Africa wept with Senegal on Thursday as the last continental hope bombed out of the Fifa World Cup in Russia. Though Africa has no reason to hang its head in shame, the loss was significant as it was the continent's worst World Cup display in 36 years.
We last progressed to the knockout stages in 1982. With the continent's big five - Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco - Africa showed the world that her time had come and, like no time before, it matched the world pound for pound in talent. While the world gave us Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, we offered them Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
Africa can hold its own against the world, and yet it has become the classic case of "so near, yet so far". Four years ago in Brazil, Nigeria and Algeria did well, and we were hoping to do even better this time.
Alas, our state of readiness has been called into question and Africa has been found wanting.
Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr told BBC Sport: “I think the future is for Nigeria because there is a big solidarity - you saw in the difficult moments how great the spirit in the team is.”
The future of this game belongs to all nations of the continent that will invest in development.
If you look at the Africans plying their trade in the Diaspora as naturalised citizens of their adoptive countries, you will appreciate what a nursery Africa has become for the world. All we need is to nurture this talent for Africa’s benefit.