Soccer
Kylian Mbappe of France. Copyright: ImagoxVisionhausx
The 2026 FIFA World Cup enters the quarter-final stage today, with France taking on Morocco at the Boston Stadium, a replay of the semi-final of the previous edition, Soccernet.ng reports.
Former Super Eagles and Portsmouth striker John Utaka has sided with Les Bleus ahead of the Atlas Lions, citing France’s attack as the devastating effect that’ll see them go past Morocco.
Morocco have scored 10 goals at the 2026 World Cup, keeping two clean sheets, and had to be separated by penalties against the Netherlands in the Round of 32.
France, meanwhile, have won all of their five games, scoring 14 goals and conceding just two goals, keeping three clean sheets.
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The 48-cap Super Eagles star played just one World Cup game for the Three-time African Champions, playing all 90 minutes against Sweden in 2002.
Speaking to Brila, the former RC Lens attacker admitted he’s unsure if the attacking quartet of Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola can be handled by the Moroccan defence.
“In this World Cup, France parade the best forwards,” Utaka said.
“Morocco is a very dangerous side, but I think France will win. It will be a bit difficult for Morocco.
“With the offensive strength they possess, whether it’s Barcola, Desire Doue, Dembele or Mbappe, these guys can score at any time, and at the back they have two rock solid defenders,” the 44-year-old added.
Additionally, Utaka weighed in on Eric Chelle’s reported new contract that’ll see him add Nigeria’s U-23 team to his responsibilities, opining that he’s unsure the Franco-Malian tactician can handle the huge task.
“I do believe that there were meetings between him and the FA to arrive at that decision,” the former Montpellier man said.
“If the people in the Federation believe he can handle both that is fine, but handling the Super Eagles and the Olympic team might be stressful for a Coach.
“There are different categories of teams at age grade you have U17, U18 and so on. Ideally, the teams should have their respective coaches and different ones too, but let’s see how it goes.”
France’s Kylian Mbappe is currently second on the top goalscorers list at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, just one behind Lionel Messi, who has found the back of the net eight times.
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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