Barcelona and Cameroon striker Samuel Eto`o believes an African team can win the World Cup in Germany.
Despite the absence of Nigeria and Cameroon at next month`s tournament, Eto`o said there was plenty of potential in Ghana, Angola, Tunisia, Togo and the Ivory Coast.
"I think all the African teams that are there are there for a reason.
"They have the means to live their dreams and go all the way. But they need to believe," he said.
Eto`o was speaking during a visit to Israel to promote a joint Israeli-Arab youth football initiative aimed at bringing the divided communities together.
On Tuesday, he also picked up a `Peace and Friendship` award from Shimon Peres, Israel`s vice-premier, for his battle against racism as well as the aid he gives to Africa.
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"Because of their potential I think everyone is putting their hopes in the Ivory Coast," said Eto`o, singling out the Ivorian defence for special mention.
Eto`o said he was impressed by Arsenal`s young Ivorian defenders Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue during Barcelona`s victory over Arsenal in the Uefa Champions League final.
"They are very good. They are playing at an international level already," he said.
Eto`o said he was disappointed that he was not going to the World Cup with Cameroon, particularly after Barcelona`s fine season when they also won the league title and he lifted the Pichichi, the award for the top scorer in the league.
"I think that everything I have done with the club is not compatible with the fact that I am not going to the World Cup," Eto`o admitted.
