Africa Football Discussion || Current Topic: Worldcup qualifiers - CAF.

[Marykeller]

Compared to any other side Nigeria has faced in the AFCON, Angola really gave the Super Eagles a run for their money. Jose Poseiro proved his worth yesterday, he’s been under heavy criticism from fans for his style of play. The fans will be singing his praises now that he is getting it right. In less than a hour, we will know who our opponent will be in the semi finals. It’s half time for Cape Verde - South Africa, it’s been a interesting match. I’m expecting we will see some goals in the second half.

The match that took place yesterday featured South Africa versus Cape Verde, and South Africa won 2:1 in the penalty shootout. South Africa will be Nigeria's opponent in the AFCON semifinals because of their yesterday's wins. The South African goalkeeper was named man of the match due to his outstanding performance in the game. 
The last time the Super Eagles played the South African Bafana Bafana in an AFCON match was back in 2019, and the Super Eagles won 2:1.
Both sides will be at odds in three days over who survives and advances to the next round. Their following meeting is for the World Cup Qualifications. In both of the Super Eagles football matchups with South Africa, I hope the Super Eagles win.

[QueenVera]

Hmmm, this will definitely going to be a mouth watering encounter between this two teams,  even though when you look at the record between Nigeria and south Africa it has always been a one-sided affair, in the sense that, Nigeria always come out on top, but I still think that this one is different due to the stage of their meeting and what it as stake, so the south Africa side will give more fight than the previous encounter between them I believe so.

Secondly in as much as I am a Nigerian, and that sentiment of wanting Nigeria to win is high, but I still see Nigeria winning this one because when you look at both teams, you will observe that the Nigerian team have more balance, expecially in defense more than the south Africa side, and besides the Nigeria team are one of the bigger boys in African football, so I believe they can secure victory in this encounter between them.

Nigeria vs South Africa is one big match that all of Africans and the wod will want to see especially as it turns out to be one very big match in African History. Even when you check between these two, Nigeria still comes out real top. South Africa should come into this encounter with all cautions and as underdogs but I know they’ll come as the top contenders forgetting that the Super Eagles are a better team. Yes they’re a better team in terms of squad depth and experience and also how they play in the pitch.

 Well Nigeria will still come out top of this encounter and will really gun for the trophy and I believe Nigeria will sure get this trophy. South Africa will have to be wary because Nigeria defense line are so good and their attack proves to be dangerous and could hit hard on you anytime they get the opportunity to.

[CryptoHeadlineNews]

South Africa is not an easy opponent and considering they have some sort of beef on social media amongst their fans they will want to make it difficult for themselves. At this level AFCON has now become more intense and interesting and so no team will want to lose at this stage. Nigeria can win it if they actually work hard and become more serious than how they played against Angola because Angola has been their toughest opponent so far in the competition.

Nigeria has the potential of winning next tomorrow's game against South Africa, but only if they could play a more calculative game of scoring more goals and not the usual pattern of one goal, which they have always been known for all through the previous AFCON matches, because South Africa are known to have history of multiple goal scoring and likely to take chances if our "Super Eagles" give any, hence, it will be a more pleasure if our Super Eagles could keep fly as always to win this match and the trophy, as we are all eager to see what the outcome of this match will finally end up to be.

[snipie]

South Africa is not an easy opponent and considering they have some sort of beef on social media amongst their fans they will want to make it difficult for themselves. At this level AFCON has now become more intense and interesting and so no team will want to lose at this stage. Nigeria can win it if they actually work hard and become more serious than how they played against Angola because Angola has been their toughest opponent so far in the competition.

Nigeria has the potential of winning next tomorrow's game against South Africa, but only if they could play a more calculative game of scoring more goals and not the usual pattern of one goal, which they have always been known for all through the previous AFCON matches, because South Africa are known to have history of multiple goal scoring and likely to take chances if our "Super Eagles" give any, hence, it will be a more pleasure if our Super Eagles could keep fly as always to win this match and the trophy, as we are all eager to see what the outcome of this match will finally end up to be.

Nigeria odds are 1.7 while South Africa odds to win are very low at 6.2. I don't understand why the difference is so big and whether bookies are underestimating South Africa.
I think this match is harder than facing Ivory Coast or DR Congo in the final match. If Nigeria could pass South Africa then indeed they will lift the trophy most likely.
In the other match, I think lucky Ivory Coast will pass and they will play the final game in their home.

[Orpichukwu]

The match that took place yesterday featured South Africa versus Cape Verde, and South Africa won 2:1 in the penalty shootout. South Africa will be Nigeria's opponent in the AFCON semifinals because of their yesterday's wins. The South African goalkeeper was named man of the match due to his outstanding performance in the game. 
The last time the Super Eagles played the South African Bafana Bafana in an AFCON match was back in 2019, and the Super Eagles won 2:1.
Both sides will be at odds in three days over who survives and advances to the next round. Their following meeting is for the World Cup Qualifications. In both of the Super Eagles football matchups with South Africa, I hope the Super Eagles win.

This year, AFCON Nigeria is really showing some great effort and team chemistry. To be honest, I never expected them to get this far, but they surprise us all, and if they can get through this upcoming match between them and South Africa, then we might likely see the Super Eagles win the trophy this year.
 
Judging from their 5 last matches over the past years, both teams have really been competitive, with them having 3 total draws and 1 win for each side. This time around, the competition will be much more intense as both teams are prepared to get to the top and don't want to give up on their neighbours.
 
The South Africa goalkeeper on a screen conference already dropped a statement that the Super Eagles should prepare as this won't be like any other regular kind of match for them. Let's just see how the match goes this time around.

[SatoPrincess]

Nigeria odds are 1.7 while South Africa odds to win are very low at 6.2. I don't understand why the difference is so big and whether bookies are underestimating South Africa.
I think this match is harder than facing Ivory Coast or DR Congo in the final match. If Nigeria could pass South Africa then indeed they will lift the trophy most likely.
In the other match, I think lucky Ivory Coast will pass and they will play the final game in their home.

Nigeria is no stranger to South Africa, both sides have faced each other multiple times in the last decade and the Super Eagles have always had the upper hand. This match will be the most difficult game the Super Eagles will play in the competition, Nigeria may look good on paper but it is the semifinals and both sides will be under immense pressure to win the match. In games like this, it’s not always the better team that wins.

[Docnaster]

Compared to any other side Nigeria has faced in the AFCON, Angola really gave the Super Eagles a run for their money. Jose Poseiro proved his worth yesterday, he’s been under heavy criticism from fans for his style of play. The fans will be singing his praises now that he is getting it right. In less than a hour, we will know who our opponent will be in the semi finals. It’s half time for Cape Verde - South Africa, it’s been a interesting match. I’m expecting we will see some goals in the second half.

The match that took place yesterday featured South Africa versus Cape Verde, and South Africa won 2:1 in the penalty shootout. South Africa will be Nigeria's opponent in the AFCON semifinals because of their yesterday's wins. The South African goalkeeper was named man of the match due to his outstanding performance in the game. 
The last time the Super Eagles played the South African Bafana Bafana in an AFCON match was back in 2019, and the Super Eagles won 2:1.
Both sides will be at odds in three days over who survives and advances to the next round. Their following meeting is for the World Cup Qualifications. In both of the Super Eagles football matchups with South Africa, I hope the Super Eagles win.

As we draw nearer to the end of the current CAF African Cup Of Nations tournament, the games are expected to be more difficult to than it was in the group stage and in the first two knockout stages of the tournament. The Super Eagles of Nigeria toughest game in the tournament I think was in the game quarter final game against Angola but the way they protected their defense line and made sure they never conceded a goal in that game makes me to see them as the favourite team that'll win the African Cup Of Nations trophy. Against South Africa in the semi final, I'm not giving South Africa a single chance to take anything away from that particular encounter.

[Davidvictorson]

Nigeria odds are 1.7 while South Africa odds to win are very low at 6.2. I don't understand why the difference is so big and whether bookies are underestimating South Africa.

This is exactly what I don't want. I want it to be the other way around. I want the team to beleive in themselves but not be overconfident based on analysis like this. I watched the highlights of the penalty shootouts and I must say that the SA goalie is damn good.
Yes it's been all over social media that we have a solid defence and praises have been going to the our goal keep yet I still leave room for skepticism and doubt in my heart as to the ability of our boys. I do this to be on a safe side. I do not want to be hurt and disappointed in the end.

I think this match is harder than facing Ivory Coast or DR Congo in the final match. If Nigeria could pass South Africa then indeed they will lift the trophy most likely.

Yes, this is a more difficult match both on the field and off the pitch. I hope our boys win. I want to see them in the finals. I want to see them lift the cup. I want to see my country men be untied again for one thing - the Joy of Winning.

In the other match, I think lucky Ivory Coast will pass and they will play the final game in their home.

They are one lucky sons of bitches. I hope the luck ends in the finals or in their game against DR Congo

[Nheer]

South Africa is not an easy opponent and considering they have some sort of beef on social media amongst their fans they will want to make it difficult for themselves. At this level AFCON has now become more intense and interesting and so no team will want to lose at this stage. Nigeria can win it if they actually work hard and become more serious than how they played against Angola because Angola has been their toughest opponent so far in the competition.

Nigeria has the potential of winning next tomorrow's game against South Africa, but only if they could play a more calculative game of scoring more goals and not the usual pattern of one goal, which they have always been known for all through the previous AFCON matches, because South Africa are known to have history of multiple goal scoring and likely to take chances if our "Super Eagles" give any, hence, it will be a more pleasure if our Super Eagles could keep fly as always to win this match and the trophy, as we are all eager to see what the outcome of this match will finally end up to be.

You do have a point, goals win you matches but the defensive nature of Nigerian current formation will make it very difficult to score more goals. I think sticking to that 3 men defense formation is what’s best for them if they want to have any chances of winning the game because as they progress in the competition the team spirit seem to be improving and are blending more as a team compared to other matches they adopted a different formation.

If they don’t concede a goal i think they should be capable of winning the match, i trust the defense but the midfield has a little lapses which they need to improve on. They are currently having a fine run in the competition and they should keep the fire burning. South Africa cannot be underestimated at all and of all they should avoid penalties because the South African goalkeeper as shown how good he is in penalties.

[knowngunman]

Nigeria odds are 1.7 while South Africa odds to win are very low at 6.2. I don't understand why the difference is so big and whether bookies are underestimating South Africa.
I think this match is harder than facing Ivory Coast or DR Congo in the final match. If Nigeria could pass South Africa then indeed they will lift the trophy most likely.
In the other match, I think lucky Ivory Coast will pass and they will play the final game in their home.

The odds in those bookmakers is nothing but a manipulation to confuse the gamblers and I'm very sure they will reduce the odds to either 4 or 3 as the time get closer. I'm a Nigerian and of course, I support super eagle but I can not confidently say it will be easy ride for them against bafana bafana of South Africa. Football aside, South Africa as a country are seeing themselves as a counterpart of Nigeria and portraying themselves as the giant of Africa. They are really in competition with Nigeria and they will definitely want to prove a point in this upcoming encounter.

If they don’t concede a goal i think they should be capable of winning the match, i trust the defense but the midfield has a little lapses which they need to improve on. They are currently having a fine run in the competition and they should keep the fire burning. South Africa cannot be underestimated at all and of all they should avoid penalties because the South African goalkeeper as shown how good he is in penalties.

You're absolutely right because midfield is the most crucial position in the game of football. Even with average defense, if the midfielders are good enough to hold ball, your opponent will not have the opportunity to threaten your defenders. In fact, midfield is the engine room of football. Nigeria seriously needs to improve in the midfield because so far, there's no coordination in our midfield and that is why we received a lot of pressure in our last match against Angola especially in the few minutes to final whistle.

[uchegod-21]

South Africa is not an easy opponent and considering they have some sort of beef on social media amongst their fans they will want to make it difficult for themselves. At this level AFCON has now become more intense and interesting and so no team will want to lose at this stage. Nigeria can win it if they actually work hard and become more serious than how they played against Angola because Angola has been their toughest opponent so far in the competition.

Nigeria has the potential of winning next tomorrow's game against South Africa, but only if they could play a more calculative game of scoring more goals and not the usual pattern of one goal, which they have always been known for all through the previous AFCON matches, because South Africa are known to have history of multiple goal scoring and likely to take chances if our "Super Eagles" give any, hence, it will be a more pleasure if our Super Eagles could keep fly as always to win this match and the trophy, as we are all eager to see what the outcome of this match will finally end up to be.

What we need to understand in football is that once the group stage is over and the knockout stage is over no team again is a small team. For anything to be able to succeed the group stage and not get eliminated and then proceed to the knockout stage down to the quarter finals and semi-finals, that the team is able to win anything that is in that tournament. South Africa is not a country to be underrated because they have the most active and the recognize league in Africa. The present of these good clubs in their country must have impacted their football playing style to a very high positive standard. So Nigeria need to be very careful and put more effort more than the have done in the previous matches.

Some people I did not understand most times are the bookmakers and I do not understand why they have to make the odds between Nigeria and South Africa obviously much difference. We should be careful and not fall for this trap

[QueenVera]

What we need to understand in football is that once the group stage is over and the knockout stage is over no team again is a small team. For anything to be able to succeed the group stage and not get eliminated and then proceed to the knockout stage down to the quarter finals and semi-finals, that the team is able to win anything that is in that tournament. South Africa is not a country to be underrated because they have the most active and the recognize league in Africa. The present of these good clubs in their country must have impacted their football playing style to a very high positive standard. So Nigeria need to be very careful and put more effort more than the have done in the previous matches.

Some people I did not understand most times are the bookmakers and I do not understand why they have to make the odds between Nigeria and South Africa obviously much difference. We should be careful and not fall for this trap

Yes the Semi Final is one very crucial stage of every competition and at this stage no team should be underestimated. It’s in this stage we see big teams always falling to the traps of the underdogs because of how overconfident they seem to get knowing thAt everything are in theor favour. I don’t think this will be the case for Nigeria because in as much as they’ve got a better squad than South Africa, they still know that in therms of local football in the continent, South Africa proves to have a better league. So I believe the Super Eagles will approach this game with all caution and seriousness and not leave any stone unturned whilst they prepare for this encounter.

 Yes the odds from the bookies are normal and I don’t see them as a trap especially as I watch how intense the Super Eagles prepare for this encounter; you cN see the hunger in the general team to want to succeed and get this trophy home and I know they’ll sure make it happen. They will take on this South Africa side with all carefulness and determination and will sure get victory in this encounter. So I’m gonna stake on Nigeria to win and the total number of goals in this match with how composed Nigeria is defensively, I’ll say not more than 3 goals is expected in this match.

[KTChampions]

Nigeria is no stranger to South Africa, both sides have faced each other multiple times in the last decade and the Super Eagles have always had the upper hand. This match will be the most difficult game the Super Eagles will play in the competition, Nigeria may look good on paper but it is the semifinals and both sides will be under immense pressure to win the match. In games like this, it’s not always the better team that wins.

This is true for all games. The current situation on paper is this:

Nigeria - South Africa           1.64 - 3.38 - 6.08

Ivory Coast - Congo             2.14 - 2.94 - 3.77

I don't quite understand why Ivory Coast are such relatively big favorites in the match against Congo. Congo performed well in the playoffs, plus Ivory Coast played extra time in the last game and it was a hard, grueling match. In my opinion, the chances in this game are completely equal. There are no questions about Nigeria - they are the clear favorites in both the semi-finals and finals.

[Oluwa-btc]

South Africa is not an easy opponent and considering they have some sort of beef on social media amongst their fans they will want to make it difficult for themselves. At this level AFCON has now become more intense and interesting and so no team will want to lose at this stage. Nigeria can win it if they actually work hard and become more serious than how they played against Angola because Angola has been their toughest opponent so far in the competition.

Nigeria has the potential of winning next tomorrow's game against South Africa, but only if they could play a more calculative game of scoring more goals and not the usual pattern of one goal, which they have always been known for all through the previous AFCON matches, because South Africa are known to have history of multiple goal scoring and likely to take chances if our "Super Eagles" give any, hence, it will be a more pleasure if our Super Eagles could keep fly as always to win this match and the trophy, as we are all eager to see what the outcome of this match will finally end up to be.

Nigeria odds are 1.7 while South Africa odds to win are very low at 6.2. I don't understand why the difference is so big and whether bookies are underestimating South Africa.
I think this match is harder than facing Ivory Coast or DR Congo in the final match. If Nigeria could pass South Africa then indeed they will lift the trophy most likely.
In the other match, I think lucky Ivory Coast will pass and they will play the final game in their home.

I've seen that game they played during the group stage of the African Cup of Nations Competitions and they're more of a composed side in midfied and attack, they looked penetrate able though it's all going down on Wednesday. They've not bragged like Angola saying they'll do this and but, they shouldn't be underestimated. They're off course one of the best side's in the African Cup of Nations Competitions.

Nigerians shouldn't be deceived, I don't completely trust the bookmakers in between, Nigerians are fully determine I guess but I don't think they'll win the game at the end of the ninty minutes of the full game.

[Marykeller]

Compared to any other side Nigeria has faced in the AFCON, Angola really gave the Super Eagles a run for their money. Jose Poseiro proved his worth yesterday, he’s been under heavy criticism from fans for his style of play. The fans will be singing his praises now that he is getting it right. In less than a hour, we will know who our opponent will be in the semi finals. It’s half time for Cape Verde - South Africa, it’s been a interesting match. I’m expecting we will see some goals in the second half.

The match that took place yesterday featured South Africa versus Cape Verde, and South Africa won 2:1 in the penalty shootout. South Africa will be Nigeria's opponent in the AFCON semifinals because of their yesterday's wins. The South African goalkeeper was named man of the match due to his outstanding performance in the game. 
The last time the Super Eagles played the South African Bafana Bafana in an AFCON match was back in 2019, and the Super Eagles won 2:1.
Both sides will be at odds in three days over who survives and advances to the next round. Their following meeting is for the World Cup Qualifications. In both of the Super Eagles football matchups with South Africa, I hope the Super Eagles win.

As we draw nearer to the end of the current CAF African Cup Of Nations tournament, the games are expected to be more difficult to than it was in the group stage and in the first two knockout stages of the tournament. The Super Eagles of Nigeria toughest game in the tournament I think was in the game quarter final game against Angola but the way they protected their defense line and made sure they never conceded a goal in that game makes me to see them as the favourite team that'll win the African Cup Of Nations trophy. Against South Africa in the semi final, I'm not giving South Africa a single chance to take anything away from that particular encounter.

With the matches played so far in the AFCON tournament, Super Eagle is the favorite team that most African countries are verging for to lift the AFCON trophy based on their solid performance of conceding only a goal.

If the Super Eagles should miss this golden opportunity of lifting the AFCON trophy this time, with how formidable they are, I don't know when such an opportunity would arise again because the last time they won the AFCON trophy was in 2013(South Africa).

I don't see South Africa as a threat to the Super Eagle anyway, but that doesn't mean Super Eagle would take them for granted because this AFCON this year is full of surprises.

[Docnaster]

Nigeria is no stranger to South Africa, both sides have faced each other multiple times in the last decade and the Super Eagles have always had the upper hand. This match will be the most difficult game the Super Eagles will play in the competition, Nigeria may look good on paper but it is the semifinals and both sides will be under immense pressure to win the match. In games like this, it’s not always the better team that wins.

This is true for all games. The current situation on paper is this:

Nigeria - South Africa           1.64 - 3.38 - 6.08

Ivory Coast - Congo             2.14 - 2.94 - 3.77

I don't quite understand why Ivory Coast are such relatively big favorites in the match against Congo. Congo performed well in the playoffs, plus Ivory Coast played extra time in the last game and it was a hard, grueling match. In my opinion, the chances in this game are completely equal. There are no questions about Nigeria - they are the clear favorites in both the semi-finals and finals.

Judging from the odds that was given by bookmakers in the semi final games of the ongoing CAF African Cup Of Nations, it's very obvious that the Super Eagles of Nigeria have been tipped as the favorite team that'll win the championship and considering their performance in the competition, I think they absolutely deserve to be called the favorites.

Nigeria have played against their South African counterparts on numerous occasions and statistics have it that the Super Eagles have a better record against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa and if you ask me, I think the result of the semi final game between the two sides is going to end in favour of the Nigeria national team.

The other semi final game between host nation Ivory Coast and Congo will as well be a difficult game for the two teams. In terms of performance, Congo have been the better when compared to Ivory Coast national team but because of the home support that the host nation is going to enjoy, I think they stand a better chance of reaching the final. The final of the tournament is six days away from now but just like bookmakers, I'm backing the Super Eagles of Nigeria to win the trophy

[Hewlet]

South Africa is not a country to be underrated because they have the most active and the recognize league in Africa. The present of these good clubs in their country must have impacted their football playing style to a very high positive standard. So Nigeria need to be very careful and put more effort more than the have done in the previous matches.

from the performance of the south African team in their last encounter with cape verde, The Nigerian vs south African match would not be an easy game coupled with the fact that the two country see themselves as rivals in different context and I doubt either of the teams will give in any performance that is below expectation. The fact that the south African goal keepers is well informed on his duty is something worth being worried about because apart from the recent goals the super eagles have started scoring lately, they've not been too good at scoring goals in this tournament and playing against Williams as the goal keeper of the south African team will b a tough knot to crack.

Some people I did not understand most times are the bookmakers and I do not understand why they have to make the odds between Nigeria and South Africa obviously much difference. We should be careful and not fall for this trap

Their is always a time when you have to go into the stage as a big figure and play to get your win as a big country.  Regardless of the patriotic feelings attached to supporting the supper eagles, the supper eagles are the stronger side relative to the bafana bafana of south Africa and it's not surprising to see such ode.

Another thing we should have noticed is the fact that the supper eagles haven't given much attention to the rant on the social media throuout the tournament. They plan secretly, put in the effort and come to the pitch to execute what they know how to do best.

The Eagles will soar to the finals. Believe!

[KTChampions]

This is true for all games. The current situation on paper is this:

Nigeria - South Africa           1.64 - 3.38 - 6.08

Ivory Coast - Congo             2.14 - 2.94 - 3.77

I don't quite understand why Ivory Coast are such relatively big favorites in the match against Congo. Congo performed well in the playoffs, plus Ivory Coast played extra time in the last game and it was a hard, grueling match. In my opinion, the chances in this game are completely equal. There are no questions about Nigeria - they are the clear favorites in both the semi-finals and finals.

~
The other semi final game between host nation Ivory Coast and Congo will as well be a difficult game for the two teams. In terms of performance, Congo have been the better when compared to Ivory Coast national team but because of the home support that the host nation is going to enjoy, I think they stand a better chance of reaching the final. The final of the tournament is six days away from now but just like bookmakers, I'm backing the Super Eagles of Nigeria to win the trophy

The support of the home stands is of course very important (but not like before when there was no VAR if you know what I mean  ), but it seems to me that Congo is underestimated in this situation. By the way, it turns out that the Ivory Coast played extra time in both playoff games, and Congo only in the 1/8 finals against Egypt. Purely from rational considerations, one can assume that the Ivory Coast must be physically exhausted.

[Issa56]

Nigeria has the potential of winning next tomorrow's game against South Africa, but only if they could play a more calculative game of scoring more goals and not the usual pattern of one goal

Nigeria will be playing against South Africa in their next match. Seriously, if I am predicting the winner of the match, then I will be choosing Nigeria to win. The Super Eagles performance has increased recently, and the only problem that I notice is that they are always finding it difficult to score goals in most of their matches, which they should try to fix, but their defense is kind of strong, which I am sure they will be able to hold South Africa down, and Nigeria are having dangerous strikers, so I just think Nigeria has higher chances of winning the match than South Africa, but in football anything is possible, so we should just wait and see the result of the match.

[Hirose UK]

~snip~

Of a truth ademola lookman is a very good player that the Nigerian national team will cherish for years, and the thing which makes him better than chukwu eze it his ability to put away chances, so I actually believe that he is going to improve further because he is still very young.
Secondly the player around him such as osimhen and Simon Moses has really complimented him a lot, because those are top quality player that he can learn a lot of things from if he remain determine and dedicated to put in the work on getting better.

That is why Ademola Lookman opportunity to become great player in the future is really wide open, he has been said by many parties to be able to become high quality player for Nigeria and for the team he will play for in the future.
His ability to find positions and how to complete opportunities to produce goals has made it very clear that this is the way talented striker plays, Ademola Lookman showed us all that he is player who will have good career.
It just that sometimes great players will have their careers hampered if they play with the wrong team, some players experience stagnant development when they can't play with the support of capable team.

Nigeria is really lucky to have some great players and one of them is Ademola Lookman, I sure that in the future he will be the core for the Nigerian national team to perform well.
And of course playing with big European team will be able to give him valuable experience and be able to improve his playing quality.