Eagles, Senegal, Morocco to struggle in Russia

Former Cameroon and Arsenal defender,  Lauren, says none of the African teams at the World Cup will get past the quarterfinals in Russia.

Nigeria (Super Eagles), Senegal (Teranga Lions), Tunisia (Carthage Eagles), Egypt (Pharaohs)  and Morocco(Atlas Lions) will represent Africa at Russia 2018.

Lauren  says a combination of mismanagement and a difference in quality means  the five countries  will struggle at the tournament.

“I could say Africa will be in the semis, we’re going to win, but that’s not the reality,” he told BBC Sport.

“To be honest with you I can’t see any of them go further than the quarterfinals.

“This is my honest opinion because we are still one step behind the top teams.

“I can’t see them challenge the Germans, Argentina, Spain or Brazil, they are not in that level.”

Lauren, who played at the 1998 and 2002 World Cup finals with Cameroon, is also unhappy with the way football is run on the continent.

“I don’t like to lie to people. I am very honest, I speak my mind because we don’t do things the right way,” the 41-year-old added.

“It happens in football, it happens in so many other African societies.”

To date only three African nations have reached the last eight at the World Cup; first were Cameroon in 1990, followed by Senegal in 2002 and then most recently Ghana in 2010.

Morocco make a return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998. They are paired with Spain, European Champions Portugal and Iran.

Egypt are back after a 28-year absence and will play in a group alongside Russia, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.

Tunisia are in a tough-looking group with Belgium, England and Panama.

Senegal will take on Poland, Columbia and Japan as they begin their bid to emulate their feats of 2002 in Japan and South Korea.

Nigeria, who are making their sixth appearance at the finals, are in the same group as Argentina, Iceland and Croatia