The best African World Cup team, Morocco, started Qatar 2022 with little likelihood of greatness. They shocked Belgium and became the tournament’s shiny underdogs.
Never letting down their dream, they moved on to sting Spain and earned the mondial’s dark horse title. Again with the King’s “stay the course” advice, the Atlas Lions stunned Portugal and became famous as the ‘Miracle Men of Morocco’.
Beside having the toughest defense, Morocco is blessed with a goalkeeper that possessed a magic gloves. Morocco’s Yassine Bounou helped the team leveled up with Nigeria’s record as African team with highest clean sheet in the World Cup.
As the world prepares for the grand encounter between Morocco and former champions France, at Al Bayt Stadium, most Africans believe that the fairytale story of Morocco will continue. However, Nigeria whom Morocco has contested with a seven World Cup clean sheets is now in seriously challenged to do better.
FC One Rocket boss and board member, Nigeria Football Federation, (NFF) Hon. Nse Essien attest that Morocco has given Nigeria a fair challenge in global football stage.
“The Ibrahim Gusau led NFF is so determined to take Nigeria to the level Nigeria belongs, at apex of World football. So Morocco has shown us the way. We need to study why Morocco has won the CHAN, CAF Confederation, African Women Championship. Those are the things we are studying to find out where did we missed it and definitely we will get it right. We have never been challenged as now.”
According to the Nigeria National League club side owner, the NFF board is challenged and determine to return Nigeria to its lost glory.
For Nse Essien, Morocco has done wonders for Africa and for such reason “Africa is behind Morocco”.
“I know the 2nd semifinals is an African affairs as France is made up of players from African decent, so we expect a very tough and interesting match.
Morocco is carrying a lot on his shoulders because this is a milestone for Africa. Nigerians will be routing for Morocco. We hope Morocco shall win.
The Nigerian football enthusiast believes the Atlas Lions deserve the celebration and fame because Morocco has put in a lot in youth development and the NFF are also focusing on developing talents at the youth level.
“The structure has to be there, the enabling environment has to be there, the facility has to be there, and the administrative acumen has to be there.” Essien observed.
