For the first time in the history of the World Cup competition, nine African countries have booked their passage to the knickout stage of the tournament.
FIFA had allocated nine slots, but the Democratic Republic of Congo ensured they qualified via the intercontinental play-off route.
Nine of them are in the Round of 32.
Out of the 10 countries, only Tunisia had been eliminated even before a ball was kicked in the final group fixtures.
“Sincerely speaking I’m impressed with what I have seen so far,” a sports analyst, said.
“All the African teams except Tunisia have actually played well.
“You can see the grit, passion plus high level quality play and good tactical nuance from the teams.
“I can confidently say that all the African teams that qualified deserved to be at the World Cup and they have proven so as well.”
Morocco have been especially excellent at this World Cup.
In the last edition in 2022, they went all the way to the semi-finals and were also stopped by eventual runners-up, France.
This year, the Atlas Lions are looking to make Africa proud. They face the Netherlands in the Round of 32.
DR Congo will take on England, Ghana go head to head with Colombia, South Africa play Canada, Cape Verde have been drawn with holders Argentina, and Belgium face Senegal.
Cote d’Ivoire play Norway, while Egypt are up against Australia.
“Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire and maybe Algeria have the ability to go far in the tournament,” Adebari said.
Because of the impressive outing by Africa in North Africa, there have been calls for even more slots to be given to the continent at the World Cup.
According to the fixtures released late Saturday, South Africa played Canada on Sunday, June 28; Morocco will square up against Netherlands on Tuesday, June 30; Ivory Coast battle Norway on Tuesday, June 30; England tackle DR Congo on Wednesday, July 1, while Belgium and Senegal slug it out on Wednesday, July 1.
On Friday, July 3, Switzerland will take on Algeria; Egypt battle Australia on Friday, July 3; Argentina play Cape Verde on Friday, July 3, and
Ghana tackle Colombia on Saturday, July 4.