Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has applauded the impressive performances of African countries at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, praising their determination and expressing confidence that the continent can achieve even greater success before the tournament concludes.
In a message shared on her verified X account on Sunday, the former Nigerian Minister of Finance commended the efforts of African representatives, highlighting Morocco and Egypt for securing qualification to the next stage of the competition.
She also singled out Cape Verde as the African team that impressed her the most during the tournament.
“So proud of the performance of the African teams at the World Cup! Morocco and Egypt have made it through so far, but Cape Verde was a standout,” she wrote.
Okonjo-Iweala further acknowledged the performances of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, noting that although they were unable to progress, they displayed remarkable determination throughout their campaigns.
According to her, the teams represented the continent with courage and commitment despite their eventual elimination.
“DRC, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana also battled. Thanks to all for making us proud. Keeping fingers crossed on further progress!” she added.
The WTO chief expressed optimism that the remaining African representatives would continue to perform strongly and fly the continent’s flag proudly in the latter stages of the competition.
She also turned her attention to Nigeria, expressing hope that the Super Eagles would qualify for the next edition of the FIFA World Cup after missing out on the ongoing tournament.
Okonjo-Iweala said it would be exciting to see Nigeria return to football’s biggest stage and compete alongside the world’s leading football nations.
“Would be exciting if Nigeria makes it through to the next World Cup,” she wrote.
Her remarks come as African football continues to attract global recognition following a series of impressive performances by teams from the continent during the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
