West Africa is the home of exceptional footballing talent. In our latest episode, co-hosts Guy and Francesco talk to Ghanian journalist Gary Al-Smith to understand why the countries in the region - Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, the Ivory Coast and Cameroon - produce so many good footballers and how and why many of them end up in Europe. In the episode we learn what impact this has had on the domestic game and for clubs there, contrasting West Africa's experience to other parts of the continent, particularly the Arab North and Southern Africa. Gary also talks about football governance there and the extent to which governments seek influence within the game. Finally, we get Gary's tips on who will win the African Cup of Nations, starting later this week, as well as which teams and players to look out for!
West Africa is the home of exceptional footballing talent. In our latest episode, co-hosts Guy and Francesco talk to Ghanian journalist Gary Al-Smith to understand why the countries in the region - Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, the Ivory Coast and Cameroon - produce so many good footballers and how and why many of them end up in Europe. In the episode we learn what impact this has had on the domestic game and for clubs there, contrasting West Africa's experience to other parts of the continent, particularly the Arab North and Southern Africa. Gary also talks about football governance there and the extent to which governments seek influence within the game. Finally, we get Gary's tips on who will win the African Cup of Nations, starting later this week, as well as which teams and players to look out for!