Naby Keita tips Nigeria to reach Russia 2018 semifinals

Leipzig's Naby Keita celebrates scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League group G soccer match between RB Leipzig and Besiktas Istanbul in Leipzig, Germany, 06 December 2017. EPA/FILIP SINGER

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Tuesday Jun 05, 2018. 09:00

Guinea and Liverpool-bound midfielder Naby Keita has tipped Nigeria to reach the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Africa will be represented by Nigeria, Senegal, Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia at the finals, but it is the Super Eagles who Keita believes will “lead by example”. He also added that two of the continent’s teams could reach the semifinals.

“It will be a tough tournament for African teams but the good thing is that they have learnt from past mistakes,” Keita told Goal.

“I know Nigeria will lead by example and we will definitely have at least two teams in the semis of the competition.

“However, it is unfortunate that Guinea will not be part of the African teams at the games in Russia.”

Keita’s Syli National finished behind Tunisia, DR Congo and Libya in their qualifying group to extend their long wait for a debut at the global tournament.

The best performance by an African team at a World Cup is reaching the quarterfinal, a feat achieved by Cameroon (1990), Senegal (2002) and Ghana (2010).