When we saw Cameroon play in Italy 32 years ago, we are not impressed to have seen them in 2022 beat a revamped Brazil, already qualified and assured of first place in the Group. Raising this is in no way to denigrate the success of Rigobert Song's men. It is to say to the euphoric people who lose themselves in dithyrambs that this success is worth what it is worth (a formal success) and that celebrating it as a decisive victory is a masquerade and an insult to the elders of the Indomitable Lions, those same who in 1990 defeated Argentina (Reigning World Champion) Diego Maradona. They had finished the group stage at the top of their group (two wins and one defeat), ahead of Albiceste, Romania and the USSR. That year, for their second participation in the World Cup, they had reached the quarter-finals with style. This is what history holds until further notice and this is the record to beat for Cameroon. 1990 being the only time he passed the first round, in 40 years and 8 participations (1982, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014, 2022).
Senegal at the World Cup is three participations.
- A quarter-final in 2002, after a victory at the start of the group stage against defending champions France. A quarter-final lost against Turkey on a golden goal conceded in extra time.
- An elimination in 2018 in the group stage: victory against Poland, draw against Japan and defeat against Colombia. Senegal had been eliminated in fair play. More cards received than the Samurai. Japanese and Senegalese had the same number of points after the 3 group days.
- In 2022, the Lions of Teranga come out of their group again after two wins and one loss. They fall on a big piece (England) in the eighth but they can still go further.
Nigeria is in 6 World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014, 2018) including 3 round of 16 (1994, 1998, 2014).
In 1994, the Super Eagles finished second in their group with 6 pts, behind Argentina (6 pts) and ahead of Bulgaria (6 pts). They were beaten in the eighth round by Italy, 2-1 after extra time. In 1998, they finished first in their group with two victories including one against Spain. This victory, like those of Cameroon against Argentina and Senegal against France, is memorable.
On the assets of Ghana, 4 "World" (2006, 2010, 2014, 2022) and twice out of four, he passed the first round. In 2006, he climbed to second place in his group (6 pts) behind Italy - the only team to beat him in the group stage - before falling to eighth against Brazil. In 2010, he came close to the semi-final. No need to rub salt in the wound here. All those who lived this Ghanaian epic necessarily remember it as if it were yesterday.
There is no lack of prestige to be glorified.
By Deo Gratias Kindoho
