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

[Marykeller]

At first, it was NFF to take disciplinary action against Osimhen over his online outburst towards Finidi George. Now another twist has been taken as I have meant to know from a FB post that Osimhen has been banned from playing for the Super Eagles.

JUST IN!!! Nigerian Striker, Victor Osimhen Reportedly Banned From Playing For National Team | #IgbereTV

The Nigerian Football Federation has reportedly banned Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen and declared its intention to use the Victor Osimhen case as a deterrent to prevent other players from publicly criticising or disparaging national football heroes and legends.

According to a member of the NFF board, Osimhen would be used as an example to prevent others from doing the same in future.

According to the source, "He (Victor Osimhen) crossed the line with his outburst even when Finidi called him to explain he still didn’t deem it fit to retract his statements. We won’t condone that and after the Salah break, we will sit on the issue. I can tell you he won’t be in the team until he says sorry for his actions”, he concluded.

I don't know how legit or true can this news be. But if it is true, I won't commend NFF for it because we know how involved Osimhen has been in Super Eagles matches. Osimhen might have made a wrong move by coming online to disrespect Finidi George but banning him from partaking in the Super Eagle matches is not the right move. I think the NFF should have rethought its decision, now we want the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 World Cup

[Nwada001]

I don't know how legit or true can this news be. But if it is true, I won't commend NFF for it because we know how involved Osimhen has been in Super Eagles matches. Osimhen might have made a wrong move by coming online to disrespect Finidi George but banning him from partaking in the Super Eagle matches is not the right move. I think the NFF should have rethought its decision, now we want the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 World Cup

There is always a consequence for every action, but this decision taken by NFF is a very harsh one. But let's see how it goes. Before this issue escalated to the point where it is right now, they could have called both parties in order to caution them to stop the social media bullying.
 
With or without the Super Eagles, Victor has already made a name for himself. I'm just wondering what the NFF expects Victor to lose by banning him from playing for the Super Eagles, aside from the love and joy he derives from playing for his countrymen.

[Zlantann]

I don't know how legit or true can this news be. But if it is true, I won't commend NFF for it because we know how involved Osimhen has been in Super Eagles matches. Osimhen might have made a wrong move by coming online to disrespect Finidi George but banning him from partaking in the Super Eagle matches is not the right move. I think the NFF should have rethought its decision, now we want the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 World Cup

This news has not been confirmed by any NFF official but it has become popular in some social media platforms. I read yesterday that he would be sanctioned if he didn't apologize to Finidi George for his unwarranted outburst. Banning the player will be an extreme punishment because his offense is not commensurate with it. The ideal punishment will be for him to apologize or pay a fine. However, I don't think Nigeria is ready for such drama when all the attention should be focused on getting a new coach that will help the Super Eagles qualify for the World Cup. Banning him will lead to division in the team because he is an important player in the club. Victor Osimhen is the most influential Nigerian player currently and Nigeria will need him to continue fighting for a place in the world cup. I just hope he will be humble enough to apologize and continue his selfless contribution to the Super Eagles.

[Dailyscript]

Many people are saying that Victor Osimhen should apologize for what he said in the video he released some time ago and is not really clear what the main matter is. Finidi George said something that made Osimhen to release that video of him blasting the coach, after Finidi said that they're not begging Osimhen to play for the Super Eagles, to me this man is looking for who to pour his anger and frustration on after playing 2 draws in the World Cup qualification and Victor Osimhen is the only person he could think of and  after watching this video I just realized that something big is happening in the NFF that they're not telling us. I don't think Osimhen owes anybody any apology, Finidi need to come out and address the statement he gave during the interview before they'll talk about who to apologize to whom.

People love blaming other people for their failure. Who cares what is happening in NFF, the important thing is that they should not bring their corruption and biased minds into the affairs of the team, because it is going to affect their performance. Nigeria have always made wrong decisions that do cost them a lot and I don't know why it is like that.

Findi George should just walk away and understand that he is not competent in coaching the super Eagles after he was given a chance to prove himself capable, instead of putting the blame on the players.

This is one thing that most coaches fail to understand. When you are giving a task or a big responsibility is on your head. Its is in your hands todo whatever it takes to see those things proper. If your incompetent to carry out the task the subordinate will complain and the mantle will be removed from your care to another who they feel can be capable. I wont blame the NFF player if they feel that a coach from their country cannot fulfill the job, they should get a new coach that can take the team to greater height. Because no football team would want to stay for years without winning trophies after so many struggles and effort.

[Promocodeudo]

Many people are saying that Victor Osimhen should apologize for what he said in the video he released some time ago and is not really clear what the main matter is. Finidi George said something that made Osimhen to release that video of him blasting the coach, after Finidi said that they're not begging Osimhen to play for the Super Eagles, to me this man is looking for who to pour his anger and frustration on after playing 2 draws in the World Cup qualification and Victor Osimhen is the only person he could think of and  after watching this video I just realized that something big is happening in the NFF that they're not telling us. I don't think Osimhen owes anybody any apology, Finidi need to come out and address the statement he gave during the interview before they'll talk about who to apologize to whom.

People love blaming other people for their failure. Who cares what is happening in NFF, the important thing is that they should not bring their corruption and biased minds into the affairs of the team, because it is going to affect their performance. Nigeria have always made wrong decisions that do cost them a lot and I don't know why it is like that.

Findi George should just walk away and understand that he is not competent in coaching the super Eagles after he was given a chance to prove himself capable, instead of putting the blame on the players.

Exactly mate, some people like apportioning blames for their lapses, one of the problem  NFF is facing today is the corrupt individuals that are their, they keep ruining our chances because of their excessive urge for misappropriation of fund meant for the organization to function, at this point NFF needs overhauling, it is unfortunate that the corruption has eaten dip to the extent that we dont know whom to trust again, if i may advise, what nigeria national team need right now is a good manager that can help to organize the team for a better future, Nigeria deserved better from finidi George than what they got but that's it,  the best thing for him now is to resign honourabky as you said, Nigeria should look for a good manager to handle the national team that's my take.

[snipie]

I don't know how legit or true can this news be. But if it is true, I won't commend NFF for it because we know how involved Osimhen has been in Super Eagles matches. Osimhen might have made a wrong move by coming online to disrespect Finidi George but banning him from partaking in the Super Eagle matches is not the right move. I think the NFF should have rethought its decision, now we want the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 World Cup

There is always a consequence for every action, but this decision taken by NFF is a very harsh one. But let's see how it goes. Before this issue escalated to the point where it is right now, they could have called both parties in order to caution them to stop the social media bullying.
 
With or without the Super Eagles, Victor has already made a name for himself. I'm just wondering what the NFF expects Victor to lose by banning him from playing for the Super Eagles, aside from the love and joy he derives from playing for his countrymen.

Findi said that Osimhen is faking his injury and doesn't want to participate with the team while the player said that he informed the first about his injury, so he is aware and knows the MRI result, yet he informed him to stay with his family.
I find the whole thing ridiculous. If the player has a valid cause then why this accusation? Another thing, Findi will not remain with Nigeria so the consequence of this ban is just Nigeria worsening its bad prognosis in international games.

[Franctoshi]

Findi said that Osimhen is faking his injury and doesn't want to participate with the team while the player said that he informed the first about his injury, so he is aware and knows the MRI result, yet he informed him to stay with his family.
I find the whole thing ridiculous. If the player has a valid cause then why this accusation? Another thing, Findi will not remain with Nigeria so the consequence of this ban is just Nigeria worsening its bad prognosis in international games.

If we further dig into this matter there are a lot behind the scene which took place before the major clash between Finidi George and Victor Osimhen,  However I don't think this should be a major reason why Finidi George should not win his games ,there are players to hold on aside Victor and it's very ridiculous to use this as an excuse.

[Sexylizzy2813]

Many people are saying that Victor Osimhen should apologize for what he said in the video he released some time ago and is not really clear what the main matter is. Finidi George said something that made Osimhen to release that video of him blasting the coach, after Finidi said that they're not begging Osimhen to play for the Super Eagles, to me this man is looking for who to pour his anger and frustration on after playing 2 draws in the World Cup qualification and Victor Osimhen is the only person he could think of and  after watching this video I just realized that something big is happening in the NFF that they're not telling us. I don't think Osimhen owes anybody any apology, Finidi need to come out and address the statement he gave during the interview before they'll talk about who to apologize to whom.

People love blaming other people for their failure. Who cares what is happening in NFF, the important thing is that they should not bring their corruption and biased minds into the affairs of the team, because it is going to affect their performance. Nigeria have always made wrong decisions that do cost them a lot and I don't know why it is like that.

Findi George should just walk away and understand that he is not competent in coaching the super Eagles after he was given a chance to prove himself capable, instead of putting the blame on the players.

If Osimhen was still quiet about this whole situation many won't have been on his side or even hear what went on between him, his doctor and Finidi George, is so annoying how our ex players that come to coach the Super Eagles do have problems with the players. NFF can never remove their political activities from the Super Eagles, is part of them and whenever problems like this comes up they forget how important they are to take control over the whole thing.
Finidi knows he can't manage the Super Eagles, as long as he can't bring himself so low to relate with the players he can't handle them. They talk about Osimhen having issues with Finidi George what then is the problem with him and Boniface? The player Boniface is their and we know how good he is and how patient he has been to play for the Super Eagles now Finidi have the tools to make his work easy but he feels pride is everything. George is a failure so let him forget everything about the apology, if Osimhen apologize to him who's going to apologize to we the supporters? Do the NFF even care how we feel?

[Marykeller]

I don't know how legit or true can this news be. But if it is true, I won't commend NFF for it because we know how involved Osimhen has been in Super Eagles matches. Osimhen might have made a wrong move by coming online to disrespect Finidi George but banning him from partaking in the Super Eagle matches is not the right move. I think the NFF should have rethought its decision, now we want the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 World Cup

This news has not been confirmed by any NFF official but it has become popular in some social media platforms. I read yesterday that he would be sanctioned if he didn't apologize to Finidi George for his unwarranted outburst. Banning the player will be an extreme punishment because his offense is not commensurate with it. The ideal punishment will be for him to apologize or pay a fine. However, I don't think Nigeria is ready for such drama when all the attention should be focused on getting a new coach that will help the Super Eagles qualify for the World Cup. Banning him will lead to division in the team because he is an important player in the club. Victor Osimhen is the most influential Nigerian player currently and Nigeria will need him to continue fighting for a place in the world cup. I just hope he will be humble enough to apologize and continue his selfless contribution to the Super Eagles.

I think the main reason NFF had Osimhen banned from playing for Super Eagle was to avoid future occurrences of other players publicly criticizing or disparaging national football heroes and legends.

Now, that NFF has had Osimhen banned from playing for the Super Eagles, do you think Osimhen will have it within himself to apologize for his online outburst after knowing how influential he is to the Nigeria team, and on that, what he says was the truth that his daughter was ill. Why would the NFF ban him for that, when they would have fined him preferably than have him banned. Who stands to lose on this? The NFF, I guess.

However, let's see how everything plays out. We still have from now till next year, for Osimhen and NFF to make amends cos this seems ugly as we think.

[Docnaster]

Many people are saying that Victor Osimhen should apologize for what he said in the video he released some time ago and is not really clear what the main matter is. Finidi George said something that made Osimhen to release that video of him blasting the coach, after Finidi said that they're not begging Osimhen to play for the Super Eagles, to me this man is looking for who to pour his anger and frustration on after playing 2 draws in the World Cup qualification and Victor Osimhen is the only person he could think of and  after watching this video I just realized that something big is happening in the NFF that they're not telling us. I don't think Osimhen owes anybody any apology, Finidi need to come out and address the statement he gave during the interview before they'll talk about who to apologize to whom.

People love blaming other people for their failure. Who cares what is happening in NFF, the important thing is that they should not bring their corruption and biased minds into the affairs of the team, because it is going to affect their performance. Nigeria have always made wrong decisions that do cost them a lot and I don't know why it is like that.

Findi George should just walk away and understand that he is not competent in coaching the super Eagles after he was given a chance to prove himself capable, instead of putting the blame on the players.

If Osimhen was still quiet about this whole situation many won't have been on his side or even hear what went on between him, his doctor and Finidi George, is so annoying how our ex players that come to coach the Super Eagles do have problems with the players. NFF can never remove their political activities from the Super Eagles, is part of them and whenever problems like this comes up they forget how important they are to take control over the whole thing.
Finidi knows he can't manage the Super Eagles, as long as he can't bring himself so low to relate with the players he can't handle them. They talk about Osimhen having issues with Finidi George what then is the problem with him and Boniface? The player Boniface is their and we know how good he is and how patient he has been to play for the Super Eagles now Finidi have the tools to make his work easy but he feels pride is everything. George is a failure so let him forget everything about the apology, if Osimhen apologize to him who's going to apologize to we the supporters? Do the NFF even care how we feel?

The news that earlier reported that the immediate former coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Finidi George said "he was not going to beg Victor Osimhen to play for the national team" was absolutely a fake and baseless news but what Victor Osimhen failed to do is to confirm the authenticity of the news before the outburst in his response. Till date, we are yet to see any genuine source to when the Finidi George said such and that's why I think Victor Osimhen wasn't professional enough to confirm what he heard or read in the news before responding. A lot of media outlets are good in spreading fake news in other to get attention of people especially those media outlets that rarely get people's attention.
Recently, another fake news also emerged in the media that the NFF is set take a disciplinary measure against Victor Osimhen of which the NFF has publicly debunked the news. The national team of Nigeria is currently experiencing issues that wouldn't have been their in the first place if every party involved had tried to verify the news they heard in the media. The faster the Supper Eagles move away from any negative news the better for them to have good results in their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers

[Adiljutt156]

Winning 6:0 or you rating them as high as you can doesn't actually make them superior or more tactical advanced than most Africa players and besides it just the qualifiers and I believe there are lots of African nations that are up to the standards of Morocco or even more better. But the thing is that the six goals for is something that's gonna definitely go a long way.

Stade Adrar stadium proved to be luck for Morocco team and Morocco team played very well and they won the won one sided. No player of  Congo team resist againt Morocco team .  El Kaabi did three goals in this match and he was everywhere in this match and nobody could ignore him because his performance was outclass. He made game for his team and he did important goal for his team .  I congratulate to Morocco team because of their great performance because by this performance,they can qualify for World Cup and we want best teams in the World Cup . If best teams will qualify for World Cup ,match will be very interesting and we will see high competition and I like it.

[Davidvictorson]

Recently, another fake news also emerged in the media that the NFF is set take a disciplinary measure against Victor Osimhen of which the NFF has publicly debunked the news. The national team of Nigeria is currently experiencing issues that wouldn't have been their in the first place if every party involved had tried to verify the news they heard in the media. The faster the Supper Eagles move away from any negative news the better for them to have good results in their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers

I have taken some time to read about public opinion on Osimhen's auto burst. And most of the public, have taken a subjective view about this. The younger generation are in support of Osimhen's how to burst while the older generation are on the side of the coach. They have called for a ban and the younger generation has said, "to hell with the ban" that Osimhen's career isn't dependent on playing for the country. I am concerned that if this issue isn't sorted out diplomatically, it will be a terrible example to younger players who will feel that they can have these types of outburst in the national team and go scot free.

Imagine you were the leadership of the NFF how would you salvage this situation?

[Rruchi man]

Imagine you were the leadership of the NFF how would you salvage this situation?

If this is just allowed to pass without any sort of disciplinary action against Osimhen, other players will see it as okay to become vocal about any issue experienced, seeing it as the best course of action.

The NFF has to deal cautiously with this not to issue severe penalty to Osimhen that will make him not want to play for Nigeria again, and also not to let it go like that. If I were the leadership of NFF, a 2-3 match ban will be okay.

[Obim34]

Imagine you were the leadership of the NFF how would you salvage this situation?

If this is just allowed to pass without any sort of disciplinary action against Osimhen, other players will see it as okay to become vocal about any issue experienced, seeing it as the best course of action.

The NFF has to deal cautiously with this not to issue severe penalty to Osimhen that will make him not want to play for Nigeria again, and also not to let it go like that. If I were the leadership of NFF, a 2-3 match ban will be okay.

Respect is given to whom deserves it, you earn respect. I don't call it a right for what Osimhen did but some coaches deserves some of these actions displayed by some players. Coaches should aswell mind what they say, when and where they say things because it may also have a negative impact on the reputation of the player.

Nothing much NFF can do, they are not even holding the matter up against him so the penalty will not be serious to where he decides not to play for the team again.

[Oluwa-btc]

I think the main reason NFF had Osimhen banned from playing for Super Eagle was to avoid future occurrences of other players publicly criticizing or disparaging national football heroes and legends.

Now, that NFF has had Osimhen banned from playing for the Super Eagles, do you think Osimhen will have it within himself to apologize for his online outburst after knowing how influential he is to the Nigeria team, and on that, what he says was the truth that his daughter was ill. Why would the NFF ban him for that, when they would have fined him preferably than have him banned. Who stands to lose on this? The NFF, I guess.

However, let's see how everything plays out. We still have from now till next year, for Osimhen and NFF to make amends cos this seems ugly as we think.

Why spread information that hasn't been confirmed? Why? Even the Nigeria football federation has denied banning Victor Oshime. I wonder how and who gives y'all such informations that aren't valid don't.

I haven't confirmed him to be banned, but if he has, who cares about the ban? I'd focus on my career henceforth and I'll never comeback to play for Nigeria National Team no more.

The NFF must be daft, the president us useless and knows nothing about football. How can you banned your asset? The best Nigerian player in the world? As much as the ban will not affect its club career, them so be it then.
I will never take any call that has to do with Nigeria. Whoever disrespected me must say apologies first before I can do the same.

[DaNNy001]

I don't know how legit or true can this news be. But if it is true, I won't commend NFF for it because we know how involved Osimhen has been in Super Eagles matches. Osimhen might have made a wrong move by coming online to disrespect Finidi George but banning him from partaking in the Super Eagle matches is not the right move. I think the NFF should have rethought its decision, now we want the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 World Cup

There is always a consequence for every action, but this decision taken by NFF is a very harsh one. But let's see how it goes. Before this issue escalated to the point where it is right now, they could have called both parties in order to caution them to stop the social media bullying.
 
With or without the Super Eagles, Victor has already made a name for himself. I'm just wondering what the NFF expects Victor to lose by banning him from playing for the Super Eagles, aside from the love and joy he derives from playing for his countrymen.

Absolutely stupid decision, I mean the man is already a big name although I understand that they have lots of players that can suit up for that position but still yet the decision isn't just a plus for Nigeria, if osimien actually disrespected the NFF or the coach then a better disciplinary actions should have been taking like maybe one or two match restrictions but for entirely not playing that I say is somehow outrageous.

[Marykeller]

I think the main reason NFF had Osimhen banned from playing for Super Eagle was to avoid future occurrences of other players publicly criticizing or disparaging national football heroes and legends.

Now, that NFF has had Osimhen banned from playing for the Super Eagles, do you think Osimhen will have it within himself to apologize for his online outburst after knowing how influential he is to the Nigeria team, and on that, what he says was the truth that his daughter was ill. Why would the NFF ban him for that, when they would have fined him preferably than have him banned. Who stands to lose on this? The NFF, I guess.

However, let's see how everything plays out. We still have from now till next year, for Osimhen and NFF to make amends cos this seems ugly as we think.

Why spread information that hasn't been confirmed? Why? Even the Nigeria football federation has denied banning Victor Oshime. I wonder how and who gives y'all such informations that aren't valid don't.

I haven't confirmed him to be banned, but if he has, who cares about the ban? I'd focus on my career henceforth and I'll never comeback to play for Nigeria National Team no more.

The NFF must be daft, the president us useless and knows nothing about football. How can you banned your asset? The best Nigerian player in the world? As much as the ban will not affect its club career, them so be it then.
I will never take any call that has to do with Nigeria. Whoever disrespected me must say apologies first before I can do the same.

I am more than surprised to learn that NFF gats denied having Victor Osimhen banned from playing for the Super Eagles. This is the news that many news broadcasters on social media(FB and Twitter) had the ban spread days after the online outburst.

However, there is no problem with all this, or we getting pissed off about NFF actions until next year comes when the NFF reveals the new Super Eagles new coach and the line of players that will be featured against their opponents in the remaining 6 matches of the 2026 World Cup qualification. Till then, I am sure we Nigerians will have something to say about the Super Eagles team and NFF 

[Adiljutt156]

You can imagine South Africa who where held to a 1-1 draw with Nigeria were able to come back and thrash Zimbabwe 3-1 and would have gotten more goals had there been the time but Nigeria had to suffer a humiliating defeat at the hands of Benin and all Finidi George had to say was " players shouldn't throw in the towel now" and I'm asking myself if he'd be able to fight or do anything if he were in their shoes?
He has just proven that it's not all football players who end up being good coaches because up until now, I ask myself if this man knows what he's doing. No tactics to speak of, and although he's still fresh at his job, there hasn't been any big thing to show for his time.
 Their next game is against Rwanda and I hope they can do something to revive the hopes of fans but I'm a bit sceptic considering how Rwanda were able to defeat Lesotho. If these guys can beat the team that is topping Nigeria's group, I wonder if the Super Eagles can be able to get three points from them.

Nigeria football team could not win against South Africa football team but they won against Zimbabwe football team. It means  Nigeria team is still strong and they have capability to win against any big team. They will win next match and they are fully prepared. Dele-Bashiru did beautiful goal and he got full points and he  became top most player of Nigeria team . South African team played well against  Nigeria team and Zwane did first goal and that the team of south Africa defended very well. The credit goes Zwane who became successful to draw this match and both teams got 1,1 points . The kicks Nigeria team were very powerful but they could not win the match due the laziness.

[Marvelockg]

Finidi George is officially the NEW head coach of RIVERS UNITED after signing a 2-year deal with the club.

After his poor outing with the super eagles that brought him a lot of criticism due to his inability to lead the eagles into getting a victory in all the matches, his resignation has landed him a step backwards into coming back into the NPFL as the head coach of the supper eagles.

For me, I don't think this is a good thing for his coaching carrier and this sort of downward movement will give him negative reputation and it's surely coming faster than expected. It would have been better for him to remain at the NPFL and work his coaching tactics right before going up into becoming the super eagles coach and then coming down to coaching at a state team level. But then, I just hope that he will lead the rivers united team into winning trophies that would go on to silence all the critics that have written him off.

[Rruchi man]

For me, I don't think this is a good thing for his coaching carrier and this sort of downward movement will give him negative reputation and it's surely coming faster than expected.

If he had not accepted that Job offer, It may have been difficult to get another job, and that will in no way be a help to his career and experience as a coach. Finidi failed as coach because of a lack of expertise. At the state level, while coaching a state football team, he will have the time and be under less pressure as a coach, which will help his expertise and technicality to improve.

Qualification games for the 2025 AFCON will begin in September.

The Super Eagles find themselves in Group D alongside Benin, Rwanda, and Libya.

source

We need to get our act right as a team and start winning games if we will qualify for the next AFCON.

Other groups are;
GROUP A

Tunisia
Madagascar
Comoros
Gambia

GROUP B

Morocco
Gabon
Central African Republic
Lesotho

GROUP C

Egypt
Cape Verde
Mauritania
Botswana

GROUP E

Algeria
Equatorial Guinea
Togo
Liberia

GROUP F

Ghana
Angola
Sudan
Niger

GROUP G

Ivory Coast
Zambia
Sierra Leone
Chad

GROUP H

Democratic Republic of the Congo
Guinea
Tanzania
Ethiopia

GROUP I

Mali
Mozambique
Guinea-Bissau
Eswatini

GROUP J

Cameroon
Namibia
Kenya
Zimbabwe

GROUP K

South Africa
Uganda
Congo
South Sudan

GROUP L

Senegal
Burkina Faso
Malawi
Burundi