a significant blow to the continent’s standing, but backed them to find answers in their next group match.
”Honestly, I’m disappointed because they are the face of Africa. Losing by that big margin is a disappointment. But I tell you, that’s football for you. Don’t be surprised in the second match, they can spring back and pull a surprise. Anything can happen.”
”Honestly speaking, well, it’s still early to rate any team, but then, I want to tell you that you can see the performance of the Moroccans. You know, that is a message to the rest of the world that there are no minnows anymore when it comes to football. So, I think our chances are bright. Like the Moroccans, you can see what they did to Brazil. Brazil, they have to fight back to equalize. So, I think our chances are bright.”
The former defender also added a poignant note regarding his home nation, expressing frustration that Nigeria’s Super Eagles missed out on the global showpiece entirely.
“It’s unfortunate we didn’t qualify,” Elijah concluded. “We would have done well in this tournament with the crop of players we have now.”
