The 2018 FIFA World Cup is only hours away before host Russia take on Saudi Arabia on the 14th of June, Africa Football Bets has written a piece to highlight the 5 African teams at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The FIFA World Cup is a national football team event where 32 teams will play out 64 games until one team is crowd the Champion of the world. Of those in the quest to be crowned the world champions. Of those 32 teams, there are 5 African teams at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Traditional African teams have struggled in the World Cup and we are yet to see an African team reach the last four of this tournament. Could one of the 5 African teams surprise the world and reach the last four or even beyond?
Nigeria
Nickname: Super Eagles
CAF ranking: 7th
World ranking: 48th
This will be Nigeria’s 6th appearance at the 2018 World Cup. Nigeria are in a tough group, Group D with Argentina, Croatia and Iceland, many feel the Super Eagles have what it takes to win their group. Their first two matches are against Croatia followed by Iceland. Who knows maybe they will have 6 points by the time they face Messi and Argentina.
Betway have Nigeria to win at 200/1. Take the bet here now
Best World Cup finish: Round of 16 (1994, 1998, 2014)
Best player: Alex Iwobi
Egypt
Nickname: Pharaohs
CAF ranking: 5th
World ranking: 45th
It has been a long time since Egypt last represented Africa in the World Cup. This is rather surprising to many that the most successful African side with 7 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) The last time Egypt participated at a World Cup was 28 years ago.
The man who ended that poor run of form for Egypt was Mohammed Salah who scored a last minute pressure penalty in the qualifiers. Accorded to medical sources in the Egyptian camp Salah Should be fit to participate in the early stages of the World Cup. Egypt are in group A with host Russia, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. African Football Bets believes that Egypt should qualify 1st or 2nd with Uruguay in Group
Betway have Egypt to win at 200/1. Take the bet here now
Best World Cup finish: Group Stages (1934, 1990)
Best player: Mohammed Salah
Tunisia
Nickname: The Eagles of Carthage
CAF ranking: 1st
World ranking: 21st
Tunisia according to the rankings are the best team in Africa. No surprises after an impressive 2017/2018 season. Tunisia who have not played at a World Cup since 2006 but come with a very strong team/unit. They will need at as they are in a very tough group, Group G with England, Belgium and Panama.
Can Tunisia upset one of the two European teams and finish second or first in group G?
Betway have Tunisia to win at 600/1. Take the bet here now
Best World Cup finish: Group Stages (1978, 1998, 2002, 2006)
Best player: Wahbi Khazri
Morocco
Nickname: Lions of the Atlas
CAF ranking: 4th
World ranking: 41st
Morocco who come with an impressive record of not conceding a single goal in qualification for the world cup, will be appearing for the 5th time at the world cup. Morocco will need to continue being ungenerous with goals as Group B has former World and European Champions Spain, current European Champions Portugal and Iran. All three opponents will provide different challenges for Morocco. But a win against Iran in their opening game could go along way to helping them progress through the group.
Betway have Morocco to win at 400/1. Take the bet here now
Best World Cup finish: Round of 16 (1986)
Best player: Younes Belhanda
Senegal
Nickname: Lions of Teranga
CAF ranking: 2nd
World ranking: 27th
Possibly one of the 5 African teams at the 2018 World Cup that could spring a few surprises has to be Senegal. After an indifferent and controversial qualification this team will have a lot to prove. Senegal have the tools to go deep in this tournament with some very interesting players. Senegal will be in Group H against Poland, Columbia and Japan and I believe that qualification into the last 16 will be a possibility for Mane and the boys.
Betway have Morocco to win at 150/1. Take the bet here now
Best World Cup finish: Quarter-final (2002)
Best player: Sadio Mane