Africa Football Discussion Thread || Current discussion: African teams at Qatar.

[Oluwa-btc]

But is this even necessary? Why not play a friendly match with a nation that isn't going to the world cup instead of playing it with a nation that has just one week to rest before playing at the World cup after the players in the squad played for their respective clubs just last week. Portugal has all to lose in this game and if I were the coach I won't play any of the players called up for the world cup. I will use my third choice players and give them the motivation that this is a chanct for them to prove themselves of been worthy players to start for their national side.

I can't risk losing any player to injuries especially as the Nigerian side are very physical. I think any international friendly ongoing during this one week is just very risky to nations that have qualifed for the world cup. If you want your players to familiarize with themselves then they should train and play games with in themselves that they'll be mindful of how they attack in other to not joapadize their chnacyas the world cup.

Like this is not a good plan, I have seen big name's and big deals crying over not making the FIFA World Cup even with few days already but Portugal seems to have them own motives though, like, why train with a side that is physically sound when you are a stone throw to the FIFA World Cup  ? Lol I really do hope that plan work's for them .

I really don't know how chanced I'll be, else I'd love to see how they cope with the Nigerian National side, could be that The Nigerian Portuguese Coach was the one responsible for fixing this game, since Portugal would face Senegalese National side at the or should I say Ghanaians ? I can't really recall lol, it would be a good test so they know how to face a them and possibly deal with that black energy and strength.

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[buwaytress]

I know I should probably comb through this thread, but out of curiosity, how many of you here have your country represented in Qatar in this World Cup? Really want to know the Cameroonians, Ghanaians, Moroccans, Tunisians, Senegalese here =)

I'm team Senegal, by the way, and no, it's not simply because of Mane. Also rooted for them in SKorea/Japan World Cup. Have to say they don't play as attractive football these days (I watched Afcon) compared to then, but World Cup is a different affair yeah?

[CryptopreneurBrainboss]

I really don't know how chanced I'll be, else I'd love to see how they cope with the Nigerian National side, could be that The Nigerian Portuguese Coach was the one responsible for fixing this game, since Portugal would face Senegalese National side at the or should I say Ghanaians ? I can't really recall lol, it would be a good test so they know how to face a them and possibly deal with that black energy and strength.

There won't be much energy in the game and it'll most likely be boring and end in a draw. Already news has it that players that were called up to the World cup are getting injuried so players are getting more cautious as they train.

And here are the most high-profile injury situations we're monitoring closely: World Cup injuries 2022 tracker: List of players who could miss out in Qatar due to injury as Benzema cuts training short

James Maddison (England)
Kamaldeen Sulemana (Ghana)
Sardar Azmoun (Iran)
Raul Jimenez (Mexico)
Son Heung-min (South Korea)
Joe Allen (Wales)
Cesar Azpilicueta (Spain)
Amine Harit (Morocco)
Karim Benzema (France)
Source: https://www.sportingnews.com/au/amp/soccer/news/world-cup-injuries-2022-miss-injury-players-out-tracker-list/pjxap5kg2t3iwkgphfyg9hqo

Portugal plays Ghana in less than 10 days at the world cup. Ghana also has a friendly coming up tomorrow against Switzerland so they mightn't be 100% when they play Portugal at the world cup. Anybody that fixed this friendly at this critical time has to be fired as it makes no sense. We should be expecting quality football and anything that'll obstruct that should be avoided like all the friendliest ongoing.

[SatoPrincess]

Portugal vs Nigeria: International Friendly. Thu, 17 Nov 2022

On Thursday 17th November 2022, Nigeria is going to lock horns with Portugal in an international friendly match. Time is 7:45 PM WAT.

https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/onuachu-recalled-iwobi-and-osimhen-in-as-peseiro-names-nigeria-squad-for-portugal-clash/blta5a8962edc2e2755/match/17flx9d6aw1t6ezm30dhtw2l0

This friendly would be an opportunity to assess the team's readiness in preparation for the coming African Cup Of Nations qualifiers set for March next year. I think Portugal is a good side to play against and should be a tough test for the team. This is a friendly game and much isn't expected and I believe the Super Eagles team will respect the fact that the Portugese national team are preparing for the world cup and the game will be played fair to avoid injuries.

[Docnaster]

Portugal vs Nigeria: International Friendly. Thu, 17 Nov 2022

On Thursday 17th November 2022, Nigeria is going to lock horns with Portugal in an international friendly match. Time is 7:45 PM WAT.

https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/onuachu-recalled-iwobi-and-osimhen-in-as-peseiro-names-nigeria-squad-for-portugal-clash/blta5a8962edc2e2755/match/17flx9d6aw1t6ezm30dhtw2l0

This friendly would be an opportunity to assess the team's readiness in preparation for the coming African Cup Of Nations qualifiers set for March next year. I think Portugal is a good side to play against and should be a tough test for the team. This is a friendly game and much isn't expected and I believe the Super Eagles team will respect the fact that the Portugese national team are preparing for the world cup and the game will be played fair to avoid injuries.

Where would this friendly match hold, will Nigerians fly to Portugal or Portugal is flight to Nigeria, or will they go to Qatar?
This is three days to the World Cup and friendlies are still being played. I will believe that Nigeria players will have to be very soft on Portugal players to avoid any kind of injury. We should not expect a serious match because it is just a match to keep fit, especially for the Portuguese.

[Oluwa-btc]

I know I should probably comb through this thread, but out of curiosity, how many of you here have your country represented in Qatar in this World Cup? Really want to know the Cameroonians, Ghanaians, Moroccans, Tunisians, Senegalese here =)

I'm team Senegal, by the way, and no, it's not simply because of Mane. Also rooted for them in SKorea/Japan World Cup. Have to say they don't play as attractive football these days (I watched Afcon) compared to then, but World Cup is a different affair yeah?
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Going through the entire would be totally tiring and exhausting looking for what country they support but that would be the best way to identify them that's if they don't not even respond to this. I'm Nigerian from/by birth I've supported them from the African Cup of Nations they won some four years or that should be 2014 to be precise.

But since they was knocked outta the qualification stages by Ghana,I switched up real quick to support Sadio Mane and Senegalese National Team at the world Cup. They're good wining the African Cup of Nations and also do all they could to get to Qater.
I'm down for them, not saying they would win but no matter how far they go, I'mma support them till they've been knocked out.

[Rruchi man]

Anybody that fixed this friendly at this critical time has to be fired as it makes no sense. We should be expecting quality football and anything that'll obstruct that should be avoided like all the friendliest ongoing.

These players are fresh coming up from their different clubs, while the friendlies may seem unnecessary and like stress for the players, it is important for the coach to see how they can play as a team before the group stage of the world cup begins where every game counts.

Portugal will be without Ronaldo in the friendlies against Nigeria in Lisbon and I am sure the coach will not over stress his key players. Nigeria will win against Portugal.

[Marykeller]

Portugal vs Nigeria: International Friendly. Thu, 17 Nov 2022

On Thursday 17th November 2022, Nigeria is going to lock horns with Portugal in an international friendly match. Time is 7:45 PM WAT.

The Super Eagles will use the friendly as part of their preparations for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers set for next March

I can't risk losing any player to injuries especially as the Nigerian side are very physical. I think any international friendly ongoing during this one week is just very risky to nations that have qualifed for the world cup. If you want your players to familiarize with themselves then they should train and play games with in themselves that they'll be mindful of how they attack in other to not joapadize their chnacyas the world cup.

From what I can get from the friendly match between Nigeria and Portugal is for Portugal to check whether they can win against Ghana or not in the world cup. Although the friendly match came at the wrong time but somehow good to test their chance of qualifying at their group H table.

I don't think the friendly match will be that physical, both teams will take it easy on themselves. They know what's a stake for Portugal

[Davidvictorson]

From what I can get from the friendly match between Nigeria and Portugal is for Portugal to check whether they can win against Ghana or not in the world cup. Although the friendly match came at the wrong time but somehow good to test their chance of qualifying at their group H table.

I don't think the friendly match will be that physical, both teams will take it easy on themselves. They know what's a stake for Portugal

Child's game is what best describes the game. I knew from the onset that the Super Eagles were not going to win. Portugal had a fun time. Could the Nigerian team had done better? Yes, if only they had learned from the losses of their previous matches. Nigeria lost to Ecuador, Mexico, Costa Rica, Algeria. No way they were going to beat Portugal. Well, I hope they learn from this loss. 

[Joca97]

Ever since gernot Rohr was sacked as Nigeria coach the team has been in their worst form.  Rory was sacked,  and Augustine Egueavon was brought in and the super eagles could not qualify for AFCON tournament,  Nigeria is no where to be found in the world cup. Rohr was the best coach Nigeria has ever had, if he is still coach of Nigeria maybe  they would have been part of the world cup.

They continue to play bad with Portugal they lost to easily and portugal didnt want to go into full power. Nigeria needs to do better if they want to do something. They need to improve their play because this dosent lead to anything with how they were playing today

[Wakate]

From what I can get from the friendly match between Nigeria and Portugal is for Portugal to check whether they can win against Ghana or not in the world cup. Although the friendly match came at the wrong time but somehow good to test their chance of qualifying at their group H table.

I don't think the friendly match will be that physical, both teams will take it easy on themselves. They know what's a stake for Portugal

Child's game is what best describes the game. I knew from the onset that the Super Eagles were not going to win. Portugal had a fun time. Could the Nigerian team had done better? Yes, if only they had learned from the losses of their previous matches. Nigeria lost to Ecuador, Mexico, Costa Rica, Algeria. No way they were going to beat Portugal. Well, I hope they learn from this loss. 

We just need to understand that games has type and for supper eagle to play with the giant Portugal team means the Nigeria team is either losing or drawing the match which was vividly clear. It is too much of high expectations to think that the Eagle team is going to win. I hope for the team to go and do more training and work on their team so that next time if this kind of match happens to repeat itself, the Eagles will be prepared to try their best and fix their mistakes because there was lots of wrong passing and poor team work which led to the super eagle team to lose the match to the Portugal team.

[Igebotz]

I know I should probably comb through this thread, but out of curiosity, how many of you here have your country represented in Qatar in this World Cup? Really want to know the Cameroonians, Ghanaians, Moroccans, Tunisians, Senegalese here =)

I'm team Senegal, by the way, and no, it's not simply because of Mane. Also rooted for them in SKorea/Japan World Cup. Have to say they don't play as attractive football these days (I watched Afcon) compared to then, but World Cup is a different affair yeah?

90% of the Africans on the forum are Nigerians, so it's unlikely that you'll find Tunisians, Moroccans, or anyone else here unless those rooting for them, like me. For instance, I'm rooting for Senegalese too (now that Mane is officially out, I'm not sure how reliable this news is, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed). Cameroon and Ghana are our two rivals in West Africa football, not sure any Nigerian will root for either of them except those who don't know our rivalry history.

They continue to play bad with Portugal they lost to easily and portugal didnt want to go into full power. Nigeria needs to do better if they want to do something. They need to improve their play because this dosent lead to anything with how they were playing today

I have never seen us play this bad with all the quality players in the squad yet they were just spamming crosses and can't even make 3- 4 passes, I can't believe I turned off my TV after only 15 minutes into the game. The Portuguese were just having fun.

[swogerino]

I think that Senegal is the strongest team from Africa here in the World Cup and they also showed a great performance in the African Cup sometime ago.I think that the other teams like Cameroon which were once the strongest team representing Africa in World Cups before needs to improve their performance as I doubt them to go that far here in this World Cup while Senegal has a real opportunity of passing at least the group stage and yes even if Mane is out of the team most probably they are still the strongest team from Africa during such competition.

[Strongkored]

I think that Senegal is the strongest team from Africa here in the World Cup and they also showed a great performance in the African Cup sometime ago.I think that the other teams like Cameroon which were once the strongest team representing Africa in World Cups before needs to improve their performance as I doubt them to go that far here in this World Cup while Senegal has a real opportunity of passing at least the group stage and yes even if Mane is out of the team most probably they are still the strongest team from Africa during such competition.

So far, it's true that Senegal is the strongest team from Africa but the confirmation of Mane's absence at this World Cup will have a big impact on their appearance. This is very detrimental and unpleasant for the team, but my prediction is that they will still go through the group phase.

[EarnOnVictor]

Portugal vs Nigeria: International Friendly. Thu, 17 Nov 2022

On Thursday 17th November 2022, Nigeria is going to lock horns with Portugal in an international friendly match. Time is 7:45 PM WAT.

The Super Eagles will use the friendly as part of their preparations for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers set for next March

I can't risk losing any player to injuries especially as the Nigerian side are very physical. I think any international friendly ongoing during this one week is just very risky to nations that have qualifed for the world cup. If you want your players to familiarize with themselves then they should train and play games with in themselves that they'll be mindful of how they attack in other to not joapadize their chnacyas the world cup.

From what I can get from the friendly match between Nigeria and Portugal is for Portugal to check whether they can win against Ghana or not in the world cup. Although the friendly match came at the wrong time but somehow good to test their chance of qualifying at their group H table.

I don't think the friendly match will be that physical, both teams will take it easy on themselves. They know what's a stake for Portugal

I will choose Portugal over Ghana 10 times, they are not even to be compared with the present form of Portugal's national team. I have honestly predicted my team that would qualify from the group stage, and from group H, Portugal and Uruguay are my preferences, Ghana did not even meet up. Ghana often struggles when they meet Nigeria in matches, but have you seen what Portugal played against Nigeria yesterday? Not only the 4-0 but the dominance and tactics of the team. Ghana is not just a match!

[Oluwa-btc]

From what I can get from the friendly match between Nigeria and Portugal is for Portugal to check whether they can win against Ghana or not in the world cup. Although the friendly match came at the wrong time but somehow good to test their chance of qualifying at their group H table.

I don't think the friendly match will be that physical, both teams will take it easy on themselves. They know what's a stake for Portugal

Child's game is what best describes the game. I knew from the onset that the Super Eagles were not going to win. Portugal had a fun time. Could the Nigerian team had done better? Yes, if only they had learned from the losses of their previous matches. Nigeria lost to Ecuador, Mexico, Costa Rica, Algeria. No way they were going to beat Portugal. Well, I hope they learn from this loss. 

Reading your comments feels like you was expectant, more than that, more like you expected Nigeria to win Portugal in the friendly match lol. First saw two goals from Bruno Fernandez and with the first goal being assisted by Dalot the Manchester United Right full back. Bruno Fernandez should have had his first hat trick for Portugal, if he had converted that beautiful pass from Jaoa Felix, Good touch but he was a bit poor with his left foot, the miss saw them leaving for the break with two goals down. Second goal been a penalty.

The likes of Williams Calvaho helped sheild the defense, infact, that midfield was runned by Portugal, not even Wilfred Ndidi or Etebo could stop em. Nigeria operated more from the wing , thr best chance they had to score was twice one from Chukuwe Eze the Villarreal winger and then the penalty missed by former Watford player Dennis. Just like you said a game for fun for Portuguese National side.

The likes of Cancelo and Diego Dalot would give them lighting attacking and defending from those fullbacks at the world Cup, thanks to Pep Guardiola for Cancelo and Erik Ten Hag for revamping Dalot back to a good form. Qatar we feast in fee Days C'mon 🔥🔥🔥✈️

[buwaytress]

But since they was knocked outta the qualification stages by Ghana,I switched up real quick to support Sadio Mane and Senegalese National Team at the world Cup. They're good wining the African Cup of Nations and also do all they could to get to Qater.
I'm down for them, not saying they would win but no matter how far they go, I'mma support them till they've been knocked out.

Cool, same as me then. I do like the strike force for Ghana but even Senegal struggles up front because the midfield isn't as creative as club colleagues, and I've got a nice 130/1 bet on them so if they win, I'm having an early Christmas

90% of the Africans on the forum are Nigerians, so it's unlikely that you'll find Tunisians, Moroccans, or anyone else here unless those rooting for them, like me. For instance, I'm rooting for Senegalese too (now that Mane is officially out, I'm not sure how reliable this news is, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed). Cameroon and Ghana are our two rivals in West Africa football, not sure any Nigerian will root for either of them except those who don't know our rivalry history.

Yeah, Nigerians for sure, a bit of a shame they didn't make it to the finals or the forum would be popping -- Moroccans I meet quite a lot before on Clubtalk in Sportsbet and I used to see them in forum, they have quite crazy football club support, so I'm hoping they transport some of that craziness to Doha!

Mane definitely out I think as I've seen the news even on Bayern club site... such a shame one of the best players isn't there, I can't imagine how he's feeling.

Team Senegal it is for the forum!

[Marykeller]

but have you seen what Portugal played against Nigeria yesterday? Not only the 4-0 but the dominance and tactics of the team. Ghana is not just a match!

It was terrible from the Nigerian side. They played nothing but an excellent display of unpatriotism. This is what is called a friendly game that turns sour and becomes a national embarrassment.

It would have been a total disgrace if Nigeria qualified for the world cup. Super Eagles would have added to one of the existing problems of Nigerians.

Ghana will do better in the world. They might qualify for the group stage with Portugal. You never can tell. Don't discredit them

[Cryptomultiplier]

but have you seen what Portugal played against Nigeria yesterday? Not only the 4-0 but the dominance and tactics of the team. Ghana is not just a match!

It was terrible from the Nigerian side. They played nothing but an excellent display of unpatriotism. This is what is called a friendly game that turns sour and becomes a national embarrassment.

It would have been a total disgrace if Nigeria qualified for the world cup. Super Eagles would have added to one of the existing problems of Nigerians.

Ghana will do better in the world. They might qualify for the group stage with Portugal. You never can tell. Don't discredit them

Nigeria always performed with lacklustre during most games they do not and do find beneficial. If they had qualified,  this would probably be same way they would have played. Having to play a team like Portugal is an honor because it means they were full of potential to have been picked and this is in alignment with the fixture.  Africa in this world cup may not do so well unless Ghana shocks us with some great display. Better luck to the Ghana in team first, then to other African teams flying their country flag.

[Sandra_hakeem]

It was terrible from the Nigerian side. They played nothing but an excellent display of unpatriotism. This is what is called a friendly game that turns sour and becomes a national embarrassment.

This is sounding - rather too harsh on 'em buddy. They' fucked up, that's undisputable but, things could still get better next time -- as it hasn't happened before which clearly could be a reason why they'll have to gear up, just to make 'em lagacies? It could possibly work that way.

It would have been a total disgrace if Nigeria qualified for the world cup. Super Eagles would have added to one of the existing problems of Nigerians.

This wasn't necessary at all.

Ghana will do better in the world. They might qualify for the group stage with Portugal. You never can tell. Don't discredit them

No one would summon a bunch of courage to belittle Ghanaians..lol ..those guys can make a quick reformation in pitch and , that'll simply be the win for 'em. It's always a tough one when they both meet -- on which ever platform it is -- but I guess Nigerian has lost the race even before the sound came from the clapper, already.

Sandra 💇