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

[Solodoski]

I noticed that the super eagles are not good when it comes to penalty shot out it was in the penalty that we got  knocked out from the world cup qualifier by Dr congo, it's very bad they we got eliminated by the host country Morocco. The Morocco team played well and they deserve to win the super eagles, i also realize that we are not good when it comes to penalty shot out, our goal keeper Nwabali did his best we should also stop blaming Samuel chukueze for his penalty miss this is football one side will surely make a mistake for the other to move on.

I have really been impressed by the Super Eagles in this competition,  I think they put in their best and I can fault the team for losing to Morocco on penalty shoot out. I think they have done very well in all the matches and got eliminated in a penalty shoot out, which in my opinion it's a no man's game. They should walk with their head high because I think all Nigerians are really impressed with how far they have come in this competition.  It's just a pity they did not get to the final, but I think it's still a good competition for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

[knowngunman]

I watched a little part of the game and frankly, to the best of my knowledge, he was ok in the match.

No, he wasn't, there were lots of erroneous officiating in that match in favour of Morrocco, for example, if the referee gave yellow cards to Moroccan players for same offences as dragging someone back like he gave to Nigerian players, some of them would even have received red cards in that match but he distributed the cards unfairly.

It was a poor officiating against Nigeria. Agreed. In fact, such refree should never be appointed and approved to officiate high profile games like that game ever again.

However, we can not put all the blame on the refree, Nigeria super eagle had the chance to seal it during the penalty shootout but wasted the chance. The nonchalant character of Chukwueze cost us that game yesterday. He came in as a substitute without even touching the ball before the final whistle and the best he could do was to pass the ball to Moroccan goalkeeper as a penalty while chewing gum.

To be honest, I regret staying that late yesterday night to watch that rubbish penalty kick from our guys. It was so embarrassing to watch.

[aylabadia05]

Senegal is a strong team, Morocco is a strong team, and they’re tactically stronger compared to the Nigerian Super Eagles, I was actually laughing when Super Eagles fans were getting carried away, they believed they will beat Morroco on home soil, because they beat Mozambique an inferior team.

Now I’m happy they’ve lost everyone is disappointed, I’m having the last laugh in this Thread.

Both Senegal and Morocco are great teams that have reached the final. So, for the final that will be played on January 19 between Senegal and Morocco, who do you think will win?
When Nigeria, which was expected to win the AFCON, lost to Morocco in the semifinals, it meant that Nigeria would only compete for third place against Egypt.

Morocco has previously won the AFCON, but as far as I know, Senegal has never won it and was only the runner-up in the 2002 AFCON in Mali against Cameroon. Well, this time around, I believe Mane will lead Senegal to win the AFCON trophy. What do you think?

[SatoPrincess]

I don’t get people are saying Morocco was the better side. This was not the result I wanted but in my opinion, the game was 50-50 till full-time, both sides played like it was the finals. It’s unfortunate that Nigeria are not good in penalties. My God, I wish I could phone Chukwueze and give him a piece of my mind.

The same way you question people saying Morocco was better is the same way you should for yourself now. How do you expect a player who haven't ran 10 to 15 minutes during this game to warm up his body, how do you set up such a player already for the penalty duties?! Blames I believe should be on whoever selected these players to shoot the penalty. Congratulations to them host. They were under a lot of pressure but they played with caution when attacking a d defending.

Eric Chelle has his own blame for the subs but that’s no excuse for missing the penalty when your team needed the goal. Ben Seghir was also subbed in for penalties and he scored. It’s a new day and to be honest I’m not mad at the Super Eagles, they had a good run and for what it’s worth they played some great football in the last 3 games which was a pleasure to watch.

[Bigjoe33]

It's unfortunate that Super Eagles has disappoint us the second time, after all the trust we put on them. Sometimes we shouldn't conclude for a match that hasn't been played yet because I could remember the way Nigerians were jubilating after Senegal won against Egypt they were sure that Super Eagles would play in the final with Senegal, I was looking at them because football is unpredictable and the Super Eagles was so confident that they would be the winner forgetting that they playing with an experience county so that is what hinder the Eagles.

I’m sorry the Super Eagles disappointed you guys, unfortunately it rained on you guys heavily the second time, you could’ve been more cautious with your support for the Super Eagles, Well I have a piece of advice for you, you should be careful how you support the Nigerian Super Eagles, they’re made for serving breakfast, and they will Continue dishing disappointment, right now I believe they are in an unbelievable streak of serving disappointment.

When I saw the Super Eagles beat Mozambique 4 nil, I immediately knew they were cooking Breakfast to dish out to their Supporters, because I’ve never seen them beat a team 4 nil.

Senegal is a strong team, Morocco is a strong team, and they’re tactically stronger compared to the Nigerian Super Eagles, I was actually laughing when Super Eagles fans were getting carried away, they believed they will beat Morroco on home soil, because they beat Mozambique an inferior team.

Now I’m happy they’ve lost everyone is disappointed, I’m having the last laugh in this Thread.

Hey bro! It's nothing like that. We aren't even inferior, it's just football, anyone can win or lose. Hope you know that the defending champions, Ivory Coast was eliminated in the quarter finals by another team. So any team can actually win. Though the Moroccan players were better than us last night, in tackles, marking, team play and everything. We were only lucky we had a nice defence, if not, they would have won in Normal time. They played better, they deserved the winning and they won in penalties.

Don't also forget that the Nigerian team also won countries before we got there. We should give them some appluad for getting there. But football will always happen, and the host nation won, they were lucky too

[Jostern]

Senegal is a strong team, Morocco is a strong team, and they’re tactically stronger compared to the Nigerian Super Eagles, I was actually laughing when Super Eagles fans were getting carried away, they believed they will beat Morroco on home soil, because they beat Mozambique an inferior team.

Now I’m happy they’ve lost everyone is disappointed, I’m having the last laugh in this Thread.

Both Senegal and Morocco are great teams that have reached the final. So, for the final that will be played on January 19 between Senegal and Morocco, who do you think will win?
When Nigeria, which was expected to win the AFCON, lost to Morocco in the semifinals, it meant that Nigeria would only compete for third place against Egypt.

Morocco has previously won the AFCON, but as far as I know, Senegal has never won it and was only the runner-up in the 2002 AFCON in Mali against Cameroon. Well, this time around, I believe Mane will lead Senegal to win the AFCON trophy. What do you think?

I think you’re absolutely wrong, Nigerian Super Eagles were never meant to win the Tournament, Senegal and Morocco are the both teams that have shown how resilient they are with their performances, Nigeria was never a match for Morocco, the Super Eagles was absolutely terrible in that game, they didn’t deserve to win, they hardly had any shot on goal, Morocco was playing all the Football, Morocco showed they are a very good team and wants this Trophy more than anyone.

However to answer your question, Morocco is winning the AFCON come on Sunday the 19th of January, For your information Morocco have won AFCON once which is why they are determined to win this Tournament on home soil, and they will emerge victorious against Senegal.

Senegal won their first AFCON in 2021 beating Egypt in the Final.

[SatoPrincess]

I know for sure that the next five pages on this thread will be about Nigeria’s exit from the AFCON. So here’s my question: Now that Nigeria is out of the AFCON, who are supporting to win the tournament or are you going to stop watching the AFCON this year?

[8rch7]

Senegal is a strong team, Morocco is a strong team, and they’re tactically stronger compared to the Nigerian Super Eagles, I was actually laughing when Super Eagles fans were getting carried away, they believed they will beat Morroco on home soil, because they beat Mozambique an inferior team.

Now I’m happy they’ve lost everyone is disappointed, I’m having the last laugh in this Thread.

Both Senegal and Morocco are great teams that have reached the final. So, for the final that will be played on January 19 between Senegal and Morocco, who do you think will win?
When Nigeria, which was expected to win the AFCON, lost to Morocco in the semifinals, it meant that Nigeria would only compete for third place against Egypt.

Morocco has previously won the AFCON, but as far as I know, Senegal has never won it and was only the runner-up in the 2002 AFCON in Mali against Cameroon. Well, this time around, I believe Mane will lead Senegal to win the AFCON trophy. What do you think?

Its the greatest final of AFCON Cup Senegal vs Morocco and both teams has good achieved since phase group to knock out match without unbeaten yet and special moment Senegal winning the AFCON Cup 2025 after latest edition winning at AFCON 2021. I have favorite teams for winning AFCON 2025 since group matches round Egypt but last night eliminating by Senegal as the top candidate teams for winning AFCON.
Morocco team is great opportunity to collect AFCON trophy behind not winning any trophy yet and have many top player who playing with Europe club I think Morocco has bigger chance for winning the first AFCON trophy. I make bit research at ChatGPT and asking about which one favorite team will win AFCON the answering exactly Morocco? its will be true lets see the final match few days later.

[Polkeins]

I noticed that the super eagles are not good when it comes to penalty shot out it was in the penalty that we got  knocked out from the world cup qualifier by Dr congo, it's very bad they we got eliminated by the host country Morocco. The Morocco team played well and they deserve to win the super eagles, i also realize that we are not good when it comes to penalty shot out, our goal keeper Nwabali did his best we should also stop blaming Samuel chukueze for his penalty miss this is football one side will surely make a mistake for the other to move on.

It is important to understand that luck always plays a big role in penalty shootouts and the team whose players have stronger nerves will win. Nigeria played excellently throughout the tournament and, in fact, lost only to the hosts of this tournament and definately Marocco was one of the favorites. If Nigeria had faced any other team, it would most likely have beaten them, but it was unlucky to face the hosts.

Senegal can be congratulated on a good game and a deserved victory over Egypt. To be honest, I expected more from Salah, but Egypt failed in the match against Senegal and created their first dangerous moment in the 94th minute.

[Joy- maker]

It was a poor officiating against Nigeria. Agreed. In fact, such refree should never be appointed and approved to officiate high profile games like that game ever again.

However, we can not put all the blame on the refree, Nigeria super eagle had the chance to seal it during the penalty shootout but wasted the chance. The nonchalant character of Chukwueze cost us that game yesterday. He came in as a substitute without even touching the ball before the final whistle and the best he could do was to pass the ball to Moroccan goalkeeper as a penalty while chewing gum.

To be honest, I regret staying that late yesterday night to watch that rubbish penalty kick from our guys. It was so embarrassing to watch.

The referee did his worst yesterday by constantly blowing again Nigeria super Eagles, even when it was not necessary but it's fine. And I strongly believe that CAF has hands in this, CAF teamed up with other Africa countries to stand against Nigeria In the yesterday semi final match between Nigeria and Morocco. Appointing a Ghanaian as the official In the yesterday semi final match said it all, because that act alone by CAF was a big red flag.

Back to Nigeria super Eagles, for me what I observed in that yesterday match was that, most of the super Eagles players were not playing with confidence, they played the whole match Yesterday with fear and tension. And Because of fear most of the super Eagles players couldn't pass ball properly, and they couldn't also control the ball.
And as for chukwueze, he really messed up big time, he just reluctantly passed the ball to the Morocco goalkeeper, hoping on nwabali to catch the next ball so ridiculous.

[ibuddy122505]

I noticed that the super eagles are not good when it comes to penalty shot out it was in the penalty that we got  knocked out from the world cup qualifier by Dr congo, it's very bad they we got eliminated by the host country Morocco. The Morocco team played well and they deserve to win the super eagles, i also realize that we are not good when it comes to penalty shot out, our goal keeper Nwabali did his best we should also stop blaming Samuel chukueze for his penalty miss this is football one side will surely make a mistake for the other to move on.

It is important to understand that luck always plays a big role in penalty shootouts and the team whose players have stronger nerves will win. Nigeria played excellently throughout the tournament and, in fact, lost only to the hosts of this tournament and definately Marocco was one of the favorites. If Nigeria had faced any other team, it would most likely have beaten them, but it was unlucky to face the hosts.

I agree that both teams were favorites to reach the final, but I'm not happy with Nigeria's performance. Managing only two shots in 120 minutes vs Morocco. The hosts reached their first final since 2004, with luck once again favoring them in a penalty shootout. Nigeria really should have spent more time working on penalties in training, but those who live by penalties often suffer by them.

btw! I'm excited for the AFCON final. It's hosts Morocco against Senegal, and it promises to be a great match.

[Youngrebel]

It was a poor officiating against Nigeria. Agreed. In fact, such refree should never be appointed and approved to officiate high profile games like that game ever again.

However, we can not put all the blame on the refree, Nigeria super eagle had the chance to seal it during the penalty shootout but wasted the chance. The nonchalant character of Chukwueze cost us that game yesterday. He came in as a substitute without even touching the ball before the final whistle and the best he could do was to pass the ball to Moroccan goalkeeper as a penalty while chewing gum.

To be honest, I regret staying that late yesterday night to watch that rubbish penalty kick from our guys. It was so embarrassing to watch.

But why would the AFCON officiating team make such choice of referees in such crucial match. When the match started the Moroccan team hit down allot of Nigerian team players but there was no free kicks or whistle blowing from.the beginning before the Nigerian team where able to balance themselves properly in the field and stood up against the Moroccans. And immediately the refree started blowing  unnecessarily.  Most of those whistles he blew was just uncalled for.

[Rruchi man]

Nigeria really should have spent more time working on penalties in training, but those who live by penalties often suffer by them.

Do you think that they did not work on penalties?

They certainly had that area and lined up players that they were sure could deliver on that. Chukwueze should have played a better penalty; I think he just took a wild guess and fired the ball without any form of conviction. Regardless, it is what it is, and as we know, a penalty is a game of luck. The Nigerian team lost; we now have to play Egypt. I will not be watching.

[Fivestar4everMVP]

Nigeria really should have spent more time working on penalties in training, but those who live by penalties often suffer by them.

Do you think that they did not work on penalties?

They certainly had that area and lined up players that they were sure could deliver on that. Chukwueze should have played a better penalty; I think he just took a wild guess and fired the ball without any form of conviction. Regardless, it is what it is, and as we know, a penalty is a game of luck. The Nigerian team lost; we now have to play Egypt. I will not be watching.

I didnt watch the nigerian v Morocco match yesterday because I no get light for my area and no fuel for my generator, but I definitely had to watch that penalty taken it chukwueze and to be honest, it's a big disappointment, he possibly hoped the goal keeper would fall on the other side and he would score  a clean penalty goal but unfortunately, he guessed wrong.

And the fact that he didn't even apply any strength/force to the ball is another reason why Nigerians went after him.
I believe that what would be would be, before the match began, I have had something telling me that Nigeria would lose against Morocco so when I heard we lost, it didn't come as a surprise at all, just teaches us to do better next time.

[Adbitco]

Looking at this one would think the guy that pulled the shirt was the committing the foul, the Real Madrid man Diaz was seen pulling the shirt of Bassey which was supposed to be a foul against Morocco but no, the referee blew and gave a foul against Nigeria and to rob insult upon injury, he gave Bassey a yellow card. I guess the yellow card was for, why must you fall after being fouled, next time don't fall when you are fouled. That's one of the decisions that marvelled me last night and because of this senseless yellow card, Bassey will not be eligible to play in the third place match again against Egypt on Saturday. The referee was not totally fair in his judgement and he gave a lot of advantage to Morocco, this was what Nigerians were talking about having a Ghanian referee to officiate their match.

[Rgram]

It's unfortunate that Super Eagles has disappoint us the second time, after all the trust we put on them.

That’s absolutely football for you. At the end of the day, there must always be a winner, and it just happened that the Super Eagles of Nigeria were a bit unlucky not to make it to the finals. I have seen a lot of hate comments directed at Chukwueze for missing the penalty. It’s painful but turning all the anger on him isn't appropriate.
I understand how Nigerians feel right now. Everyone is disappointed because we all wanted to see the team in the final. But I really don’t think Chukwueze deserves all the hate he is getting. At the end of the day, he is a human, and anyone could have missed that penalty. The team fought hard, they gave their all, and they still made the country proud. Sometimes football just doesn’t go your way, no matter how much effort you put in.

[abaeze]

I know for sure that the next five pages on this thread will be about Nigeria’s exit from the AFCON. So here’s my question: Now that Nigeria is out of the AFCON, who are supporting to win the tournament or are you going to stop watching the AFCON this year?

After a great start to the tournament, Nigeria lost 4-2 on penalties to hosts Morocco in the semi-finals, but when I saw that Senegal would have experienced stars like Sadio Mane in attack, I was looking forward to the final match at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium with double the enthusiasm. However, I think Morocco will play with a chance to win the tournament for the first time in a long time and they have a very good chance of winning.

[Slow death]

Both Senegal and Morocco are great teams that have reached the final. So, for the final that will be played on January 19 between Senegal and Morocco, who do you think will win?

Morocco is a very strong national team that can adapt very easily on the field, but I think Senegal is better organized and has a greater chance of winning, so I see Senegal as the champion. I know that here in Africa, in tournaments, referees tend to favor the host country, so I don't expect an easy game for Senegal.

When Nigeria, which was expected to win the AFCON, lost to Morocco in the semifinals, it meant that Nigeria would only compete for third place against Egypt.

Nigeria had everything to reach the final and be champions. If they put in a lot of effort and had a good national coach, they could easily win this tournament and even qualify for the World Cup. But unfortunately, it seems that the Nigerian Football Federation doesn't see that the talented players on the Nigerian team need a coach superior to them. I believe Nigeria will beat Egypt and finish in 3rd place.

Morocco has previously won the AFCON, but as far as I know, Senegal has never won it and was only the runner-up in the 2002 AFCON in Mali against Cameroon. Well, this time around, I believe Mane will lead Senegal to win the AFCON trophy. What do you think?

Senegal won the AFCON in 2021 in the final against Egypt.

https://www.britannica.com/sports/Africa-Cup-of-Nations

[Big Dirams]

Eric Chelle has his own blame for the subs but that’s no excuse for missing the penalty when your team needed the goal. Ben Seghir was also subbed in for penalties and he scored. It’s a new day and to be honest I’m not mad at the Super Eagles, they had a good run and for what it’s worth they played some great football in the last 3 games which was a pleasure to watch.

Everyone was surprised about the substitution he made when it was almost certain that we are going into the penalties he shouldn't have taken out those players that way. Being exhausted doesn't mean you won't kick the penalty well enough and the players will have a bit of rest before the penalties so the changes was not necessary unless the players themselves choose to be taken out and not participate in the penalties. Osimhen is well known penalty taker for his team, same as Lookman. If they had been part of the penalty the takers then it would be better because their conversion rate is higher and their experience and exposure to penalties will be helpful to the team. Akor also is another player that can take penalties but am not seeing any of them there.

The players did well but the changes were poor and the approach to the penalties is poor especially that of Chukwueze, his reaction was so poor and I was asking myself what is he trying to do there. Trying to be nonchalant looks more stupid when you don't score. It's a very poor penalty from him it lacks power and it was easy for the goalkeeper to predict. I am sure non of those players that gave their best in the match will kick a penalty like that after all the efforts.

[Rgram]

I know for sure that the next five pages on this thread will be about Nigeria’s exit from the AFCON. So here’s my question: Now that Nigeria is out of the AFCON, who are supporting to win the tournament or are you going to stop watching the AFCON this year?

Well, to be honest, I never really supported any country from the start. But as a Nigerian, it was very hard to hide my feelings when we lost to the host nation. That defeat really hurt, especially because the Super Eagles gave their all in the tournament only to get eliminated through penalties.
I would have loved Egypt to win the cup though, mainly because of Mohamed Salah. For a player who has achieved so much in Europe, it’s kind of embarrassing that he still doesn’t have a major trophy with his country. Unfortunately, both Egypt and Nigeria are now out of the tournament. They’ll be playing for third place, but let’s be honest, that position isn’t really that important.
At this point, I think I’ll just give my support to Morocco. Since they are the host nation, it won’t be a bad thing if they win it as a form of compensation. I’ll still watch the remaining two games, but obviously with less emotional attachment now that Nigeria isn't playing in the finals.