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

[Joy- maker]

It is very unfortunate and embarrassing to be honest, with the way things happened, it's no longer a debate whether or not CAF had a candidate they wanted to win the AFCON in mind because we all have seen and come to the conclusion that Morocco was their choosen candidate, I was browsing on X this afternoon and came across a tweet where the user was saying that Morocco through backdoor had already paid CAF to ensure that they gain support to win the AFCON, but as we all saw, things didn't turn out as CAF initially arranged it and right now, CAF must do everything within their power to ensure they appease Morocco so they do not bring issues that could leak the contractial agreement..

I doubted the above but with this fair play award given to Morocco, I am beginning to believe that indeed, the claim that morocco had initially paid to win the AFCON which they ended up not getting is a true.. 🤔

If you truly follow up this AFCON competition trust me you will notice a lot in that competition, and frankly speaking I am highly disappointed at Morocco, because they didn't behave well as the host of the AFCON competition. And am pretty sure that Africa will never host any AFCON competition in Morocco again never, because they were not well behaved in this recent AFCON they hosted.
Morocco that was suppose to focus on wining the cup, instead they were more focus on nwabali's tower and Mendy's tower so ridiculous no wonder they lost.

And From the way  Moroccans were behaving in that AFCON competition, I have no doubt that CAF was working in their favour to win the AFCON. But CAF forgot that football is not suppose to work that way, that's why am disappointed at CAF for accepting what ever Morocco government offered them to redicle other Africa teams efforts and performance in that AFCON competition. And I am happy that after everything Morocco still end up not winning the cup rather they cried blood, and Senegal won. Mane is indeed a leader I so much love what he did and now his my guy.

[Wakate]

See to me I’m very happy to see the super eagles in such position it was not a easy most country are even willing to pay to get to this position well feel this time we have to press hard the next season will eventually get there in no matter of time, well I don’t no if anyone noticed that this AFCON really brought out so many things like don’t understand that much but it just the simple truth…..well i just feel with time we might eventually get there see right now the super eagles are to be top as a big name in Africa country right now, we have really come a long way for this so now is the worng time to back down I think..

You don't have to be happy about a third position, even the country that took the second position was never happy with their performance and you are choosing happiness over failure for the super eagle to have delivered and play with Senegal at the final.
You don't have to be over joyful for nothing second or third position is not being recognized at all relating to countries that have carry the AFCON.

[Asiska02]

You don't have to be happy about a third position, even the country that took the second position was never happy with their performance and you are choosing happiness over failure for the super eagle to have delivered and play with Senegal at the final.
You don't have to be over joyful for nothing second or third position is not being recognized at all relating to countries that have carry the AFCON.

In football and tournaments like this, the first position is the most recognized of all, no one really cares who comes after the first position or after the second position. Everyone is more focused on the winner of the competition. Sometimes when you can’t beat the reach, you just have to celebrate to how far you’ve come and I think that’s the reason he’s celebrating the super eagles to come third after failing to reach the finals and beating Egypt in the third place match.

In all of this, trying to improve their performance against the next coming competition should b a priority to them, this will help them prepare better and earlier for what to come for them in the competition generally. They’ve shown some level of great performance, but improving more on this performances will really help overall in their next outing in the AFCON or any major top competition they’ll participate in.

[Alonso_]

It is very unfortunate and embarrassing to be honest, with the way things happened, it's no longer a debate whether or not CAF had a candidate they wanted to win the AFCON in mind because we all have seen and come to the conclusion that Morocco was their choosen candidate, I was browsing on X this afternoon and came across a tweet where the user was saying that Morocco through backdoor had already paid CAF to ensure that they gain support to win the AFCON, but as we all saw, things didn't turn out as CAF initially arranged it and right now, CAF must do everything within their power to ensure they appease Morocco so they do not bring issues that could leak the contractial agreement..

I doubted the above but with this fair play award given to Morocco, I am beginning to believe that indeed, the claim that morocco had initially paid to win the AFCON which they ended up not getting is a true.. 🤔

If you truly follow up this AFCON competition trust me you will notice a lot in that competition, and frankly speaking I am highly disappointed at Morocco, because they didn't behave well as the host of the AFCON competition. And am pretty sure that Africa will never host any AFCON competition in Morocco again never, because they were not well behaved in this recent AFCON they hosted.
Morocco that was suppose to focus on wining the cup, instead they were more focus on nwabali's tower and Mendy's tower so ridiculous no wonder they lost.

And From the way  Moroccans were behaving in that AFCON competition, I have no doubt that CAF was working in their favour to win the AFCON. But CAF forgot that football is not suppose to work that way, that's why am disappointed at CAF for accepting what ever Morocco government offered them to redicle other Africa teams efforts and performance in that AFCON competition. And I am happy that after everything Morocco still end up not winning the cup rather they cried blood, and Senegal won. Mane is indeed a leader I so much love what he did and now his my guy.

I really don’t understand why you are disappointed at Morocco for no reason, because they hosted a good Tournament, and I wanted them to win the tournament but unfortunately they couldn’t win the tournament because of Senegalese players and Coach awful bad decisions and behavior.

Everyone is talking about Morocco and saying how they badly behaved in the AFCON Tournament and the only bad behavior I will imagine is for them taking the Goalkeeper Towel, which I think that the Senegalese Goalkeeper Mendy have justified the reason why the Moroccans where taking this towels from the Goalkeepers we all know what African is all about when it comes to Vudu, the Moroccans feels that this goalkeepers might be putting some Vudu in their towel to help them and influence the game, we all know this things might be real or not, but obviously we have heard this story several times and you wouldn’t know what to believe.

However if you ask me I will say that Senegalese were the once that was badly behaved, because I’ve never seen where a Manager asked his players to leave the pitch because he feels that the decision was going against him, it was terrible for the fans and the outside world watching, which FIFA have condemned there actions, well we would be waiting for there punishment very soon for them refusing to play.

[Ale88]

See to me I’m very happy to see the super eagles in such position it was not a easy most country are even willing to pay to get to this position well feel this time we have to press hard the next season will eventually get there in no matter of time, well I don’t no if anyone noticed that this AFCON really brought out so many things like don’t understand that much but it just the simple truth…..well i just feel with time we might eventually get there see right now the super eagles are to be top as a big name in Africa country right now, we have really come a long way for this so now is the worng time to back down I think..

You don't have to be happy about a third position, even the country that took the second position was never happy with their performance and you are choosing happiness over failure for the super eagle to have delivered and play with Senegal at the final.
You don't have to be over joyful for nothing second or third position is not being recognized at all relating to countries that have carry the AFCON.

I disagree with this type of thinking: in every sport there is only one winner, so should we consider everybody but the winner as losers? Nigeria were coming for a big failure after missing the WC playoffs, now they managed to reach the third place, which is a respectable result. There were better teams than Nigeria, that is a fact. Or were you expecting Nigeria to win?

[barbara44]

It seems that CAF didn't see all of those craps done by Morocco players. I think VAR is only concerned about the game and not about who takes who's towel. However, I'm not surprised that's coming from CAF because I already have it in mind since onset that CAF is corrupt and that will make AFCON look like shit in coming years because whomever, gives CAF the highest bribe will be supported by them.

Mostly people are not happy with sports organizations because they feel things are not working as needed to be done, few have their own interest and many are going through with the influence of powerful countries in regions just because of these things do have many controversies and wrong decisions also happen.

CAF is surely having not enough resources and things to be staying on fair level due to their own interests and lack of professionalism and lack of spirit of sports got nothing to do here, AFCON has been going good just before this big final where things gone on worst level and now it is all about the concerns on what could be the next and how things will be working, but they need to be doing things for long run instead of doing for their own interest.

[Iamgoat]

The AFCON tournament just ended last Sunday, it's not enough time for CAF to review some of the irregularities that happened in the AFCON matches especially the ones that come from Morocco precisely. However, we should give CAF some more time if they will actually make an official statement in what happened in the final match between Morocco and Senegal and if thoroughly reviewed, even the Senegal team will not escape sanction because no matter the poor officiating by referees and match officials, it doesn't warrant players leaving the pitch based on instruction from the coach so the Senegal head coach or the team will likely face a sanction. I don't even think that Morocco team will be sanctioned, maybe the country will bear the brunt since they are the host nation.

Thankz for also calling it irregularities especially the ones related to the host country, Morocco. They started the irregularities right from on set but majority of us did not pay much attention to it and it was also subtle but as time went on, it became even more obvious especially on games which posed them serious threat like the one fixtured against the Nigerian super eagles and subsequently the clear cut irregularity which I believe was what in return consumed them during the half time of the game.

[Barikui1]

You don't have to be happy about a third position, even the country that took the second position was never happy with their performance and you are choosing happiness over failure for the super eagle to have delivered and play with Senegal at the final.
You don't have to be over joyful for nothing second or third position is not being recognized at all relating to countries that have carry the AFCON.

I disagree with this type of thinking: in every sport there is only one winner, so should we consider everybody but the winner as losers? Nigeria were coming for a big failure after missing the WC playoffs, now they managed to reach the third place, which is a respectable result. There were better teams than Nigeria, that is a fact. Or were you expecting Nigeria to win?

The truth is that Nigerians does not regard third place as an achievement again because even when our super eagles are terribly bad, they still managed to come out third, so with the improvement seen from our super eagles during the tournament, I honestly expect them to win it, but they failed on that regard, but I still can't call it a major success even though it looks like a successful afcon campaign. Just that coming out third now looks normal to Nigerians, since they hardly goes to the afcon and comes back empty handed.

[Youngrebel]

The truth is that Nigerians does not regard third place as an achievement again because even when our super eagles are terribly bad, they still managed to come out third, so with the improvement seen from our super eagles during the tournament, I honestly expect them to win it, but they failed on that regard, but I still can't call it a major success even though it looks like a successful afcon campaign. Just that coming out third now looks normal to Nigerians, since they hardly goes to the afcon and comes back empty handed.

It doesn't really matter how some person's feel about the 3rd place but how well the team fought ti get there still needs to be acknowledged.  I know there are allot of expectations from people and the entire country but sometimes we should put ourselves in the shoes of the players as well.
Imagine yourself on the field that day with all of the refree blows against the team. Yellow card for a play that was just supposed to be overlooked amongs other cautions given to them. All of these would certainly demoralise a team that is full of enthusiasm and energetic. But in all of these these guys still played very well till the end. They didn't mind even though they had to be more careful to not get more cautions from the refree.

[Jostern]

You don't have to be happy about a third position, even the country that took the second position was never happy with their performance and you are choosing happiness over failure for the super eagle to have delivered and play with Senegal at the final.
You don't have to be over joyful for nothing second or third position is not being recognized at all relating to countries that have carry the AFCON.

I disagree with this type of thinking: in every sport there is only one winner, so should we consider everybody but the winner as losers? Nigeria were coming for a big failure after missing the WC playoffs, now they managed to reach the third place, which is a respectable result. There were better teams than Nigeria, that is a fact. Or were you expecting Nigeria to win?

The truth is that Nigerians does not regard third place as an achievement again because even when our super eagles are terribly bad, they still managed to come out third, so with the improvement seen from our super eagles during the tournament, I honestly expect them to win it, but they failed on that regard, but I still can't call it a major success even though it looks like a successful afcon campaign. Just that coming out third now looks normal to Nigerians, since they hardly goes to the afcon and comes back empty handed.

There is nothing as such thing as a successful AFCON tournament from Super Eagles, because I don’t know a team that celebrates a third place finish, well you could see that the Nigerian Government didn’t give them any reception, they all went home from there camp, and immediately there various clubs have to pick them all up to Europe, I think there is nothing successful in the AFCON from them, there was obviously not a good performance in the AFCON, well I could say they played well against Algeria that is the only standout game that I saw from the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Third Place is absolutely nothing when it comes to big Tournaments like the AFCON and the World Cup, I don’t think there is anything like a third place in Europe Competitions.

[Joy- maker]

If you truly follow up this AFCON competition trust me you will notice a lot in that competition, and frankly speaking I am highly disappointed at Morocco, because they didn't behave well as the host of the AFCON competition. And am pretty sure that Africa will never host any AFCON competition in Morocco again never, because they were not well behaved in this recent AFCON they hosted.
Morocco that was suppose to focus on wining the cup, instead they were more focus on nwabali's tower and Mendy's tower so ridiculous no wonder they lost.

And From the way  Moroccans were behaving in that AFCON competition, I have no doubt that CAF was working in their favour to win the AFCON. But CAF forgot that football is not suppose to work that way, that's why am disappointed at CAF for accepting what ever Morocco government offered them to redicle other Africa teams efforts and performance in that AFCON competition. And I am happy that after everything Morocco still end up not winning the cup rather they cried blood, and Senegal won. Mane is indeed a leader I so much love what he did and now his my guy.

I really don’t understand why you are disappointed at Morocco for no reason, because they hosted a good Tournament, and I wanted them to win the tournament but unfortunately they couldn’t win the tournament because of Senegalese players and Coach awful bad decisions and behavior.

Everyone is talking about Morocco and saying how they badly behaved in the AFCON Tournament and the only bad behavior I will imagine is for them taking the Goalkeeper Towel, which I think that the Senegalese Goalkeeper Mendy have justified the reason why the Moroccans where taking this towels from the Goalkeepers we all know what African is all about when it comes to Vudu, the Moroccans feels that this goalkeepers might be putting some Vudu in their towel to help them and influence the game, we all know this things might be real or not, but obviously we have heard this story several times and you wouldn’t know what to believe.

However if you ask me I will say that Senegalese were the once that was badly behaved, because I’ve never seen where a Manager asked his players to leave the pitch because he feels that the decision was going against him, it was terrible for the fans and the outside world watching, which FIFA have condemned there actions, well we would be waiting for there punishment very soon for them refusing to play.

I hate sentiment, and right now you are being sentimental. I don't what to be rough even as forum allow freedom of speech. I am disappointed at Morocco because they were not well behaved during the AFCON competition, and Vudu shouldn't be an excuse for their poor or inappropriate behaviour. Beside their where other African countries who played in that AFCON competition, why were they not taking goalkeepers towels? Or do you think they don't believe or know about Vudu? You better stop being maudlin and be logical, Morocco players didn't behave professional, even hakimi behaved childish too. Instead of focusing on wining the cup which is the main thing, they were more focus on nwabali's tower and Mendy's tower unacceptable behaviour.

Before the AFCON I projected four countries to emerge victorious, which Morocco was there, Nigeria super Eagles, Egypt and Senegal. But I later removed Morocco on the list, because I saw that their bribery and  inappropriate behaviour is going to take them no where, rather they will crying blood at the end. As for the Senegal team they were well behaved through out the AFCON competition, leaving the pitch for Morocco was the best thing do, because the penalty that was awarded to Morocco wasn't fair.

[Fivestar4everMVP]

The truth is that Nigerians does not regard third place as an achievement again because even when our super eagles are terribly bad, they still managed to come out third, so with the improvement seen from our super eagles during the tournament, I honestly expect them to win it, but they failed on that regard, but I still can't call it a major success even though it looks like a successful afcon campaign. Just that coming out third now looks normal to Nigerians, since they hardly goes to the afcon and comes back empty handed.

It doesn't really matter how some person's feel about the 3rd place but how well the team fought ti get there still needs to be acknowledged.  I know there are allot of expectations from people and the entire country but sometimes we should put ourselves in the shoes of the players as well.
Imagine yourself on the field that day with all of the refree blows against the team. Yellow card for a play that was just supposed to be overlooked amongs other cautions given to them. All of these would certainly demoralise a team that is full of enthusiasm and energetic. But in all of these these guys still played very well till the end. They didn't mind even though they had to be more careful to not get more cautions from the refree.

The super eagles did their utmost best in the Afcon this year, they performed far beyond what I even expected, lets not forget that this is the same team that failed to qualify for the world cup, failing to qualify already means the team aren't good enough and to be honest, I wasn't expecting them to get that far as even winning the third place in the Afcon but they graciously did, so I will say kudos to the boys and their coach.

Winning the third place in the AFCON may not be as good as winning the first place, and may not also be celebrated like the AFCON title winners celebrated, but then, the third place is still as good as being a position that places the winner in the spotlight of the season's top performers.

[Baki202]

If you truly follow up this AFCON competition trust me you will notice a lot in that competition, and frankly speaking I am highly disappointed at Morocco, because they didn't behave well as the host of the AFCON competition. And am pretty sure that Africa will never host any AFCON competition in Morocco again never, because they were not well behaved in this recent AFCON they hosted.
Morocco that was suppose to focus on wining the cup, instead they were more focus on nwabali's tower and Mendy's tower so ridiculous no wonder they lost.

A lot of things happened in the AFCON, and what was pissing a lot of people off was the fact that it was just too obvious, and people were angry because this is not how the AFCON is. They have held the AFCON in different countries, but this has never happened before—a lot of contradictions and many kinds of misbehavior—and I think issues like this need to be addressed before they recur.  and i dont know why Morocco wanted to win by all means. We know that you are the host nation, but when it comes to the trophy, it has to be something they have to earn. Instead of working hard, they wanted to win early, but it did not work.

And From the way  Moroccans were behaving in that AFCON competition, I have no doubt that CAF was working in their favour to win the AFCON. But CAF forgot that football is not suppose to work that way, that's why am disappointed at CAF for accepting what ever Morocco government offered them to redicle other Africa teams efforts and performance in that AFCON competition. And I am happy that after everything Morocco still end up not winning the cup rather they cried blood, and Senegal won. Mane is indeed a leader I so much love what he did and now his my guy.

It was as if they were having the backing of CAF if not, I am very sure that a lot of things would have been addressed because I am sure a lot of people would have dropped a lot of petitions. And by now, a lot of issues would have been addressed because they will want to maintain discipline in the AFCON, as they are already dishing out sanctions, and it's a good way to start, but we expect them to do more and even hold a press conference if important. So that things like this will not happen next time, and we need to make a difference. it is very hard to see that when it comes to the World Cup, you see things like this happening.

[Wakate]

There is nothing as such thing as a successful AFCON tournament from Super Eagles, because I don’t know a team that celebrates a third place finish, well you could see that the Nigerian Government didn’t give them any reception, they all went home from there camp, and immediately there various clubs have to pick them all up to Europe,

For a country like Nigeria to be celebrating a third position is ridiculously unbelievable. Who cares about it when even the second in position hard to cry their ass out because they'll expecting to win. Every country are looking ahead to be the number that will take the cup and for the super eagle to fail us by ending with a third position, is a ridicule that should not be celebrated.

[Roseline492]

For a country like Nigeria to be celebrating a third position is ridiculously unbelievable. Who cares about it when even the second in position hard to cry their ass out because they'll expecting to win. Every country are looking ahead to be the number that will take the cup and for the super eagle to fail us by ending with a third position, is a ridicule that should not be celebrated.

Morocco cry of being second is not because of the worst to be but because they also had the first in mind so that they would have all the things and respect they accord to the first position so when they could not be first they cry because the season is gone for them without it, but if the country in the second had lost while on the group stage they could have wish for even Quarter finals, It was exactly how Egypt cried only on third position match for a country that has won the cup more than how Nigeria has won it from beginning because they wanted third than Nigeria.

[Doan9269]

For a country like Nigeria to be celebrating a third position is ridiculously unbelievable. Who cares about it when even the second in position hard to cry their ass out because they'll expecting to win. Every country are looking ahead to be the number that will take the cup and for the super eagle to fail us by ending with a third position, is a ridicule that should not be celebrated.

Morocco cry of being second is not because of the worst to be but because they also had the first in mind so that they would have all the things and respect they accord to the first position so when they could not be first they cry because the season is gone for them without it, but if the country in the second had lost while on the group stage they could have wish for even Quarter finals, It was exactly how Egypt cried only on third position match for a country that has won the cup more than how Nigeria has won it from beginning because they wanted third than Nigeria.

Senegal is there celebrating their trophy and victory at last, Nigerians are there celebrating what is not it, this is a cup that should be in the hands of the super eagles, but its so disappointing now that the eagle could not fly any longer on a long distance, If Morocco can cry for being second, then the Nigerian Super Eagles should lament and shed tears, cover their eyes for shame and hide somewhere.

[CryptSafe]

CAF begins to take punitive measures against Players and Referees who defaulted during the just-concluded AFCON tournament, which was held in Morocco. The match between Nigeria and Algeria was properly investigated, and the Algerian side was found wanting of the offenses that were leveled against them for misconduct during the match they had played with Nigeria, which led to a clash between players of both teams. From the investigation, the panel came up with the following disciplinary measures;

"CAF Disciplinary Board decision read, “Suspend Algeria player Luca Zidane for two (2) CAF official matches with the Algeria national team for misconduct."

“Suspend Algeria player Rafik Belghali, player for four (4) CAF official matches with the Algeria national team, for aggressive and intimidating behaviour towards the match referee at the end of the match."

“However, two (2) matches are suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision.”

"The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) was also hit with a series of fines totalling USD 100,000 over the conduct of its players, officials and supporters."

“Impose a fine of USD 50,000 on the Algerian Football Federation for offensive and abusive gestures (displaying banknotes) committed by its supporters towards the match officials.”

While the other investigations are still ongoing, CAF has been able to conclude the investigation regarding the Nigeria vs Algeria clash in the just-concluded AFCON tournament, while we await that of the finals between the host nation Morrocco and Senegal.


Sources

[Richbased]

CAF begins to take punitive measures against Players and Referees who defaulted during the just-concluded AFCON tournament, which was held in Morocco.
~snip~

Good to know that CAF has investigated the Nigeria versus Algeria match and gave punishment defaulters accordingly, at least they have started from somewhere while we await for the outcome of investigation from other teams, players, and referees that engaged in match misconduct. I said it earlier that it's not only Morocco that will be punished, other countries will also follow suit in order to enhance fair play in future AFCON competition.

[Nightwatchmare]

It was only the infrastructural side of Morocco that was enjoyed in the AFCON, the stadiums and other facilities were alright as well, but the behavior by the Moroccans truly surprised us, they didn't just come to play in the AFCON or hosted the AFCON as the host for the tournament, they had the motive of winning the AFCON using every means they possibly can.

Any sanction Morocco claims to file against Senegal is useless, the tried to stress their opponents mentally in a way it will affect their performance,

I haven't seen all the stadium in Africa but from all the ones we always watch while AFCON is ongoing non has competed Morocco stadium because most of the previous stadium was a semi standard stadium but this Morocco own is international standard for playing, they have everything and the capacity is of no questionable view, a world Cup can actually be played on that stadium for the sake of standard. Sanction on Senegal?, they wouldn't sanction them because of the amicable reconciliation of action from Senegal and they didn't fight each other to determine the rules they had broken.

Have you personally conducted research to know if Morocco is the only country in Africa that has world class stadiums to host the Afcon tournament or the world cup tournament? You only have the conviction that Morocco is the only country in Africa that has world class stadiums because of what you saw in the just concluded Afcon tournament. Morocco is not the only country that has world class stadiums in Africa; we have a lot of African countries with world class stadiums. South Africa was the host of the 2010 world cup tournament, and i believe if South Africa did not have world class stadiums, fifa would not have allowed South Africa to host the 2010 world cup tournament.

[Nheer]

For a country like Nigeria to be celebrating a third position is ridiculously unbelievable. Who cares about it when even the second in position hard to cry their ass out because they'll expecting to win. Every country are looking ahead to be the number that will take the cup and for the super eagle to fail us by ending with a third position, is a ridicule that should not be celebrated.

I think you should stop using past glories to rate Nigeria. For a country like Nigeria to be celebrating 3rd place is ridiculous? True they need to improve because they are not doing well as they should but I don't expect much from them since for a long time now they have not done anything serious to stand out even in Africa. Even if they win Morocco and reach the final I don't think they can win Senegal.  Compared to the past I think Nigeria did well, they played well that's why most people are celebrating it, there is a bit of improvement in how they play so it's a good sign at least, we just hope they keep it up until they can start winning trophies again.

Morocco cry of being second is not because of the worst to be but because they also had the first in mind so that they would have all the things and respect they accord to the first position so when they could not be first they cry because the season is gone for them without it, but if the country in the second had lost while on the group stage they could have wish for even Quarter finals,

Morocco over did it, they were obsessed with winning it as if it's their birth right just because they are the host nation and that has made a lot of people criticize them. They are playing well but some things they did made them look like the villian, they did everything possible just so they can win it that's why they are pained that they couldn't win it.