Former Nigeria international Edema Fuludu believes Africa’s representatives earned respect with their performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but says poor game management continues to prevent the continent from achieving even greater success on football’s biggest stage.
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The former Super Eagles midfielder argued that the performances of African nations justified the continent’s expanded allocation of places at the tournament, pointing out that several teams matched some of the world’s leading football nations both technically and physically.
Despite those encouraging displays, Fuludu believes the inability to manage crucial moments in matches ultimately proved costly.
“African teams showed they can compete with the very best. They justified the number of places given to the continent because the quality was there for everyone to see,” Fuludu said.
He highlighted lapses in concentration during key stages of matches, coupled with wasteful finishing in front of goal, as recurring issues that denied several African teams the chance to progress deeper into the competition.
Countries including Morocco, Senegal, DR Congo, and Egypt produced spirited performances during the tournament but were unable to convert promising positions into historic runs, with narrow defeats exposing the fine margins at the highest level.
“The next step is improving our game management. At this level, one moment of lost concentration or one missed opportunity can decide everything. Those are the areas African teams must continue to develop,” he added.
Fuludu maintained that the progress made by African football should not be overlooked, insisting the continent now possesses the quality to challenge consistently against the world’s elite if tactical discipline and decision-making continue to improve.
With attention already beginning to shift towards the next cycle of international competitions, Fuludu believes the lessons from the 2026 FIFA World Cup should provide a valuable platform for African nations as they prepare for future continental and global tournaments.
