Soccer
Ogenyi Onazi during the International Friendly match between England and Nigeria at Wembley Stadium, London, England on 2 June 2018. Copyright: ImagoxAndyxRowland
Former Super Eagles and Lazio midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has tipped four African nations to make a deep run into the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 33-year-old represented Nigeria at two World Cups (2014 in Brazil and 2018 in Russia). After winning the AFCON 2013 trophy with the Super Eagles under Stephen Keshi, Onazi became a crucial part of the Nigerian team moving forward.
The versatile midfielder played all four games at the 2014 World Cup and was having a stellar performance against France before Blaise Matuidi stomped on his ankle, and he was replaced by Reuben Gabriel.
Prior to Onazi’s exit, Nigeria kept the French team quiet for much of the game with Vincent Enyeama making several crucial saves to keep the match tied.
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Emmanuel Emenike had put the ball in the back of the net in the first, but it was flagged offside. Paul Pogba then broke the deadlock with ten minutes left on the clock before Joseph Yobo scored an own goal in what would be his final appearance for the Super Eagles.
Soccer 2026 World Cup: Ogenyi Onazi tips three African teams for success
After further scans, it was discovered that Onazi suffered a fracture of his tibia and fibula, keeping him on the sidelines for several months.
Reflecting on the game, the former Trabzonspor midfielder admitted the game against France was the best World Cup game he played, boasting that he kept Paul Pogba and Matuidi quiet.
“I know a lot of people will be surprised by this answer, but I have participated in two World Cups and, for me, the game against France in the Round of 16 is my best,” he said in an interview with Footy Africa.
“I was playing very well and dominating that French midfield that had Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi. I felt we could get something from the game.
“I was really happy with my performance and the team’s performance against the French, whom many thought would overrun us.
“Unfortunately, I suffered a nasty injury when Matuidi tackled me. I had to leave the game and it was from there that they took the initiative and won the game.
“It was a bittersweet experience for me, but it remains my best game at the World Cup.”
Speaking about the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 53-cap Super Eagles star admitted that the 48-team edition of the Copa Mundial gives more African teams a chance to make it to the knockout stages.
He went further to tip Algeria, Morocco, Ghana and DR Congo to go past the group stages.
“I was very impressed with how the Moroccans played against the Brazilians. They dominated them for long spells of the game and could have even won it.
“You could see that they had confidence going into the game and, with what they achieved last time out in Qatar, they seem determined to go a step further and do even more.
“I was impressed with them and they showed no fear by taking the game to the Brazilians. I hope our other African brothers can emulate them.
“This expanded format gives more room for the best third-placed teams, so I am sure we will see more African countries in the knockout stages,” Onazi continued.
“Algeria have a tough group that includes Argentina, Austria and Jordan. I think the Argentina game will be difficult, but they can still get something from it.
“For Ghana, even though they are our rivals, they have to navigate their way through England, Panama and Croatia, which on paper looks very difficult but still doable.
“I also see Egypt making the most of their group. If they can get something from the Belgium game, then they can finish second. As for DR Congo, the country that got the ticket ahead of us, they have to be at their very best, to be honest.
“That group is crazy and I think they will come third with a good record, considering they have Portugal and Colombia to contend with.
“I think those countries can make it to the knockout stages alongside Morocco, who have already sent a message,” the AFCON 2013 winner concluded.
Ghana kicks off their World Cup campaign against Panama on Wednesday, while DR Congo will take on Portugal in Group K later that day. All times for the fixtures can be confirmed here.
Adefolahan Guerreiro
Adefolahan is a multilingual CAF-Accredited sports journalist and football writer whose work spans outlets like Soccernet Nigeria, Pure Football UK, and Royalsportz.
With a sharp eye for detail and a background in college sports, he tells the African football story with depth, flair, and global perspective.
Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, he brings a cross-cultural voice to his coverage, blending insight with accessibility for readers around the world.
His portfolio includes interviews with top Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, Sikiru Alimi, Sodiq Ismaila, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.
A devoted Borussia Dortmund fan, Adefolahan thrives on the emotion and rhythm of the beautiful game. Away from work, he’s a sci-fi enthusiast and series lover who enjoys exploring how sport, storytelling, and culture collide.
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