Esther Appiah-Fei: Hi everyone. This episode of the Limitless Africa podcast is a World Cup special. I’m Esther Appiah-Fei, the digital media lead for the Limitless Africa podcast. And fun fact: I am a sports journalist and a keen football fan.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in June across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For the first time ever, 48 teams will compete in 104 matches across 16 cities over 39 days. Nine African countries have qualified, and this will be the biggest World Cup ever. Africa hasn’t had this many teams at a tournament before.
I am Ghanaian, so you already know where my heart lies. I brought together three people who see the game from completely different angles.
Now we have with us Ultimate Kombo, who also goes by OB Kevin Nduka, one of Nigeria’s biggest football content creators with over 2.4 million followers on TikTok. Right now, I think he is living through a lot of pain because Nigeria couldn’t qualify for the World Cup.
We also have Gabriel Ajala, founder of Africa Sports Unified, a leading Pan-African sports business hub that brings together decision-makers shaping the future of sports.
And finally, we have our own alum, Ndeye Diarra, founder of Africa Scores, an African sports analytics and insights platform.
So, to start off, can you tell me which teams you are supporting in this World Cup and why? I’m going to start with you, Kombo.
Kombo: Hello guys. I’m going to be supporting Argentina, obviously, because Nigeria is not there. As a Messi fan, I’m fully backing Argentina. I’ve shifted my allegiance to Argentina.
Another team I’ll be supporting is Spain. I’m a big Barcelona fan, and many of my favourite players are on the Spanish national team like Lamine Yamal and Pedri. So I’m supporting Argentina and Spain.
On the African front, if there’s any African team I would like to see do well, it’s most likely Morocco and Senegal. These are teams I believe stand a proper chance of doing something in the World Cup. Ghana and South Africa — they just went there to complete the numbers.
So I believe every African should be supporting Morocco and Senegal. The rest are just there for participation. That’s why Nigeria said no need to go and just complete the numbers. Let’s give other African teams our support instead.
So I’m supporting Argentina, Spain, Morocco and Senegal.
Esther: Wow… that’s Nigerian.
See, you’ve upset my child. My child is upset and she is half Nigerian, but she knows her uncle is on something else.
So I’m going to let Gabriel speak while I gather my thoughts.
Gabriel:
I’m Nigerian and proud to be Nigerian. But unlike Kombo, I just want a good tournament. I have no allegiance to any particular team. I want all African countries to do well, but overall I just want a fantastic competition.
I don’t want any African team to be disgraced. I’m looking forward to seeing Cabo Verde. It’s a very small nation. I’m also looking forward to the vibes, the atmosphere and the music. But I have no allegiance. Nigeria has scarred me, so I’m just there to enjoy the ride.
Esther: See, a sensible individual. Thank you, Gabriel. I’m glad we have this balance of sanity and insanity on this call.
Ndeye: Esther, I think you forgot to mention that I was an African Champion.
Esther: My bad, sorry.
Ndeye: I’ll definitely be rooting for Senegal. My strongest football memory is Senegal beating France in the 2002 World Cup. I remember being at school and hearing that Senegal had won. So I’m looking forward to that rematch.
I don’t think it will be easy, even though we have a better team now than in 2002, but France also has a strong team.
Esther: I hope Senegal aren’t going to play mind games like they did in the AFCON final. You really got the Moroccans there.
Kombo: They bullied them. They bullied them into winning AFCON. We all saw it.
Ndeye: There was bullying on both sides in that game. It was mutual bullying, but I guess we were just the better bullies.
Esther: Moving on, Gabriel — when you hear the 2026 World Cup, what comes to mind?
Gabriel: The first thing that comes to mind is travel challenges to the U.S., especially for Africans given the current climate. But generally, World Cups in the U.S. mean good weather and great exposure.
I’m expecting good weather, unpredictable results, amazing skills, goals and good vibes. The World Cup is always a huge celebration. It’s a global festival where the world comes together to see the best players, cultures and food.
With matches in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, it should be a great cultural mix, which I love.
Esther: Kombo, you talk football to millions of Nigerians daily. What’s the mood among fans right now?
Kombo: We’re very disappointed. But Nigerians move on quickly. We don’t dwell too much on things.
At the time we didn’t qualify, we were very disappointed. And we’ll probably feel it more when the tournament starts and we see other African countries celebrating while we just watch.
We’ll miss the excitement. But historically, African teams haven’t gone very far in the World Cup. No African team has won it yet. So we’ll just watch.
We’re expecting Ghana to get knocked out in the group stage and come back home quickly. Maybe unrealistic, but Ghana is in a group with England and Croatia. What are the odds?
Esther: It’s easy. We’ll beat them.
Kombo: We’re disappointed, but we’re still looking forward to the tournament.
Esther: Gabriel, what does having nine African teams mean?
Gabriel: Africa has great talent, as we’ve seen from AFCON. Having more teams on the biggest stage brings many positives.
There’s prize money for federations, which should support football development. Players also get global exposure.
There are also knowledge exchanges — infrastructure, stadiums, transport systems — lessons that can be adapted back home.
Esther: Which African teams do you think could advance?
Gabriel: I think several African teams could reach the round of 16 or quarterfinals. If I had to pick one, I’d say Senegal. I’ve always liked them. They play very good football.
Kombo: Senegal will have to work hard. They are in a group with France and Norway. Norway is rising with players like Haaland and Ødegaard. France is France. So it’s really between Senegal and Norway for second place.
Gabriel : Senegal has more pedigree though. Norway hasn’t been in major tournaments recently. Senegal have experience. Climate could also favour African teams.
Ndeye : When Senegal beats Norway, my first LinkedIn post will say Gabriel was right about the climate advantage.
Kombo: I’m rooting for Senegal.
Ndeye : No, respectfully Kombo — you listed every country except Senegal earlier. We remember.
Esther: Moving on, which African fixture are you most looking forward to?
Kombo: Morocco vs Brazil. Senegal vs France. Senegal vs Norway. Lots of good fixtures.
Ndeye : For me it’s France vs Senegal — a rematch of 2002. Different generations, stronger teams. I won’t predict the winner because Senegalese people are superstitious.
Esther: I’m thinking about the pace of Kylian Mbappé against Koulibaly.
Ndeye : I need you to stop manifesting things.
Gabriel : I just love the World Cup. There are always surprises. I just hope for good games and lots of goals.
Esther: Final question — what’s your message to African fans?
Gabriel: The World Cup is always a wonderful experience. Enjoy it. Be safe, but bring the culture and the vibes.
Esther: Kombo?
Kombo: Let’s make sure we subscribe to our cable networks and have enough fuel in our generators to watch the games.
Esther: I like how real you are about NEPA.
Kombo: Forget NEPA. Even if your team isn’t there, celebrate football. If you love football, you should enjoy the World Cup.
