Ntuthuko Maphumulo
Nigeria’s joy was Liberia’s sorrow on Sunday as the Super Eagles thrashed neighbours Ghana 3-0 to wrap up the final berth available to Africa for next year’s World Cup in Japan and Korea.
Liberia’s former world footballer of the year, George Weah, could not accept defeat graciously and launched a vicious attack on Nigeria, claiming they had bribed Ghana to play badly. The Nigerian football association secretary general said: “Nobody should lose any sleep over Weah’s allegations. They are baseless and irrelevant. They are the outburst of a desperate man.”
Nigeria are one of the giants of African football, but struggled to qualify this time around due to inconsistent team selection, which led to them losing and drawing some of their games.
South Africa, Cameroon, Tunisia and surprise package Senegal complete Africa’s representation in next year’s finals.
Nigeria and Olympic and African champions Cameroon have been the only African countries to make it through to the last 16 in the World Cup. Cameroon were cruelly denied a place in the quarterfinals in 1990 by England, but Nigeria have often flattered to deceive on the world stage. In-fighting and pay disputes by players have often soured the country’s participation at major events.
Cameroon have a formidable blend of youth and experience in their team, which showed its mettle in the African Cup of Nations and the Olympics. Although they were the first to qualify, they needed three coaches to ensure that qualification. They have now set the record in Africa with the most appearances in a World Cup.
South Africa will be making their second appearance after also qualifying for France 98, while Tunisia are ranked number one among African countries and 22nd in the world.
Tunisia will be making their third appearance in the World Cup after facing stern opposition in their group qualifiers, with Cte d’Ivoire right at their heels.