Ex Super Eagles of Nigeria skipper Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okacha has named the one particular African country among the continent’s five representatives at the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals in Qatar that he would be watching out for, and he probably wants the world to keep eyes on.
The 1994 AFCON winner and three times bronze medalist was one of the privileged former players invited to participate in the conduction of the 2022 FIFA World Cup final draw held in Doha on Friday, but will not be seeing his country Nigeria participating at the tournament as they missed out on the ticket to Ghana in the final play-offs.
At the colourful event on Friday, Okocha singled out current African Champions, Senegal as the team to keep an eye on, as he believes the Lions of Terenga are a side Africa can keep faith in to make the continent proud.
Senegal, winners of the 2021 Africa Cup of Naitons in Cameroon, are in Group A alongside Qatar (hosts), Ecuador and The Netherlands.
Asked if an African country can finally win the trophy this time around, the 2004 AFCON golden ball and goalden boot winner was earlier skeptical, but settled on the current continental champions.
“We have come a long way. We will see how it goes this year”, the two times BBC African Footballer of the Year replied.
In search for a more specific response, the former PSG, Bolton Wanderers midfielder simply answered; “Senegal”.
Senegal are will be making their third appearance at the World Cup in Qatar in November this year, and they boast of a best record of a quarter final feat they achieved in their debut year during the Korea-Japan 2002 tournament.
