Oldham FC's U-18 assistant manager Chuks Akuneto has revealed he's impressed with how African teams have performed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.
Of the ten African nations that represented the tournament at the Copa Mundial, nine made it to the round of 32, with Tunisia being the only nation to be knocked out at the Group stage level.
South Africa have also joined the Carthage Eagles following their loss to Canada in the Round of 32 last night at the Los Angeles Stadium.
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Chuks Akuneto reveals how Nigeria can compete with France in future tournaments
Putting the French National team as the benchmark, Akuneto revealed that the gaps between European nations and African nations have narrowed in recent years, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup being a clear testament to that.
However, despite the progress of African football, the 48-year-old believes there's still a gear to click into to be on par with what the World beaters offer on the biggest stages.
“In 1994, Nigeria was two minutes away from reaching the quarter-finals, and in 2022, Morocco also came very close to the final,” the former FC United assistant manager said in quotes revealed by Complete Sports.
“We have never lacked talent. What we have lacked is decisiveness, proper planning and effective preparation for major tournaments.
“I’m impressed with what the African teams are doing at the World Cup 2026. They have clearly shown they are worthy ambassadors of the continent and that they can go even further in the competition.
“Tactically, I think we are one or two steps behind the world leaders such as France and Spain.
“But I believe that, just as Morocco did in 2022, Africa can continue to grow and go beyond where Morocco stopped the last time,” the UEFA A licensed coach concluded.
Nigeria's journey to the 2030 FIFA World Cup will begin after the AFCON 2027 tournament comes to an end in August 2027.
