FIFA President
Gianni Infantino has expressed his dismay that Africa failed to
secure a place in the 2018 World Cup knock-out stages.

All five African teams – Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, and
Tunisia – exited this year’s competition in the group stages.

“Of course,” Infantino replied when asked if he was saddened by
Africa’s early exit.

“The World Cup is for the whole world and the African teams were
very, very close at the end.”

“An Asian (team) made it – an African not – but I think they
will be ready soon for the next one,” he told BBC Sport.

Nigeria and Senegal both had hopes going into their final games
but the Super Eagles missed out after conceding a late goal to
Argentina while the Teranga Lions failed after losing narrowly to
Colombia.

Africa was the only continent represented at the finals that
failed to make the Round of 16.