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

[Mr Reporter]

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.

Very funny, you got me laughing where you said that the eagles could not fly any longer on a distance your words, funny you, but what you said is true, at some point I started supporting the supers eagles but i was not putting it in my mind seriously because I know that they can disappoint but do they really disappoint, I think no, circumstances led them not to go to the finals, which I believe any team can also be stopped at that point, it is penalty shootout and we can not keep apportioning blames, I know anger, even as that we should take it easy, personally, I will not stop blaming them for not qualifying for the world cup.

Honestly speaking putting all full trust on the super eagles was the last thing on my mind at that moment because this had to me last season where….they made us paid and rest,well I not to you blame them that much even since they took 3rd day it was really not easy but still made us proud and happy, they’re many I would to God thank.

[Jegileman]

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.

The competition was already looking one sided since from the semifinals of the competition when Morocco played against Nigeria. Many had criticized the referee for being very partial in that game and favored the Moroccan team the more. To some, the game was still not very partial and the Nigerian team didn’t take good use of their chances well as they should, if not even with the partial behavior of the referee it was a game they ought to have won with the potentials they had and the chances they created in that match.

The competition has come to an end now, this is not the time for blame games but for time for all teams that participated in the competition to cover up their lapses and put themselves together more to battle better during the next AFCON. The Nigerian team really did well and seeing how far they came in the competition, they need to be very commended for their efforts which they showed effortlessly and did better than the result they achieved in the World Cup qualifiers they got eliminated on.

[Mayor of ogba]

CAF doesn't need to carry out any investigation before they can break silence on Morocco stealing towels in the final between Senegal and Morocco because CAF won't say that they didn't see how Morocco tried to steal Mendy's towel, but Senegal second goalkeeper prevented Morocco from taking Mendy's towel. CAF has already sanctioned Senegal's coach for instructing his boys to leave the field, but since CAF didn't say anything about Morocco behavior in the African Cup of Nations, that's why I said that CAF is corrupt.

It’s a formal process for CAF to carry out investigations for them to determine their decision on the matter. The unprofessionalism of the Moroccan officials, stewards, ball boys, players in the Afcon is a shame and there are video evidence to make the CAF investigations fast and conclusive.
But I think CAF are incompetent because before the finals the Moroccan team has been intimidating other teams this way and CAF were silent and that is why they did it in the final.

But CAF didn't carry out an investigation before they sanctioned Senegal's coach. CAF investigated the incident that made Senegal's coach order his boys to leave the field to know if the Senegal coach deserved to be sanctioned or not, but since Senegal's coach prevented Morocco from winning the African Cup of Nations and exposed how bad CAF is, CAF broke silence on Senegal's coach and sanctioned him without wasting time. If CAF is concerned about addressing the issue of Morocco ball boys stealing towels, they should have called Morocco to order when they first stole Nwabali's towel, but since CAF isn't concerned about that, I won't be surprised if CAF doesn't address the issue.

[Iroh]

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.

Yeah, Nigeria strived hard but unfortunately, were unable to win the trophy like I, along with a lot of people had hoped. But we didn't win first place, rather, finishing 3rd on the tournament. I get it that there were extremly high expectations from supporters and while those expectations weren't met, the super eagles didn't leave the tournament empty handed. I think it's worth celebrating, even if it's a little bit. That way, it shows we acknowledge the efforts of the players and show them we still support them irrespective of not winning the tournament as apparently, it was expected by a lot of people.
It certinly doesn't seem ridiculous to me if people are happy for finishing 3rd in the tournament. If they had gotten knocked out at the early stages, how would you have felt then?

[Rruchi man]

It certinly doesn't seem ridiculous to me if people are happy for finishing 3rd in the tournament. If they had gotten knocked out at the early stages, how would you have felt then?

He would have moved on, people would have adjusted to the reality that we couldn't progress far, and they would have forgotten about it. But now since the Super Eagles team finishes 3rd, it is sad to some, which I can understand because we have the team and the ability to do better.

There are also those that expected the AFCON as consolation for not getting to the World Cup; third position is not exactly consoling.

[Pjcr7]

It's not today that some North African countries has been denying their African identity, so when I came across this post on Facebook, I wasn't surprised. In 1984, Morocco left the African Union (AU) and came back after 33 years, that's in 2017. They came back not because they wanted to but because they have been denied severally by the European Union (EU). They claim since they are whites, they deserve to be amongst the whites instead of the blacks but their country is in the continent of Africa, so their request to join the EU was denied. They shamelessly return to the AU and you will be wondering why they were accepted, maybe because we don't cast people out even when they feel that we don't belong together. I saw so many post of them saying how they are not Africans. You are not Africans but you still bid to host the AFCON, are you that shameless? And when you didn't win it even after cheating your way to the finals and you were beaten for it, you come out to cry foul. Shame

Its absolutely very shameful to be honest, I've not taken the time to read about the history of Africa and Morocco in particular since their country and whatever they do there isn't my business, it's seeing this part of their history here makes me really disappointed in them, they really messed up the AFCON by them bribing officials to ensure they win, but unfortunately, things didn't turn out the way the officials had arranged it should, and instead of them holding the officials they bribed responsible, they are busy running around a burning bush, it's a shame really and I do not blame them.

If the AFCON had any reputable officials, Morocco should be fined heavily for denying some teams in the AFCON a fair play opportunity, Morocco wouldn't have made it to even the quarter finals if they played all their games fairly.

The annoying part of it is, they cannot even leave,  they tried Europe, they rejected them citing that they are Africans and not Europeans so they cannot be accepted, they claimed Arabs, those ones also rejected partly but accepted them just because they are all Muslims. In that Arab kings cup organised by Saudi Arabia, I saw one of their club, Casablanca participating in it. But that's just it nothing else. Don't mind them, they don't want to be Africans but they want African trophy, that's foolishness. They accuse the rest of us African for supporting Senegal in the finals than them, like who wouldn't support Senegal, apart from the fact that they are claiming not to be part of us, the way they wanted to cheat Senegal right in front of us was enough reason for us to pour our support for Senegal.

[Mayor of ogba]

CAF doesn't need to carry out any investigation before they can break silence on Morocco stealing towels in the final between Senegal and Morocco because CAF won't say that they didn't see how Morocco tried to steal Mendy's towel, but Senegal second goalkeeper prevented Morocco from taking Mendy's towel. CAF has already sanctioned Senegal's coach for instructing his boys to leave the field, but since CAF didn't say anything about Morocco behavior in the African Cup of Nations, that's why I said that CAF is corrupt.

Even if CAF had seen videos of what happened, it will take them some time to fully carry out their investigations before issuing out any punish or fine to the offenders. The CAF disciplinary committee will look into the matter to know whether Morocco fans were provoked into doing that to know the level of punishment that's suitable for them. They would want to know if there was anything that provoked them into behaving that way. Although nothing should justify that shameful display from the host fans. One thing we should know is that CAF will definitely take action. News came out today that CAF fined Algeria $100k and suspended some of their players for their conduct in their match against Nigeria.

Since it didn't take CAF time to condemn Senegal for walking out of the field and punish Senegal's coach, CAF should also take the same measures to condemn Morocco's bad behavior in the final so that people won't believe that CAF is treating Morocco differently. Even though Senegal fans fight with Morocco fans, Morocco has no right to steal Mendy's towel since a goalkeeper keeping a towel beside the goalpost is part of the game.

[Futurexxx]

The annoying part of it is, they cannot even leave,  they tried Europe, they rejected them citing that they are Africans and not Europeans so they cannot be accepted, they claimed Arabs, those ones also rejected partly but accepted them just because they are all Muslims. In that Arab kings cup organised by Saudi Arabia, I saw one of their club, Casablanca participating in it. But that's just it nothing else. Don't mind them, they don't want to be Africans but they want African trophy, that's foolishness. They accuse the rest of us African for supporting Senegal in the finals than them, like who wouldn't support Senegal, apart from the fact that they are claiming not to be part of us, the way they wanted to cheat Senegal right in front of us was enough reason for us to pour our support for Senegal.

The Moroccans are the ones bringing all these to themselves, because you can't claim to be my brother, when you are making it obvious that you don't want to, you sticking around is because you have to choice than to be around, that's not how a true brotherhood behaves.

They have tried countless times to move away from Africa, but to no avail, and they even broke we the Africans heart at the past world cup when we were supporting them , but they came out and say that their victory was dedicated to the Arab world, forgetting that they got there under the umbrella of Africa. I don't have any other things to say about the Moroccan because it's obvious that they are not interested in being here, so I will never see them as part of us. Even if they finally got their wish and leave, their absence wouldn't be felt a bit because their contributions to Africa is not significant.

[Oluwa-btc]

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.

As much as every little win should be celebrated, I wasn't completely excited with that bronze. My only joy came from seeing the way we played all round during this competition and the fact that, our Nigerian players got their flowers and recognition as they were listed in the African nations team of the tournament ( Victor Osimhen,  Ademola Lookman, and Calvin Bassey ). Finally, from Senegal who also won it for Africa, you know what I mean yeah?!

[Cossyblack]

Honestly speaking putting all full trust on the super eagles was the last thing on my mind at that moment because this had to me last season where….they made us paid and rest,well I not to you blame them that much even since they took 3rd day it was really not easy but still made us proud and happy, they’re many I would to God thank.

It was a sad moments for all Nigerian because the place we wanted them to finish was the first place but it happens they didn't make that far. I still celebrated them for winning the bronze medals. We should be celebrating the super eagles because it is not easy to win bronze medals,24 countries participated in the AFCON  and the Super Eagles were among the best three teams in the tournament who won a medal. Nigeria and Senegal truly represent west Africa well.

[SatoPrincess]

I just saw an article that Morocco have filed a complaint to FIFA over Senegal walk-out during the final. According to FIFA rules, the penalty is a 3 nil forfeit. What do you think will happen, and would you think it’s fair if FIFA awards the trophy to Morocco because referee bias or not, Senegal was wrong to walk off the pitch.

[Mayor of ogba]

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.

As much as every little win should be celebrated, I wasn't completely excited with that bronze. My only joy came from seeing the way we played all round during this competition and the fact that, our Nigerian players got their flowers and recognition as they were listed in the African nations team of the tournament ( Victor Osimhen,  Ademola Lookman, and Calvin Bassey ). Finally, from Senegal who also won it for Africa, you know what I mean yeah?!

I lost the passion to watch the African Cup of Nations matches the moment the Super Eagles were knocked out of the tournament by Morocco, and even though the Super Eagles won Egypt through a penalty shootout and finished third, I wasn't happy with that because I wanted the Super Eagles to win this year's African Cup of Nations. 

[8rch7]

I lost the passion to watch the African Cup of Nations matches the moment the Super Eagles were knocked out of the tournament by Morocco, and even though the Super Eagles won Egypt through a penalty shootout and finished third, I wasn't happy with that because I wanted the Super Eagles to win this year's African Cup of Nations. 

I think is normally loss your passion after favorite teams already eliminating exactly at crucial position on semifinal round, its proof Morocco have better performance than Nigeria although the champion winning by Senegal. Actually many controversial happening with AFCON and seeing the last statement from Thierry Henry about the referee qualities at AFCON, for next event AFCON must prepare well and has top quality referee how to make world make AFCON is most interested for watching and scout talent to see top youth African player.

Nigeria this time of AFCON finished at 3rd position and wish your national teams will be the winner for the next event, sadly for World Cup 2026 Nigeria will miss after having bad performance in qualifying round matches.

[Oluwa-btc]

I just saw an article that Morocco have filed a complaint to FIFA over Senegal walk-out during the final. According to FIFA rules, the penalty is a 3 nil forfeit. What do you think will happen, and would you think it’s fair if FIFA awards the trophy to Morocco because referee bias or not, Senegal was wrong to walk off the pitch.

In the face of injustice, I'm one of those people who will also walk away without hesitation and with my full chest. If FIFA is not retarded, they'd focus on better things and not the hullabaloo from Morocco national team. At the same time, they'd look into both players like Hakimi being unprofessional likewise the Moroccan fans who we all saw with the Nigerian goalkeeper and Senegalese goalkeeper taking their towels to have them distracted. I'm proud of the Senegalese manager,  he will remain a huge role model to other young Africans in the face of injustice.

[Finebone]

I just saw an article that Morocco have filed a complaint to FIFA over Senegal walk-out during the final. According to FIFA rules, the penalty is a 3 nil forfeit. What do you think will happen, and would you think it’s fair if FIFA awards the trophy to Morocco because referee bias or not, Senegal was wrong to walk off the pitch.

In the face of injustice, I'm one of those people who will also walk away without hesitation and with my full chest. If FIFA is not retarded, they'd focus on better things and not the hullabaloo from Morocco national team. At the same time, they'd look into both players like Hakimi being unprofessional likewise the Moroccan fans who we all saw with the Nigerian goalkeeper and Senegalese goalkeeper taking their towels to have them distracted. I'm proud of the Senegalese manager,  he will remain a huge role model to other young Africans in the face of injustice.

One cheating tactic most of these guys have learnt over the years is that they will want you to play cool without reacting negatively, and after everything have been done, you might come with your complaints when nothing can be done about it, when the trophy has been lifted up to the delight of those that were cheating, so the Senegalese coach action is valid, since that time was the best time to act, because nothing can be undone if things went bad, the only thing caf and fifa would have done is giving useless apologies, so thumb 👍 up to the Senegalese coach because his actions was warranted.

[Iamgoat]

He would have moved on, people would have adjusted to the reality that we couldn't progress far, and they would have forgotten about it. But now since the Super Eagles team finishes 3rd, it is sad to some, which I can understand because we have the team and the ability to do better.

There are also those that expected the AFCON as consolation for not getting to the World Cup; third position is not exactly consoling.

What I expected from the Super Eagle was for them to win the trophy and not to come out in the third place, since 2013 which was the last time we ever got the opportunity to win the championship, this year's tournament was the second chance we had to win again but we allowed it to sleep away from us through the nonchalant behavior of some of our players like chukuweze who messed out the biggest chance we had to win the game. For our players to have played Morocco till the extra time, I was already very hopeful they will come out victorious but was very disappointed to see otherwise. I am still going to stand by my words, there was no team which are as solid as the Super Eagle guys in this AFCON looking at the composition of players we had from the forward, midfield and defense, other teams had one or two of these compositions they lacked yet we wasted the opportunity we had.

[SatoPrincess]

so the Senegalese coach action is valid, since that time was the best time to act, because nothing can be undone if things went bad, the only thing caf and fifa would have done is giving useless apologies, so thumb 👍 up to the Senegalese coach because his actions was warranted.

Their anger was valid, but abandoning the game is a different matter. The rules are there for a reason. Imagine if  every team walked out of a match where they felt like that the referee was biased against them. I have seen some very obvious bad calls by refs in the EPL, and I am yet to see the team walk out on the game.

[Spaceman1000$]

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.

Yeah, Nigeria strived hard but unfortunately, were unable to win the trophy like I, along with a lot of people had hoped. But we didn't win first place, rather, finishing 3rd on the tournament. I get it that there were extremly high expectations from supporters and while those expectations weren't met, the super eagles didn't leave the tournament empty handed. I think it's worth celebrating, even if it's a little bit. That way, it shows we acknowledge the efforts of the players and show them we still support them irrespective of not winning the tournament as apparently, it was expected by a lot of people.
It certinly doesn't seem ridiculous to me if people are happy for finishing 3rd in the tournament. If they had gotten knocked out at the early stages, how would you have felt then?

Sincerely speaking we must learn how to encourage players, at the beginning of the competition, since we lost out in the World Cup qualifiers, a lot of people did not have high expectation of the super Eagles, but as the competition was progressing we saw how effective their impact was and they gathered the lot of support as people started paying attention to what they are playing, but it's unfortunate that we did not win the first position as we all thought, but I'm happy that we are finalist, the previous AFCON before this one, will played the finals where we took second position, so our records has not been too bad if you want to look at it critically, it's just that Nigerians needed the AFCON Cup to boast our bragging right.

[Rruchi man]

In the face of injustice, I'm one of those people who will also walk away without hesitation and with my full chest.

Walking away was an emotional reaction from the Senegalese coach, and that was not the best way to react because acting emotionally shows that he was not in control of his emotions, which is not the best for a manager.
We can justify that the Senegalese had a right to be angry at the penalty decision, but walking away was not the best; it would have cost them the competition and even more had Sadio Mane not kept a cool head.

he will remain a huge role model to other young Africans in the face of injustice.

He shouldn't; Mane should rather be the role model.

[Mr Reporter]

Honestly speaking putting all full trust on the super eagles was the last thing on my mind at that moment because this had to me last season where….they made us paid and rest,well I not to you blame them that much even since they took 3rd day it was really not easy but still made us proud and happy, they’re many I would to God thank.

It was a sad moments for all Nigerian because the place we wanted them to finish was the first place but it happens they didn't make that far. I still celebrated them for winning the bronze medals. We should be celebrating the super eagles because it is not easy to win bronze medals,24 countries participated in the AFCON  and the Super Eagles were among the best three teams in the tournament who won a medal. Nigeria and Senegal truly represent west Africa well.

Honestly speaking I still say the super eagles where at their best game this season and for once they got to this this point and I think it already a start for them, I feel next time they can do better and more importantly i feel the season them should do most better than this last season….well even though 24 countries participated in the AFCON and we are still up there it really such a great news to here them make this far…this is now a starting point and the super eagles where really at their best…..