Former Nigerian international and UEFA-licensed coach Peter Ijeh has warned Senegal to be wary of the threats in Group I, which he labelled as the “Group of Death.”
Senegal will take on France, Norway, and Iraq to stand a chance of progressing.
In an exclusive interview with Yankee Scores, Ijeh, the former Malmo FF striker, believes Senegal must play every game like it’s a World Cup final to stand the chance of qualifying out of the “Group of Death.”
Senegal face Senegal at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Tuesday, June 16, before taking on Norway seven days later.
Though Iraq may be projected as a sacrificial cow, they may end up being a hard nut to crack, he emphasized.
“Senegal is considered the African team drawn into the tournament’s ultimate ‘Group of Death.'”
They are competing in Group I alongside two-time world champions France, a tough Norway squad, and another team from the global playoffs.
This pool boasts the highest average rating of the tournament, the reigning global powerhouses against a talented Senegalese side that previously made the World Cup knockout stages”.
Tactical Discipline on a Level Playing Field
“Ijeh is indifferent about African teams surpassing expectations, but he believes with tactical discipline they may stand a chance. Every group game is as important as the other. Every point is an essential booster to the next game. Soccer has evolved over time with levels of competitiveness.”
“You will see structured teams, tailored by tactical discipline, talents, team coordination, and cohesiveness. Soccer is an understood religion. Wishing the African team the best outing and the best team to win the World Cup,” he concluded.
Teranga Lions arrive at Spurs
Senegal arrived in San Antonio on Sunday ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Lions visited the San Antonio Spurs’ training center upon the invitation of Senegalese basketball legend and former Spurs player Gorgui Sy Dieng. The players tried their hand at baskets on the courts of the Texan franchise.
Sur invitation de Gorgui Sy Dieng, les Lions ont découvert ce dimanche les installations de The Rock, le centre d’entraînement des San Antonio Spurs.
Une visite guidée des lieux, avant de s’essayer aux paniers sur les parquets de la franchise texane.
Merci à la légende du… pic.twitter.com/dZdLD96fgi
— Equipe du Sénégal (@GaindeYi) June 8, 2026
