Standard of African teams improved at World Cup, says Sam Sodje

Former Nigeria international, Sam Sodje says the standard of the African teams improved drastically at the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

Two out of Africa’s five representatives, Senegal and Morocco qualified for the Round of 16, althrough African Champions, Teranaga Lions on Sunday crashed out at the Round of 16 after a 3-0 defeat to England.

According to Sodje, African teams’ progress to the Round of 16 and style of play showed a level of improvement.

“Even though some African teams crashed out in the group stage, the standard of the African teams showed that we have been improving,” Sodje told Brila FM.

Africa’s sole representative, Morocco will on Tuesday face former World Champions, Spain in the Round of 16 after topping its group.

Sam added: “Morocco looked like a good team. It will be tough against Spain. We all hope that they do well in the knockout stage.”

The Atlas Lions are unbeaten at Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup after three games, having defeated Belgium and Canada after a goalless draw with 2018 World Cup finalist, Croatia.

A win for the North African side will make the team Africa’s fourth quarter-finalist at the World Cup after Cameroon (1990), Senegal (2002), and Ghana (2010).