Former Super Eagles defender Onyekachi Apam has thrown his weight behind Morocco and Senegal as Africa's strongest contenders for a deep run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This endorsement comes on the heels of a controversial AFCON 2025 campaign that left both nations embroiled in dispute.
The rivalry between Senegal and Morocco intensified during the AFCON 2025 final in Rabat. Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty after Senegal had a goal disallowed earlier. The decision sparked outrage from the Senegal bench, leading to a brief walkout before both teams resumed play. Morocco's Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, and Senegal won 1-0 after extra time.
However, the Moroccan Football Federation appealed, and CAF's Appeal Board ruled that Senegal's refusal to immediately return to play constituted a forfeit. The result was overturned to a 3-0 victory for Morocco, stripping Senegal of the title. The case has since been taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Apam's Verdict on Africa's World Cup Hopes
Despite the tension, Apam believes both teams possess the quality to shine on the global stage. He singled out Morocco as the most complete African side currently, citing their historic semi-final run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they eliminated Spain and Portugal before losing to France.
Senegal also boasts a strong pedigree, having reached the quarter-finals in 2002 and consistently featuring top European-based talent like Sadio Mané and Iliman Ndiaye. Apam also mentioned Ivory Coast as a potential surprise package, highlighting Africa's growing depth heading into the tournament.
Expanded World Cup Raises African Hopes
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Africa's representation has doubled to 10 slots, allowing more nations to compete on the biggest stage. Alongside Morocco and Senegal, teams such as Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Ghana, South Africa, Ivory Coast, and debutants Cape Verde will carry the continent's hopes. DR Congo also returns after qualifying through intercontinental playoffs.
Nigeria, however, will miss out after falling short in the CAF playoff final, extending their absence from the tournament. Since 1930, no African nation has won the World Cup, with Morocco's 2022 semi-final run remaining the closest the continent has come to breaking that barrier.
CAF's Statement on Senegal
In a related development, CAF has released a statement praising Senegal's quality ahead of the 2026 World Cup, describing the Teranga Lions as a team with the potential to go far in the tournament.
