Which African Nation?

So, Brazil 2014. 5 African nations, 5 hopes of breaking that semi final duck... But can it happen this summer?

GHANA (Group G - Germany, Portugal, USA)

4 years ago Ghana went so close to making the semi's, can they do it this time? They have a tough group, maybe even the hardest.
Their strengths lay in the midfield. They have a lovely blend of experience and youthful class. Muntari (81 caps), Essien (31 years old and 56 caps), Asamoah (60 caps) and Kevin Prince Boateng are all very experienced both at international level and at top European clubs.
Add in the younger generation, Agyemang-Badu, Atsu, Andre Ayew and Wakaso and it is a midfield that can compete with most nations.
The problems I see are up front and in defence. Gyan has the ability to score, but the alternatives (Jordan Ayew, Waris and the uncapped Accam) perhaps lack real goal threat.
They have a relatively young defence, with Mensah (23), Inkoom (24) and 21 year olds Schlupp and Sumaila among their squad.
In last years African Nations Cup they once again failed, losing in the semi finals against Burkina Faso.
My prediction? Knocked out at Group Stage

NIGERIA (Group F -Argentina, Iran, Bosnia/Herzegovina)

The ACON champions will look at Bosnia as the hurdle they have to get over to progress this year. A lot of their hopes lie with striker Emmanuel Emenike. The Fenerbache striker top scored in the ACON success and looks the main threat here.
Nigeria also boast arguably the best African keeper going. Lilies Vincent Enyeama has 89 caps, and a fair bit of quality.
John Obi Mikel will be another key man, perhaps their best player in the 2013 success. Ogenyi Onazi is already a key player at just 21 years of age. He will partner Mikel in midfield, and has already gained 51 Serie A appearances.
My Prediction? Knocked out in Second Round

CÔTE D'IVOIRE (Group C - Colombia, Greece, Japan)

A great chance for what often looks like the strongest African nation to progress. But is it an ask too much for the ageing "Golden Generation" that has so often disappointed?
The talisman Didier Drogba is now 36, and is joined in being the wrong side of thirty by key members of the squad;Boubacar, Zokora, Kolo, YaYa, Ya Konan, Boka.
They will need others to step up, and Serge Aurier is one young player who has stepped up. Wilfred Bony, Gervinho and Seydou Doumbia have all had great domestic seasons! and will need to carry this on to Brazil.
They have a real chance of making the Last 16, have they got enough to beat the winners of Group D?
My Prediction Second Round

ALGERIA (Group H - Belgium, Russia, South Korea)

Defence is the best way forward, it seems for this lot. 4 years ago they only conceded twice, but only picked up one point as they failed to score a single goal.
Nottingham Forest's Rafik Djebbour leads this attack! but his 5 goals in 33 caps tells a story. El Arbi Hillel Soudari and Islam Silmani have better ratio's, both on a goal every other game, and will hope to continue this in Brazil.
Madjib Bougherra will captain them and lead their defence, while Spurs midfielder Nabil Bentaleb will look to make his mark in midfield.
Could the Algerians cause a bit of a shock in what looks a nice enough group?
My Prediction Knocked out in Second Round

Cameroon (Group A - Brazil, Croatia, Mexico)

A shadow of the team that excited so many way back in 1990 on their way to the Quarters, although Samuel Eto'o will fancy himself to "do a Milla". His partnership with Webo and/or Aboubakar will be key to their hopes of getting out of Group A.
Their star players may be Schalke 04s Joel Matip and Marseilles Nicolas N'Koulou as defensive duties will surely be vital to progression.
A midfield of exPremier League stars Alex Song, Jean Makoun and Stephane Mbia will have to be at its best against the quality Brazil and Croatia possess.
My Prediction - Knocked out at Group stage


Not a vintage summer for Africans if my predictions turn out correct.