Essien Says Luck Could Be the Final Piece for Africa’s World Cup Dream
Michael Essien believes African football is edging closer to producing its first-ever FIFA World Cup winner, insisting that a little bit of luck may be all that separates the continent from making history.
Despite producing several memorable performances over the years, no African nation has managed to lift football’s biggest trophy. However, growing competitiveness and the expansion of World Cup places for African teams have increased optimism that the long wait could soon come to an end.
The continent’s best World Cup performance came in 2022 when Morocco became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals, a breakthrough that inspired renewed belief across African football.
Essien, who represented Ghana at the 2006 World Cup, believes African teams have continued to close the gap on the world’s traditional football powers.
Speaking on the Wayne Rooney Podcast, the former Ghana international said the progress made by African nations has been encouraging and expressed confidence that the continent will eventually produce a World Cup champion.
“Slowly the continent is getting close. We are all keeping our fingers crossed; one day it will happen,” Essien said.
When asked what African teams still need to achieve that milestone, Essien pointed to luck as the decisive factor.
“I think a bit of luck; we are getting closer. We just need a little push like Arsenal has done,” he added.
With the number of African representatives at the World Cup increasing from five to 10 under FIFA’s expanded tournament format, several nations are expected to challenge for deep runs in future editions.
Countries such as Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Cape Verde, Algeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are among the sides tipped to make a strong impact on the world stage as African football continues its upward trajectory.
