Guinean international Naby Keita has expressed his belief that the Super Eagles of Nigeria will “lead by example” by reaching the semifinals at the 2018 World Cup. The Guinean captain, currently on the radar of several top European teams, especially Europa League runners-up Liverpool FC, regrets his country’s absence from the quadrennial showpiece and acknowledges that the competition will be a difficult one for Africa’s five representatives. However, he believes that African teams have learnt from past flaws – and will make the last four at the World Cup this time around.
“They (African teams) have learnt from past mistakes. I know Nigeria will lead by example and we will definitely have at least two teams in the semis of the competition,” claims the 23-year old midfielder.
Russia 2018 will be Nigeria’s sixth appearance at the World Cup but Nigeria has never made it past the World Cup Round of 16, while Africa’s best performance has been a quarter-final placing by Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana in 1990, 2002 and 2010 respectively.