Adebayor Discusses Africa’s Chances in World Cup, Questions Ivory Coast’s Unity
As the World Cup approaches, Togo captain Emmanuel Adebayor has shared his thoughts on the chances of African teams, including Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Algeria. Speaking in an interview with former footballer Patrice Muamba for the Daily Express, Adebayor expressed his skepticism about the Ivory Coast’s prospects in the tournament.
Despite having a squad with high-profile players like Didier Drogba, Yaya Touré, and Wilfried Bony, Adebayor believes the team lacks the necessary unity to succeed. “They’re the country that will always disappoint you,” he said. “They have some of the best players in Europe, but there’s no solidarity. They’ll talk, laugh, and have fun together, but when the time comes, they’ll forget to do their job.” He pointed out that despite the wealth of talent, the Elephants have failed to win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in recent years, which he attributes to individual egos overshadowing teamwork.
Turning his attention to other African teams, Adebayor was more optimistic about Nigeria’s chances. He lauded the Super Eagles, African champions in 2013, and praised their manager, Stephen Keshi, for his tactical acumen. “Nigeria has all the ingredients to have a good World Cup,” Adebayor said, highlighting the talents of players like Victor Moses, Jon Obi Mikel, and goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama as key assets.
On Ghana, Adebayor acknowledged the strength of the Black Stars but raised concerns about their dependence on star striker Asamoah Gyan. “Gyan is a great player and a good friend of mine,” he said. “But he’s currently playing in Dubai, and he’s still their strong man. If he’s out of form or not at World Cup level, Ghana will struggle.”
Cameroon and Algeria, according to Adebayor, are less likely to make a deep run in the competition. Cameroon faces a tough group with Brazil, Mexico, and Croatia, making it challenging to advance. Meanwhile, Algeria will need to be at their best to navigate Group H, which includes Russia, South Korea, and Belgium. The team will be looking to key players like Nabil Bentaleb to help them succeed.
As the World Cup looms, Adebayor’s insights offer a candid perspective on Africa’s chances, with a special focus on the importance of unity and leadership in achieving success on the world stage.
