Free kick: It Pays To Be Ambitious!

As the 23rd edition of the FIFA-organised football world rumbles off in USA, Mexico and Canada, tomorrow June 11 to run till July 19, 2026, global attention will no doubt be focused on the pitch, certainly with diverse expectations. While some will be watching to see which star shines brighter and which of the 48 participating nations has the potentials to succeed the current cup holders, Argentina, in lifting the coveted trophy, Africans will obviously be looking forward to how well their ten flagbearers can honourably represent the continent. The expectations stem from the uniqueness of the competition this time around – first time with 48 teams and ten from Africa, up from the usual five continental representatives. The euphoria is even further heightened by the performance of the continent in the last World Cup four years ago when Morocco reached the semi-finals, the first time for an African team. An output that rekindled hopes in the fans that the continent could well make her voice heard in the global football showpiece and why not bag home the trophy with all the honours it brings. The ten African ambassadors to USAMexica- Canada 2026 therefore have the challenge to do more than what their predecessors, who were half their number, did. Inasmuch as numbers might not count in a highly competitive tourney like the FIFA World Cup, the ambitions of each team is what could make a difference. They as well may not have the same public rating, as per their latest standings on the FIFA classification table, but the desire to make history, could create surprises. African teams must go, not just to see, but to participate and conquer. The size of the dog in the fight would not matter. Rather, it would be the size of the fight in the dog that should be the driving force. There is no room for showing any inferiority complex whatsoever. The ball is round and most of the African players in the competition rub shoulders with others from elsewhere in different championships abroad. They too will be repr...