Odion Ighalo, a former striker for the Super Eagles, thinks Morocco can stun 2016 European champions when they play one other today (Saturday) at the AI Thumama stadium.
Morocco defeated the 2018 champion Spain 3-0 in penalties on Tuesday after regulation time ended scoreless, becoming the second African team, after Nigeria, to win the FIFA World Cup.
The last three African teams to get the round of 16 all lost in the round of 8, including Cameroon (1990), Senegal (2002), and Ghana (2010).
Ahead of Saturday’s (today) quarter-final clash in Qatar, the Al Hilal striker admits that the Atlas Lions have the quality to surpass Africa’s best feat at the World Cup.
Both teams have met twice at the World Cup. At the 1986 edition, Morocco defeated Portugal 3-1 while at the 2018 edition in France, Portugal beat Morocco 1-0, Punch report.
Ighalo told The Athletic that, “Against Portugal (in the last eight) it’s going to be tough but in football, anything can happen.
“Names don’t play football — if you work hard and give everything on the field you have every chance to get through, so one mistake could cost any team. So I wish
“Morocco all the best, but as an African I hope the best side wins.”
