Former Nigeria international and current Manchester City U-17 head coach, Chuks Akuneto, has described Africa’s representatives at the ongoing 2026 World Cup as worthy ambassadors of the continent, saying their performances have demonstrated the immense talent available across Africa, Completesports.com reports.
Akuneto spoke exclusively to Completesports.com from his base in the United Kingdom on Saturday night after nine of Africa’s 10 representatives progressed to the Round of 16 following the conclusion of the group stage.
Akuneto Hails Africa’s Outstanding Group-Stage Performance
The former Oldham Athletic U-18 head coach believes South Africa, Ghana, Algeria, Cape Verde, Morocco, Ivory Coast, DR Congo, Senegal and Egypt have proved that Africa is not short of talent, but still needs better planning and preparation to consistently compete with the world’s elite.
According to Akuneto, with improved tactical organisation, African teams can match—and even surpass—traditional football powerhouses such as France and Spain.
“In 1994, Nigeria was two minutes away from reaching the semi-finals, and in 2022, Morocco also came very close,” Akuneto began, referring to the Super Eagles’ 2-1 defeat to Italy after extra time in the second round of the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
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“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,” Akuneto said.
African Teams Face Tough World Cup 2026 Round of 16 Tests
Tonight (Sunday 28 June) at Los Angeles Stadium, California, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana will begin Africa’s quest for a place in the quarter-finals when they face World Cup 2026 co-hosts Canada.
On Tuesday, 30 June, Morocco and Ivory Coast will also bid for quarter-final places. The Atlas Lions will face the Netherlands at Estadio Monterrey in Guadalupe, Nuevo León, Mexico, while Ivory Coast take on Norway at Dallas Stadium, USA.
On Wednesday, 1 July, DR Congo and Senegal will continue Africa’s challenge. The Leopards will face England at Atlanta Stadium, USA, while the Teranga Lions tackle Belgium at Seattle Stadium, Washington, DC.
Algeria will take on Switzerland on Thursday, 2 July, at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
On Friday, 3 July, Egypt will face Australia at Dallas Stadium, Texas. Later the same day, Cape Verde will battle Argentina at Miami Stadium, Florida.
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Ghana’s Black Stars will complete Africa’s Round of 16 fixtures in the early hours of Saturday, 4 July (WAT), when they take on Colombia at Kansas City Stadium, Missouri, USA.
Akuneto Says Better Tactics Hold Key To World Cup 2026 Success
Akuneto believes tactical development remains Africa’s biggest hurdle, insisting the continent still trails leading football nations in that crucial area.
“Tactically, I think we are one or two steps behind the world leaders such as France and Spain,” he said.
“But I believe that, just as Morocco did in 2022, Africa can continue to grow and go beyond where Morocco stopped the last time.”
