Two African countries, Algeria and Nigeria, have progressed to the second round of the ongoing FIFA World Cup tournament in Brazil. I thought, however, that at least four African countries would go through - Algeria, Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast. I knew Cameroon would not go beyond the first round because they have a bad team. However, the trouble for the country began before they even went to Brazil. Quarrels about bonus threw what was supposed to be a team into disarray and the fruits were demonstrated in Brazil through their absent-minded playing style and the shame of fighting among themselves.
I thought Ghana were going to survive their difficult group but this thinking was put to rest by their money troubles that came to light just before they played their last game with Germany. That also erupted in fighting and some players were sent home. For Ivory Coast, their waterloo came in their last game when Greece appeared to be just too fast for them. Apart from Algeria and Ghana, world football seems to be getting faster than most African players at this World Cup seem equipped to play.
Nigeria, now in the second round, are being bedeviled by money problems, as if the country did not plan for the World Cup. Even though two African countries are into the second round of this World Cup, I still find the current tournament to be the most humiliating one African countries have experienced. I say this after 30 years of closely following African football. In many ways, this World Cup is the worst for Africa. Never has there been so much in-fighting and money problems in African World Cup teams!
I thought Ghana were going to survive their difficult group but this thinking was put to rest by their money troubles that came to light just before they played their last game with Germany. That also erupted in fighting and some players were sent home. For Ivory Coast, their waterloo came in their last game when Greece appeared to be just too fast for them. Apart from Algeria and Ghana, world football seems to be getting faster than most African players at this World Cup seem equipped to play.
Nigeria, now in the second round, are being bedeviled by money problems, as if the country did not plan for the World Cup. Even though two African countries are into the second round of this World Cup, I still find the current tournament to be the most humiliating one African countries have experienced. I say this after 30 years of closely following African football. In many ways, this World Cup is the worst for Africa. Never has there been so much in-fighting and money problems in African World Cup teams!
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