The Guinea international claims the Super Eagles will be Africa's best bet at the upcoming global football showpiece.
The Super Eagles
Naby Keita feels the 2018 World Cup will be a tough outing for African representatives but singled out Nigeria ‘to lead by example’.
Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Senegal and the Super Eagles shoulder the continent’s dream to win the elusive diadem.
And the midfielder who is on Liverpool radar believes African teams have learnt from past flaws – and this time around will make the four.
“It will be a tough tournament for African teams but the good thing is that they have learnt from past mistakes,” Keita told Goal.
“I know Nigeria will lead by example and we will definitely have at least two teams in the semis of the competition.
“However, it is unfortunate that Guinea will not be part of the African teams at the games in Russia.”
Guinea failed in their attempt to qualify for their maiden World Cup appearance having finished behind Tunisia, DR Congo and Libya in Group A of Caf’s Third Round qualification.
Only Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana have made significant impacts on the world stage – reaching the quarter-final in the 1990, 2002 and 2010 editions.