Lauren says African teams will not reach the semi finals in Russia
- Lauren predicts African teams will be knocked out in the quarter finals of the World Cup
- The former Arsenal right-back says the five teams participating do not have enough quality
- The Super Eagles of Nigeria will be making their sixth participation in the soccer fiesta
Ex-Cameroon and Arsenal defender Lauren has predicted that none of the African teams participating at the Russia 2018 World Cup will get past the quarter finals.
The former Portsmouth star revealed a combination of mismanagement and a difference in quality means Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco will only make it to the last eight as usual.
"I could say Africa will be in the semis, we're going to win, but that's not the reality.
"To be honest with you I can't see any of them go further than the quarter finals.
"This is my honest opinion because we are still one step behind the top teams.
"I can't see them challenge the Germans, Argentina, Spain or Brazil, they are not in that level," he told BBC Sport.
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The 41-year-old who played at the 1998 and 2002 World Cup finals with the Indomitable Lions is also unhappy with the way African football is being run.
"I don't like to lie to people. I am very honest, I speak my mind because we don't do things the right way.
"It happens in football, it happens in so many other African societies," the 41-year-old added.
Lauren believes his experience in football could make a difference if he runs the game in Africa.
"Politics is in my blood but I wouldn't like to really got into politics," the Arsenal ambassador explained.
"But maybe to try to help African football with the knowledge I have got about business and how to do things in a structural way."
Only three African nations have reached the last eight at the World Cup including Cameroon in 1990, followed by Senegal in 2002, and then most recently Ghana in 2010.
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The Super Eagles will be making their sixth appearance at the finals and in the same group as Argentina, Iceland and Croatia.
Egypt are making their first appearacnce since 1990 and will play in a group alongside Russia, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
Morocco make a return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 and have been paired with Spain, European Champions Portugal, and Iran.
Another North African nation Tunisia are in a difficult group with Belgium, England, and Panama.
Senegal will take on Poland, Colombia, and Japan as they begin their bid to emulate their feats of 2002 in the Japan and South Korea edition.
Nigeria can get to the quarterfinal of World Cup - Ex-Super Eagles star Etim Esin - On Legit.ng TV
Source: Legit.ng
