The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has said it will give each of Africa’s representatives at the World Cup $500, 000 to help prepare adequately for the competition.
The followreports by the an ad hoc committee set up to explore ways of helping the five African teams participating in the World Cup.
The committee chaired by CAF’s vice President Kwesi Nyantakyi, with the Presidents of the Football Associations of the five nations as members promises to also give technological devices and physical performance measuring tool for outdoor team sports players.
CAF under the new administration has made significant changes in making the game more interesting.
Last year it announced a 166% increase improve in prize money for winners of the African Cup of Nations. Winners of the AFCON title in Gabon will take home $4 million as against the previous $1.5 million prize money.
Runners up will now receive $2 million, semi-finalist gets $1.5 million and quarter finalist take home $800, 000.
Africa’s representatives; World Cup history
Tunisia: The Carthage Eagles became the first African nation to win a World Cup match, beating Mexico 3-1, in Argentina 1978.
They qualified for three tournaments in a row, 1998, 2002, and 2006 making five appearances in the World Cup.
Egypt: The Pharaohs have not featured in the World Cup since Italy 1990, despite being African champions on several occasions.
Senegal: In their debut at Korea/Japan 2002, the Lions of Teranga advanced to the quarter final stage losing to Turkey. This marks Senegal’s second qualification to the World in its history.
Nigeria: The Super Eagles of Nigeria only missed Germany 2006 World Cup, since making its debut at USA 1994.
This would be the sixth appearance of the Super Eagles having featured in five previous tournaments. The furthest it has reached is the round of 16.
Morocco: Having topped Group C in qualification, the Atlas Lions have now qualified for five tournaments. They were the first African team to win a group at the World Cup back in Argentina 1986, finishing ahead of Portugal, Poland and England.
They were also the first African team to make it to the second round, losing eventually to Germany.
