in Africa’s Youngest World Cup Starters Ranking
Ibrahim Mbaye, who was named in Senegal’s starting XI for their ongoing clash with Iraq, has joined an exclusive group of African footballers to have started a FIFA World Cup match aged 18 or younger — a prestigious list that notably features two Nigerian forwards.
According to Opta statistics, the PSG starlet has been listed among the youngest African players to start a FIFA World Cup match, placing his name alongside several historic teenage debutants from the continent.
However, Nigeria’s contribution to this elite list remains highly significant, with Femi Opabunmi and Bartholomew Ogbeche both occupying standout positions in World Cup history.
Opabunmi remains the youngest African player to start a World Cup match, having featured at just 17 years and 101 days old.
