Former Nigeria international Ogenyi “Eddie” Onazi in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has assessed the chances of Africa’s representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that the continent’s teams must prepare for “very difficult” challenges when the tournament kicks off across the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.
The World Cup draw, held on Friday in the United States, placed several African sides in demanding groups featuring some of world football’s strongest nations.
Ghana drawn with England and Croatia
Ghana, set to make their fifth World Cup appearance, were placed in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama.
Onazi, who featured for Nigeria at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, believes the Black Stars face an uphill task.
“Ghana are in a difficult group, but nothing is impossible in football. With two teams guaranteed to advance from the group, they will have to work really hard,” he exclusively told Footy-Africa.
Ghana’s attacking threat includes Tottenham Hotspur’s Mohammed Kudus and Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, but Onazi cautioned that success will require a collective effort.
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“Every player has to step up — not just the star players, but also the coaches and everyone involved. It is a collective effort, and they must play at a high level and maintain concentration,” he added.
Despite the challenge, he believes Ghana can progress:
“England will likely top the group, and I hope Ghana can perform well and take the second spot ahead of Croatia. It’s possible.”
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Senegal to face France again
Senegal will face two-time World Cup winners France and Norway in their group, along with a team that qualifies via the intercontinental play-off involving Bolivia, Iraq and Suriname.
The fixture evokes memories of Senegal’s shock 1–0 win over France in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup — a result that propelled the West Africans to a historic quarter-final run, while the defending champions exited in the group stage.
Onazi expects another fierce battle:
“Senegal are also in a tough group, and of course, it is the World Cup — you can’t expect an easy group. The best teams qualified, and they have a good team as well, and I expect them to do well and qualify.”
Morocco backed to shine again
Morocco, who made history by reaching the semi-finals in Qatar 2022, will compete in Group C against five-time champions Brazil, Scotland — returning to the World Cup after 28 years — and Haiti, whose only previous appearance came in 1974.
Onazi is optimistic about the Atlas Lions’ prospects:
“Morocco are very solid and have been performing extremely well. They look like the first African country that could win the World Cup. Their group is tough, but I’m sure they will make it out.”
Onazi represented Nigeria at two World Cups, including the Super Eagles’ impressive 2014 campaign, and says Africa’s teams must show tactical discipline and unity if they are to make a historic impact in 2026.
