Africa Football Discussion || Current Topic: AFCON 2025 Qualifiers - CAF.

[DubemIfedigbo001]

This same South Africa we are talking about is also pissed about how Nigeria defeated them and I believe they have started threatening Nigerians living in their country that same day. Of recent they started threatening our goalkeeper (Nwabali) which we know plays for one of the clubs (Chippa United) in South Africa, I can't understand how childish they are to always pour their anger on us (Nigerians) each time we defeat them and CAF won't do anything to stop this or even our president.

They initiated that threat even before the game ensured, like they knew the game will be won in Nigeria's favor. They're just illiterates who doesn't know that football is a game of luck and must have just a single winner.

I just laughed when you mentioned our president BAT doing something about it, guy or babe are you blind to the fact that our president had not solved internal issues  of inflation affecting the citizens, talkless of meddling with affairs in an external country. I just don't want to be personal  or emotional here, but you should know more than that statement of yours.

So  far I've not heard of any violent move by south Africans on Nigerians, so I just guess they're empty threats to create tension on the players and nothing more and I pray it stays like that.

[Alpha Marine]

This is the core post am looking for. Not only did both teams played well; they both had excellent chances to seal up the game; but their goalkeepers stood their ground to make savings. In the penalty shootout, Nigerians simply outperformed the folks from South Africa; which is good for the sports

The problem with Bafana Bafana is that they struggle to score goals against a very solid defense. They don't know how to take their opportunities. Against Nigeria, they had better chances to score and win the game, but they did not and it hurt them in the end.

Nigeria also has this problem, but the difference is the Nigerian defense can go all day without conceding. They have the whole of the midfield supporting a five-man defense which makes it very difficult for teams to penetrate.

Ivory Coast who plays Nigeria in the final is also another team that plays very well but doesn't know how to score many goals. On Sunday, I am almost certain that Ivory Coast will play better than Nigeria, they will dominate the game, but will they win? I don't know.
As good as Ivory Coast are, they have a flaw that South Africa doesn't have which is conceding goals.
Congo was the only team that did not score against Ivory Coast in the knockout stage of this tournament. Out of 6 matches so far, Ivory Coast have conceded in 4 of them.
That is a very big loophole that they have to fill because conceding against the Super Eagles is not a good idea.
Nigeria is a team that defends well, so if they score you first, it might be game over, except maybe a drama like the one that happened in the South Africa game happens.

[SatoPrincess]

They initiated that threat even before the game ensured, like they knew the game will be won in Nigeria's favor. They're just illiterates who doesn't know that football is a game of luck and must have just a single winner.

I just laughed when you mentioned our president BAT doing something about it, guy or babe are you blind to the fact that our president had not solved internal issues  of inflation affecting the citizens, talkless of meddling with affairs in an external country. I just don't want to be personal  or emotional here, but you should know more than that statement of yours.

So  far I've not heard of any violent move by south Africans on Nigerians, so I just guess they're empty threats to create tension on the players and nothing more and I pray it stays like that.

Football is a beautiful game that brings people together irrespective of tribe, religion and race. In a diverse country like Nigeria, having a team of young men from different ethnicities. In that moment no one in the country ever remembers their tribal differences, we all just to win.

Football should not result to any form of violence or discrimination. It will be a shame if South African people attack Nigerians living in the country over a game of football. Many Nigerians haven’t forgotten the Xenophobic actions of South Africans towards Nigerians in 2019. South Africa may have lost the AFCON, but they can come out with their head up and retain their honor.

[nelson4lov]

Nigeria won Ivory Coast in group stage, but Ivory Coast was able to come out of the group stage and also continue to win and also won DR Congo to reach the African cup of nation final meeting Nigeria again. If we can remember, Nigeria won Ivory Coast with penalty at the second half scored by William Troost-Ekong. Ivory Coast forward Sebastian Haller said they will revenge their loss to Nigeria in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations group stage. Let us see what will happen, the final is going to be interesting. I am expecting Nigeria to win this year African cup of nation.

I know Nigeria won that group stage game and it wasn't as challenging as this recent game with South Africa but my 2 cents is that it would be a more stronger Ivory Coast team. I mean, these guys went from near-elimination to finals thumping out some of the best teams in the tournament so the Nigerian team should keep that in mind as they go into the finals in two days. Ivory Coast will be very hard to beat - a totally different ball game because Ivory Coast has home advantage, even worse: They have the winning mentality.

Ivory Coast believe more than ever that they can win it and that's why it would be an action packed game to watch. I don't know who would win but at the end of the day, one team will cry while the other celebrate but my money is on Nigeria.

[Sandra_hakeem]

We're left in even more anxiety as we'll be facing the ivorians on Sunday... playing all through the game up unto this finals would definitely mean strength and even more confidence for the super eagles - but No!! We're not done yet... The ivorians are all out, just like we are - who's gonna go home with the trophy?
They hosted the 2023/24 afcon and the last time they won was like - in 2015 or so... I just can't help getting even more nervous when I recall how dangerous haller was in the match between ivory coast - Congo DR

Sandra 🧑‍🦰

[SatoPrincess]

We're left in even more anxiety as we'll be facing the ivorians on Sunday... playing all through the game up unto this finals would definitely mean strength and even more confidence for the super eagles - but No!! We're not done yet... The ivorians are all out, just like we are - who's gonna go home with the trophy?
They hosted the 2023/24 afcon and the last time they won was like - in 2015 or so... I just can't help getting even more nervous when I recall how dangerous haller was in the match between ivory coast - Congo DR

Sandra 🧑‍🦰

We are all optimistic because of how we got to this place of the tournament, of all the top teams tipped to win the tournament, Nigeria is the only one still standing. It is going to be very disappointing if we lose on Sunday. There is nothing that insinuates that the Ivorians have anything over us. One thing I can commend the Ivorians on is their determination, they literally fought their way back into the tournament after coming this close to being eliminated. I can’t imagine Nigeria losing this AFCON, we have only won the AFCON three times and have made it to 16 semi finals. This is our chance to take home the trophy.

[Issa56]

I know Nigeria won that group stage game and it wasn't as challenging as this recent game with South Africa but my 2 cents is that it would be a more stronger Ivory Coast team.

The match is not going to be an easy one because the two countries are performing extremely well, but I still believe the super eagles will win the match. I know the super eagles struggled to win their last match against Ivory Coast in the group stage, but their performance has really changed since the super eagles qualified for round 16. Since then, they have really been performing well in all their matches, and I know they should be able to win the final, which they will be facing the Ivory Coast again. The match is not going to be an easy one, but I have the feeling that the super eagles will be winning the match.

[Dzwaafu11]

This same South Africa we are talking about is also pissed about how Nigeria defeated them and I believe they have started threatening Nigerians living in their country that same day. Of recent they started threatening our goalkeeper (Nwabali) which we know plays for one of the clubs (Chippa United) in South Africa, I can't understand how childish they are to always pour their anger on us (Nigerians) each time we defeat them and CAF won't do anything to stop this or even our president.

If this is how South Africa behaves, then definitely I will say they don’t know what football is because football is a game, and whether they like it or not, they must lose or win. So I think they should accept and take it that they lose this one. They should work hard another time when we meet again. The thief didn’t suppose to use this against our people living in their country. That doesn’t make any sense to me seriously because they lost the game. They now stay threatening people over there, which shows that they have not matured in playing football because if they did, they would not do this. Although I know it is painful to kick them out in these stages, you believe if they are the ones leaving our country, we won’t threaten them the way they are doing now.

[AYOBA]

Everyone is aware that they are all confident of their keeper and that is why they are making sure that the match ended in penalty for them to win the super eagles, but the is that their keeper lose focus and attention because of the first penalty kick that super eagles scored already,  when you come to performance I think that their performance is absolutely perfect been South Africa and in teams of scoring goal their was no space because the defenders of super eagles are all tight for them to utilize their opportunities, and secondly Stanley Nwabali is also good in goal post, so if nigeria use the method they played South Africa that means they will not come home this cup.

South Africa thinks, and they are clever, which is why what they prepared will has definitely gi back to them. They are all confident in their goalkeeper since they did well when they faced Cape Verde and the game finished in a penalty shootout, and their goalkeeper William gave himself a lot of confidence and stopped nearly four goals. That's why they won the Super Eagles match with a penalty at the end. But seriously, I admire how the Super Eagles coach made multiple substitution when he saw that the game was about to end in a penalty.

However He made an effort to instill a confidence players that him know are capable of playing a penalty. To be honest, Stanley Nwabali has done enough to make us smile and push Nigeria to the final stage. The only thing that was make the Nigeria fans scared is that nobody know about his performance in penalties.

[Docnaster]

This same South Africa we are talking about is also pissed about how Nigeria defeated them and I believe they have started threatening Nigerians living in their country that same day. Of recent they started threatening our goalkeeper (Nwabali) which we know plays for one of the clubs (Chippa United) in South Africa, I can't understand how childish they are to always pour their anger on us (Nigerians) each time we defeat them and CAF won't do anything to stop this or even our president.

South Africa is known for resorting to brutal wars and attack against Nigeria whenever they are beaten on the global stage by the West African nation but that's not gonna stop Nigeria from delivering their best  performance against them whenever they're facing them as opponents wether in football or any other sporting activity.
I read of a report about their threat on Super Eagles goalkeeper Nwabali Stanley and is not even perturbed as I don't think the Nigeria international is going to return to Chippa United club in South Africa after his stellar performance in the ongoing CAF African Cup Of Nations. The Nigeria goalkeeper I think is going to get numerous offers from European clubs that'll see him leave the shores of Africa

[Stepstowealth]

If this is how South Africa behaves, then definitely I will say they don’t know what football is because football is a game, and whether they like it or not, they must lose or win. So I think they should accept and take it that they lose this one. They should work hard another time when we meet again.

We should not use the irrational and uncultured behavior of a few south African to pass a general statement on every South African. Nigerian citizens in their country will be safe as far as they do not run into the few south Africans with uncultured behavior.  I do not think it is so serious. Nigerian safe hands Stanley Nwabali will surely be sort after by a bigger club, he is just too goo to remain in the small club that he is playing for in South Africa. I just pray that the Super Eagles team do not underrate the Ivorians in the finals because it will be a different game from the one we played already in this competition.

[SatoPrincess]

As we come to end of the AFCON, I must say it’s been a very wonderful competition from Day 1. One thing I have to commend is the officiating. The officials left no room for error and there hasn’t been any serious controversy with officiating decisions. What’s even more impressive is that there has not been any talk of the host nation having a home advantage which is typical of this kind of competitions. Ivory Coast were a few seconds from getting kicked out but they fought their way back to the tournament. Their semi final win came when they were a man down. It has not been a case where Ivory Coast is being helped by the powers that be.  I hope other countries who are to host the tournament will take initiative from the Ivorians.

[knowngunman]

Ivory coast are going to face Super Eagles again after the last group stage, the goal differences wasn't much but I want to see us give them atleast 2 goals and if they try, it will end in 2-1. We deserve this Afcon trophy because since this tournament has started, we weren't focus on playing to impress, we played to win even though we have one of the best players in this tournament.

That game is not going to be an easy ride for both teams because even the previous meeting in the group stage, Nigeria was so lucky to win by penalty but if you observe very well, Ivory coast dominated the possession and also had more shots on target than Nigeria. The Ivory coast we played in the group stage is not longer the same Ivory coast we'll play tomorrow because I noticed some changes based on their performance in the group games and the knock out games. Remember they are also playing at home and if before, the home crowd made them nervous, now it plays the role of the 12th man for them. Regardless, Super eagle has the chance to win the trophy but they should not look down on them and must not relent and sit back. I know they've put in their best in every game so far to get to this stage with luck and God's grace, I just hope they'll do the same and hopefully win.

[Onyeeze]

What do you think between the match of DR Congo and South Africa who country do you think that will win, for me I think that South Africa will win Congo because their performance during super eagles semi finals, so I believe that the pressure of South Africa can make them to win Congo but I football is not like that, because I know quite well that Congo can introduce another method since they have watched the match between South Africa and super eagles, Congo can emerg winning because South Africa is not comfortable for the winning nigeria won them for their last match

[uchegod-21]

What do you think between the match of DR Congo and South Africa who country do you think that will win, for me I think that South Africa will win Congo because their performance during super eagles semi finals, so I believe that the pressure of South Africa can make them to win Congo but I football is not like that, because I know quite well that Congo can introduce another method since they have watched the match between South Africa and super eagles, Congo can emerg winning because South Africa is not comfortable for the winning nigeria won them for their last match

You are saying this because you watched Nigeria Vs South Africa to know how good the South African team. No doubt, South Africa is among the boat stabled and cohesive squad that greeted this year AFCON.

In the other hand, have you that about Congo or do you actually watch them. Do you remember how good Morocco used to be, it is Congo that eliminated them. This shows we are going to have a good 3rd place that could be even more interesting than the finals.

[Zigabel]

We should not use the irrational and uncultured behavior of a few south African to pass a general statement on every South African. Nigerian citizens in their country will be safe as far as they do not run into the few south Africans with uncultured behavior.  I do not think it is so serious. Nigerian safe hands Stanley Nwabali will surely be sort after by a bigger club, he is just too goo to remain in the small club that he is playing for in South Africa. I just pray that the Super Eagles team do not underrate the Ivorians in the finals because it will be a different game from the one we played already in this competition.

This has been a current reoccurrence and that's why it shouldn't be seen as a matter of jus generalizing this irrational and uncultured behavior to south Africa as a whole because it started small and today it's something that has become rampant over south Africa and majority of them has gradually developed that hatred for Nigerians and it's a big concern that shouldn't be see as a mare case. It's high time this thing be addressed and followed by sanctions in cases where it occurs again. So that players and other Nigerians can still enjoy the peace south Africans enjoy in Nigeria too, in the sprit of good sportsmanship they are supposed to just let it slide because it was a fair play and they weren't robbed at any point.

The Nigerian ambassador to South Africa should take this very serious for the safety of Nigerians in South Africa because this can lead to bridge of diplomatic ties if allowed to persist, it's mare football that was well officiated so no big deal.

[Fiatless]

What do you think between the match of DR Congo and South Africa who country do you think that will win, for me I think that South Africa will win Congo because their performance during super eagles semi finals, so I believe that the pressure of South Africa can make them to win Congo but I football is not like that, because I know quite well that Congo can introduce another method since they have watched the match between South Africa and super eagles, Congo can emerg winning because South Africa is not comfortable for the winning nigeria won them for their last match

I think South Africa will win the third-place game because they have a better team than Congo DR. The Bafana Bafana has improved as the competition progressed. They have a combination of young and old talented footballers and they also have one the best tactically sound coach. I am supporting South Africa because they deserved to be in the final but were just fortunate not to win the game against Nigeria. South Africans also won my heart when they congratulated Nigeria and there was not even a single case of xenophobia after the loss. Even Kingsley Nwabali's club released a statement calling him a pride and good ambassador of the club. I have nothing against Congo but the bronze medal will be a befitting consolation for the Bafana Bafana.

[QueenVera]

The problem with Bafana Bafana is that they struggle to score goals against a very solid defense. They don't know how to take their opportunities. Against Nigeria, they had better chances to score and win the game, but they did not and it hurt them in the end.

Nigeria also has this problem, but the difference is the Nigerian defense can go all day without conceding. They have the whole of the midfield supporting a five-man defense which makes it very difficult for teams to penetrate.

Ivory Coast who plays Nigeria in the final is also another team that plays very well but doesn't know how to score many goals. On Sunday, I am almost certain that Ivory Coast will play better than Nigeria, they will dominate the game, but will they win? I don't know.
As good as Ivory Coast are, they have a flaw that South Africa doesn't have which is conceding goals.
Congo was the only team that did not score against Ivory Coast in the knockout stage of this tournament. Out of 6 matches so far, Ivory Coast have conceded in 4 of them.
That is a very big loophole that they have to fill because conceding against the Super Eagles is not a good idea.
Nigeria is a team that defends well, so if they score you first, it might be game over, except maybe a drama like the one that happened in the South Africa game happens.

Talking about the last 4 teams of the AFCON and comparing them in their respective strengths and weaknesses. Nigeria is one solid team with a very good defense line and they’ve got the midfield always wanting to support the defense line and the attacking line though not clinical but with Victor up fromt they’re set to create great chances.

 South Africa are also good in team play but not clinical in front of goal amd this was one issue they had though they played against a hard rock defended Nigerian team. Ivory Coast too on their end have been one team that’s always conceded in all their matches this tournament but not against Congo. Now this will be one big issue for Ivory Coast going into this final with Nigeria as the Super Eagles are one team that defeated them in the group stage phase. With the Eagles rock defense line and wonderful goalie, I think Ivory Coast will have great issues trying to defeat  them in the final.

[Oluwa-btc]

What do you think between the match of DR Congo and South Africa who country do you think that will win, for me I think that South Africa will win Congo because their performance during super eagles semi finals, so I believe that the pressure of South Africa can make them to win Congo but I football is not like that, because I know quite well that Congo can introduce another method since they have watched the match between South Africa and super eagles, Congo can emerg winning because South Africa is not comfortable for the winning nigeria won them for their last match

I think South Africa will win the third-place game because they have a better team than Congo DR. The Bafana Bafana has improved as the competition progressed. They have a combination of young and old talented footballers and they also have one the best tactically sound coach. I am supporting South Africa because they deserved to be in the final but were just fortunate not to win the game against Nigeria. South Africans also won my heart when they congratulated Nigeria and there was not even a single case of xenophobia after the loss. Even Kingsley Nwabali's club released a statement calling him a pride and good ambassador of the club. I have nothing against Congo but the bronze medal will be a befitting consolation for the Bafana Bafana.

Congo right now is bleeding and I believe these players have come all these way just to do it for them families and friends who have been dehomed recently.
Millions of people losing them life's and it's sad to see that no media has taken up this news. Anyways slightly off topic but they are doing it for them families. They should definitely win if I should give my own comments on it.

Clubs from Saudi Arabia and French clubs are strongly after him following his top displays with Nigerian national team during the African Cup of Nations Competitions.

[Issa56]

I think South Africa will win the third-place game because they have a better team than Congo DR. The Bafana Bafana has improved as the competition progressed.

Congratulation to the Bafana Bafana, they have been able to secure the third position in the African Cup of Nations. Today's match was a very tough one, and the two teams couldn’t secure a win until they went into penalty and South African won the match. Seriously,  South African won’t really be satisfied with their position, they really wanted to win the African Cup of Nations, but they were defeated by the Super Eagles in the semifinal. The Super Eagles will be playing against Ivory Coast tomorrow. The match won’t be an easy one and will be kind of difficult to predict, but if I am going to be predicting the African Cup of Nations winner this time around, then I will be predicting the Super Eagles to win.