World Cup 2026: Finidi George backs African teams after encouraging opening results

Former Nigerian international Finidi George believes Africa’s representatives have made a respectable start to the 2026 World Cup, insisting that avoiding defeat in the opening match can be crucial in determining a team’s fate at the tournament.

The former Super Eagles winger, who played at two World Cups and made 10 appearances on football’s biggest stage, has been following the performances of the continent’s representatives closely.

Looking back on the opening round of matches, he argued that teams which secured points have given themselves a valuable platform from which to build.

Speaking to Africafoot, Finidi highlighted the importance of navigating the first matchday without suffering a setback. In his view, a positive result allows teams to remain firmly in contention, while an opening defeat can immediately increase pressure and leave little margin for error in the remaining fixtures.

Among the African nations, he singled out Morocco for praise after their draw against Brazil, noting that he was impressed by the approach adopted by the Atlas Lions.

He also referenced the victories recorded by Ghana and Ivory Coast, although he suggested neither side had necessarily produced its best football despite securing important results.

For Finidi, the significance of a strong start is shaped by his own experiences at the World Cup with Nigeria. More than three decades after making his debut on the global stage, the memories remain vivid.

The former winger recalled arriving in the United States for the 1994 tournament as a 23-year-old and being struck by the scale of the occasion.

He remembered the quality of the facilities and the playing surfaces, describing the sense of excitement shared by the squad as they prepared to compete at the highest level of international football.

Finidi also reflected on one of the most memorable moments of his career – his goal against Greece during Nigeria’s 3-0 victory at the 1994 World Cup.

The former Ajax star explained that his famous celebration on all fours was not planned in advance but came naturally in the emotion of the moment after finding the net. While the gesture generated discussion and criticism in some quarters, he said he has never regretted it.

For Finidi, scoring at a World Cup remains one of football’s greatest achievements. He continues to look back on that moment with pride, particularly because it brought joy to Nigerian supporters and became a lasting part of the country’s football history.

As the 2026 World Cup progresses, the former Super Eagles star believes Africa’s teams remain well positioned to build on their opening performances and continue chasing a place in the knockout stages.