The Dismal Performances Of African Teams At 2010 Fifa World Cup Competition In South Africa

Abstract

Africa has been adequately represented in the last six editions of the FIFA
World Cup Competition. With the gradual increase in the number of
participating countries, at least five nations have been favoured to
participate. The 2010 FIFA World Cup was exceptional due to the hosting
right conferred on the continent, hence six countries featured. The granting
of hosting right to an African nation presupposes that the continent would
be able to show the world that it was ready to give competitors from other
continents keen challenges. But alas, save for Ghana that fought to the
quarter-final stage, other five countries recorded dismal performances.
This development prompted this study to take an analytical approach into
the causes of the unimpressive performance of African teams. Findings
revealed that problems confronting the players include indiscipline, lack
of team work, lack of commitment, poor officiating etc. While it was
concluded that CAF must view the problems of African sports with keen
interest and high sense of commitment, it was recommended among other
things that players must be motivated for better performance and promotion
of commitment and dedication to national duties.