African Football Discussion Thread Current Topic: 👉 AFCON 2025/2026

[ibuddy122505]

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To be honest with you Algeria didn't believe what was coming on their way till when they saw it happening live yesterday, although everyone was expecting the match to be tough one for Nigeria players because Algeria played very well in their group stages and they didn't struggle for any results when ever they meet any teams but yesterday the super Eagle proof to us that they can still do what they have be doing during group stages to Algeria too, so looking at the next match that super Eagle have with Morocco, i know that the game will be a tough because both super Eagle and Morocco plays the same partner of football and which super Eagle needs to start scoring from the first half of the game and dominating in the match too and i believe that Nigeria can make their way to the finals of the African Cup of Nations.

Like it was so obvious that Algeria didn’t expect what was coming, it was when Osimhen scored the first goal, they started wanting to put more effort, but it was already too late, because even with their effort, the game was already in control by Super Eagles..
I won’t lie even me myself thought the game would be so tuff for Super eagles, because it was clear that Algeria was in form, but it ended up to be a surprise..
I just hope next game will be this good as well sha..

Watching this match as a neutral really showed how thin the line is between winning and losing. Nigeria completely outplayed Algeria from start to finish.
The 2–0 win isn't just about the scoreline but it reflects their strength, fighting spirit, and togetherness. Every player gave everything on the pitch, and the victory was fully deserved. They played with a strong mentality, and that edge made the difference. The Super Eagles are into the semifinals, and this performance was a clear statement of the champions they truly are.

[Fiatless]

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/848759-afcon-2025-semi-finals-indigenous-coaches-take-centre-stage.html

The best African teams few years ago were managed by foreign coaches. It is common for national team fans to force the football governing bodies of their country to hire foreign coaches. But things are changing now. The past three Afcon competitions were won by teams coached by indigenous coaches (Djamel Belmadi winning in 2019, Aliou Cissé triumphing in 2021 and Émerse Faé lifting the trophy in 2023)

It is exciting to know that the four semi-finalists in the 2026 Afcon are coached by Africans (Walid Regragui of Morocco, Hossam Hassan of Egypt, Pape Thiaw of Senegal, and Eric Chelle of Mali). This shows that African football is maturing. African coaches are no longer inferior; they are leading and setting standards.

[barbara44]

Nigeria deserve to reach that stage in Africa Cup of Nations because they were good since the beginning of it. At the opposite, on qualifiers, they were weak at the beginning and when they started getting points at the end, it was late.
Supers Eagles will face Morocco in what we call a precocious final. May the best between them win, I have doubts about Nigeria being able to lose this match...

Lineup for last four is now completed with Morocco is going to face Super Eagles and Senegal is having challenge of Egypt, all of best teams of this season is on lineup, this is going to be the best games, upcoming with for the semifinals, Morocco and Senegal are favourite but it has never been easy to predict about winner on ground, tight competition will be impressive.

Good thing happen all four games like all completed into regular time with just Egypt vs Ivory Coast have 5 goals, other three games have 5 goals with narrow wins for all teams. Super Eagles deserves more goals, but they failed and win with the margin of 2 goals, being host Morocco is having tag of favourite to win title, but this is surely not easy for them, their game against Super Eagles is going to be not easy, my personal view is winner of this match will be winning  title.

[Berry2d]

Nigeria deserve to reach that stage in Africa Cup of Nations because they were good since the beginning of it. At the opposite, on qualifiers, they were weak at the beginning and when they started getting points at the end, it was late.
Supers Eagles will face Morocco in what we call a precocious final. May the best between them win, I have doubts about Nigeria being able to lose this match...

Lineup for last four is now completed with Morocco is going to face Super Eagles and Senegal is having challenge of Egypt, all of best teams of this season is on lineup, this is going to be the best games, upcoming with for the semifinals, Morocco and Senegal are favourite but it has never been easy to predict about winner on ground, tight competition will be impressive.

Good thing happen all four games like all completed into regular time with just Egypt vs Ivory Coast have 5 goals, other three games have 5 goals with narrow wins for all teams. Super Eagles deserves more goals, but they failed and win with the margin of 2 goals, being host Morocco is having tag of favourite to win title, but this is surely not easy for them, their game against Super Eagles is going to be not easy, my personal view is winner of this match will be winning  title.

What a terrible lineup, placing the two most dangerous teams to meet at the semi finals of the tournament, for now the super eagles of Nigeria and Morocco's team are considered most dangerous side in the tournament so pairing both teams to meet is going to be a very difficult game to predict as both has the capacity to destroy any team that comes there way at anytime. Looking at the game i think the super eagles of Nigeria may win the game as the possesses the must dominating quality in the tournament so predicting in favour of Nigeria may likely turn out easily

[Adbitco]

It's a serious threat that the Nigerian team pose to other teams and that threat will be put to test again against this Moroccan side. 2 teams that are so informative will meet each other in the semis and something in me tells me that they winner from this fixture will be the champions in the finals. The super Eagles surprised and if someone had told me Nigeria would be this dangerous in this tournament, I wouldn't have believed it but they alhave proved me wrong. The reason why I think Morocco is this good is because they are the host and they are extra motivated to perform in the competition, Nigeria will need extra energy if they are to defeat this Moroccan side. Overall it will be a very good game and that I'm anticipating already.

[Umulala-alala]

You are perfectly right in all that you said here bro, because in football talent alone is not enough. A team falls to qualify for a world cup tournament or any other international tournament doesn't mean that the team is not good, most times it's due to bad coaching and bad organizations that is mostly the cause, as you have said already, not by just having a talented squad.

The world cup competition is too important to be over looked and when I see people taking about the super eagle not qualifying, it sound too comfortable to many that think since they could not qualify for the world cup, they are cool with the AFCON.
The question is, is the AFCON bigger than the world cup tournament? We need to understand the differences and yhe opportunity is pose for the Nigerian players.

The world cup competition is most important, am not still happy that we missed it not only that we didn't qualify but our performance was very poor, if any country is to qualify first in Africa that should be Nigeria but they went there and misbehave but that has gone we can't replay it again so let's focus on winning the AFCON and prepare better in next world cup qualifications. If we still qualify we can't still win the world cup title so we should pray we even win this AFCON title because it will be very bad if the super eagles still fail to win this AFCON title.

[Iroh]

Super Eagles have all it takes, looking at their current state and performances. They just need to make sure they maintain the same spirit and unity they have been exhibiting right from day one of the tournament. I believe the trophy is for Nigeria, and history would have it on record that Nigeria did Morocco dirty on their soil; both male and female trophies were won by the same country under their watch. God willing, Nigeria would win the trophy this tournament.

Yeah, i belive the Super eagles has what it takes to win the tournament. They've been quite outstanding in their recent games and if they can maintain the same pressure and mindset, they can go on to win this tournament. In their game against Algeria, I had thought the game would be a reallly difficult one that would result in both sides each scoring a goal. But the fact that Nigeria went ahead to win the game and also keeping a clean sheet shows that the team has generally improved but also in their defense as well. It was a good game and a well deserved win for the super eagles.
The next game would be more interesting as Nigeria meets Morocco. Both giants in African football, it could be quite difficult to predict the outcome in this game.

[Zanab247]

I am just curious between Egypt, Morocco, and Nigeria, which of these countries do you think would win the AFCON? I don’t have any hopes for Nigeria despite their recent “improved” performance in quotes. Egypt and Morocco are two strong contenders but the Moroccan are not my favorites because of their fans laser harassments of their opponents. So, that leaves me with Egypt. What do y’all think?

I don't blame you if you don't have any hopes for the Super Eagles to win the African Cup of Nations because the Super Eagles have disappointed us so many times in the past when we have had high hopes for them. But with the way the Super Eagles made it so easy for them to beat Algeria yesterday, I am telling you for free that the Super Eagles are winning this year's African Cup of Nations.

If you can enjoy the good side of a club, you will ensure you enjoy the bad performance of the club too. I know that super Eagle has experienced many challenges in the area of potential coach that made majority of people to convince super Eagle management to signed this current young coach that is improving the super Eagle, and if care is not taking in this tournament super Eagle will lift this trophy to make super Eagle fans happy. What super Eagle players did to Algeria in the lockout stage to qualified for semi final, show that people will be wishing super Eagle well and to predict for their favour through out this tournament.

What super Eagle showcased in their last two game and yesterday game to secured victory show that they will beat Morocco the same they beaten Algeria 2:0 to qualify for final, because they are stronger than Morocco terms of potential strikers, potential midfielders and potential defenders.

[RockBell]

It's a serious threat that the Nigerian team pose to other teams and that threat will be put to test again against this Moroccan side. 2 teams that are so informative will meet each other in the semis and something in me tells me that they winner from this fixture will be the champions in the finals. The super Eagles surprised and if someone had told me Nigeria would be this dangerous in this tournament, I wouldn't have believed it but they alhave proved me wrong. The reason why I think Morocco is this good is because they are the host and they are extra motivated to perform in the competition, Nigeria will need extra energy if they are to defeat this Moroccan side. Overall it will be a very good game and that I'm anticipating already.

and yesterday game was so interesting because Nigeria would have even scored more goals but they were not to serious about the game and Algeria were getting aggressive at some point and this is because all hope was lost for them to the point they want to even attack the referee i was surprised to how aggressive they were becoming this shows that they can be dangerous, but everything was under control, the AFCON officials took charge of the situation, and a lot of clubs are now scared to play against us because they will continue to meet the same faith, and since we are going to be playing semi finals with the Moroccan and i was surprised from the sudden trigger from the Nigeria player and the annoying thing was not continuing the world cup it would have been a different thing by now but from what have seen i have so much believe that Nigeria is going to win this title am so very sure, and Moroccan  will not be a problem.

[LFC_Bitcoin]

Senegal vs Egypt we will see Mane vs Salah. One last dance
I love both of them but I will be supporting Salah to reach the final and hopefully win the tournament.

The other semi final is Nigeria vs Morocco, not sure what to think about that one. I think Nigeria will win.

[Wakate]

The world cup competition is most important, am not still happy that we missed it not only that we didn't qualify but our performance was very poor, if any country is to qualify first in Africa that should be Nigeria but they went there and misbehave but that has gone we can't replay it again so let's focus on winning the AFCON and prepare better in next world cup qualifications. If we still qualify we can't still win the world cup title so we should pray we even win this AFCON title because it will be very bad if the super eagles still fail to win this AFCON title.

Nigeria miss so many opportunities that would have helped them to win the qualification stage of the world cup so that they can participate in the world cup this year 2026. We missed many opportunities and now, we are rejoicing that we beat Algeria because of Osimhen that open the door of goals for the super eagle. We don't have to compared an African tournament to a world tournament. The difference is absolutely clear!

[VashaUdacha777]

I’m really looking forward to the Egypt vs Senegal match. Salah vs Mané — who’s better? I have a feeling the game might end in a penalty shootout again. I’d love to see both teams in the final, but that’s obviously impossible.

Morocco and Nigeria will decide the second finalist. The match will be played in Rabat, which is basically home turf for Morocco, so they have a better chance to win. I think they’re the favorites to win that match and even the final.

[Lida93]

Nigeria deserve to reach that stage in Africa Cup of Nations because they were good since the beginning of it. At the opposite, on qualifiers, they were weak at the beginning and when they started getting points at the end, it was late.
Supers Eagles will face Morocco in what we call a precocious final. May the best between them win, I have doubts about Nigeria being able to lose this match...

I dont mean to sound arrogant but the truth remains that there is no team in the AFCON right now that can squarely face the Super Eagles.
The Super Eagles are the most complete team in this tournament, they have a solid defense, a great midfield and fierce attacking line up which makes it difficult for the Eagles to lose to any team, Morocco has a great team but against the Eagles they would fall.

[Coyster]

Senegal vs Egypt we will see Mane vs Salah. One last dance
I love both of them but I will be supporting Salah to reach the final and hopefully win the tournament.

Yes, one last dance. Neither player is as good as they were, but Salah is in a better form and still playing at the very top in Liverpool, while Mane is just enjoying himself and making money in Saudi Arabia. My point is that their meeting is not as eagerly anticipated as it would have been some years ago, but still going to be great to watch. I am also supporting Salah.

The other semi final is Nigeria vs Morocco, not sure what to think about that one. I think Nigeria will win.

I am a Nigerian, so i can only agree with you that Nigeria will win. There should be no other outcome, lol.

[Slow death]

You are perfectly right in all that you said here bro, because in football talent alone is not enough. A team falls to qualify for a world cup tournament or any other international tournament doesn't mean that the team is not good, most times it's due to bad coaching and bad organizations that is mostly the cause, as you have said already, not by just having a talented squad.

The world cup competition is too important to be over looked and when I see people taking about the super eagle not qualifying, it sound too comfortable to many that think since they could not qualify for the world cup, they are cool with the AFCON.
The question is, is the AFCON bigger than the world cup tournament? We need to understand the differences and yhe opportunity is pose for the Nigerian players.

The world cup competition is most important, am not still happy that we missed it not only that we didn't qualify but our performance was very poor, if any country is to qualify first in Africa that should be Nigeria but they went there and misbehave but that has gone we can't replay it again so let's focus on winning the AFCON and prepare better in next world cup qualifications. If we still qualify we can't still win the world cup title so we should pray we even win this AFCON title because it will be very bad if the super eagles still fail to win this AFCON title.

Even though the people of Nigeria try to be optimistic, the reality is that qualifying for the World Cup carries a lot of weight because the World Cup is only held every four years, and a lot can happen in that four-year period. The Nigerian players of today, who are very skilled and could even win the Africa Cup of Nations, may not be at the same level of skill in four years, and as a consequence, Nigeria might not qualify for the next World Cup. For me, this was a great opportunity because the Nigerian national team has a generation of skilled and famous players, but in four years things might not be so good.

[Jegileman]

It is exciting to know that the four semi-finalists in the 2026 Afcon are coached by Africans (Walid Regragui of Morocco, Hossam Hassan of Egypt, Pape Thiaw of Senegal, and Eric Chelle of Mali). This shows that African football is maturing. African coaches are no longer inferior; they are leading and setting standards.

This is indeed a great development and what I really like most about the AFCON is that it is now getting more and more interesting than before. The way people now show interest to watch and follow the AFCON from the last two times it was played has really demonstrated a big change in the way this competition is being viewed and attracted to people. After the Euro’s now, is there any continental football more interesting than AFCON again? I doubt so now and I hope the big change we are seeing in the managerial roles of the teams will also extend more in the level of playing this teams are showcasing. The World Cup will be very interesting more, I know the African teams representing the continent there will do us all proud.

[Localhostspeed]

It's a serious threat that the Nigerian team pose to other teams and that threat will be put to test again against this Moroccan side. 2 teams that are so informative will meet each other in the semis and something in me tells me that they winner from this fixture will be the champions in the finals. The super Eagles surprised and if someone had told me Nigeria would be this dangerous in this tournament, I wouldn't have believed it but they alhave proved me wrong. The reason why I think Morocco is this good is because they are the host and they are extra motivated to perform in the competition, Nigeria will need extra energy if they are to defeat this Moroccan side. Overall it will be a very good game and that I'm anticipating already.

The way Nigeria played in the Quarter final against Algeria, I pray they have the same energy to do the same with Morocco. It's true they have good players but that alone doesn't make them special. We have gone to the Afcon final with Ivory coast and we couldn't win, let's use this as a motivation and change things around. The way Algeria were making mouth before that game, I didn't noticed their presence in the field, I want Nigeria makes Morocco feels the same.

Rabiu has promised Super eagles money I have not seen from any man since have always struggled to win the Afcon, $500k in semi and $1M in final with extra for every goal scored is enough to motivate all the players. We can do this but I don't want to see us doing Mozambique when all the players want to score and refused to work one on one. This was what caused the heated moment between Lookman and Osimhen, we need this moment to be a beautiful one.

[Fiatless]

Nigeria miss so many opportunities that would have helped them to win the qualification stage of the world cup so that they can participate in the world cup this year 2026. We missed many opportunities and now, we are rejoicing that we beat Algeria because of Osimhen that open the door of goals for the super eagle. We don't have to compared an African tournament to a world tournament. The difference is absolutely clear!

The Super Eagles didn't qualify for the World Cup, we cannot do anything about it. The Nigerian side is trying to atone for the disappointment. Many Nigerians were not happy but we have now put our world cup qualifiers failure aside and focusing on winning the continental trophy. The world cup is prestigious we all know, but winning the Afcon will give Nigerians patience to wait for another four years. We still have to wait two more games, so let's keep supporting our boys.

[PremiumcryptoHub]

The match between Egypt and Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations League seemed the most difficult for me because we all noticed that both teams had to face a tough test in this match. To be honest, Egypt was the most dominant team in the first half of yesterday's AFCON match, as I saw them score two goals in the 4th and 32nd minutes but all eyes were on Mohamed Salah, one of Liverpool's best players. It is true that Mohamed Salah played well in that quarter-final match but everyone wants him to play well in the semi-final match as well, at this stage it seems to me that the Egyptians will face a relatively weak team in the semi-final match of the AFCON competition.

[Odusko]

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/848759-afcon-2025-semi-finals-indigenous-coaches-take-centre-stage.html

The best African teams few years ago were managed by foreign coaches. It is common for national team fans to force the football governing bodies of their country to hire foreign coaches. But things are changing now. The past three Afcon competitions were won by teams coached by indigenous coaches (Djamel Belmadi winning in 2019, Aliou Cissé triumphing in 2021 and Émerse Faé lifting the trophy in 2023)

It is exciting to know that the four semi-finalists in the 2026 Afcon are coached by Africans (Walid Regragui of Morocco, Hossam Hassan of Egypt, Pape Thiaw of Senegal, and Eric Chelle of Mali). This shows that African football is maturing. African coaches are no longer inferior; they are leading and setting standards.

What is most important is the winning, as long as the team are winning, the coach have his job secured, because the foreign coach trend started when national teams began to see them as the path way to team success in international football taking example from those countries that hired foreign coach and recorded success, now the attention is in indigenous coach now, things are shifting and results are changing from the negative to the positive using Nigeria supper eagles as example.