Lagos: Wahid Oshodi, Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund (LSSTF), has praised the rise of African football following notable performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Oshodi shared his insights with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, expressing pride as nine out of Africa’s ten representatives advanced to the Round of 32.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Oshodi emphasized the progress African football has made, largely due to the increasing number of African players now participating in Europe’s top leagues. He noted that this exposure has enhanced the players’ confidence and quality, contributing to Africa’s strong showing in the tournament. “Our teams have shown African football is coming of age, and it has to,” Oshodi stated.
Despite the successes, Oshodi pointed out areas needing improvement. He observed that while African teams matched stronger opponents, they often failed to maintain winning positions, missing chances to advance further. “We are not closing out matches well enough,” he remarked, underscoring the need for better game management.
Oshodi singled out Morocco for commendation, attributing their impressive performance to effective planning, coaching, and a robust football development system. He stated that Morocco’s success was not a fluke, as their continued achievements demonstrated a well-structured approach to football.
He urged African nations to invest more in coaching, youth programmes, and garner sustained support from fans to bolster football’s growth. Oshodi expressed disappointment in Nigeria’s absence from the World Cup, highlighting that other African nations’ progress underscored the work needed by the Nigeria Football Federation.
Oshodi also acknowledged the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission’s support for football, emphasizing that investments must yield tangible results. He praised Cape Verde’s accomplishments, noting that sound planning can surpass population size in football development.
Finally, Oshodi expressed optimism about Morocco’s potential to challenge France, the tournament’s strongest team, and called for the Confederation of African Football to continue efforts to elevate standards across the continent. “I hope Morocco continue making Africa proud,” he concluded.