African Football Discussion Thread Current Topic: 👉 World Cup Qualifiers.

[Ronsbit]

Too bad that Victor Osimhen will be unavailable for the Super Eagles today. That tackle on Victor was very dangerous and i don't know what that player was thinking. The good news is that the injury is not too serious, just a bruise on his shin, so he will be back for his club and Nigeria very soon.

The news of Osimhens injury will come as a pleasant one to Bafana Bafana, everyone knows the threat Victor poses. That said, i still believe the boys can get the victory without the 2023 African best player. I cannot wait for 5pm (Nigerian time), i am going to be cheering the boys on for the 90 minutes, hope they don't let me down.

Hopefully, they don't, as the team is made up of experienced players in the English team and other leagues as well. Osimhen's absence, I know, is a blessing to Bafana Bafana because he is a threat to them just as you have said, but it is left for the Super Eagles to show them that without Osimhen, they could play the game and win it with a good possession margin.

We pray for Osimhen's quick recovery, irrespective of the fact that it is just a bruise on his shin. The national team needs his presence as a strategic player who knows what to do per time. Hopefully, we will be cheering the boys, and we pray they do not mess up this opportunity to shine brighter.

[knowngunman]

Each time the super eagles play a lot of Nigerian have high hopes but they always end up disappointing especially in matches that is much needed. After winning last match against Rwanda there is now tension in the country about today's match, well if they don’t win today that will be almost the end in their chase for the coming World Cup.

If the super eagles are going to win today they need to bring absolutely everything to the game. They will need total awareness, they will need to mark and remark, they will need to able to create this chances that they create and above all they don’t need to concede first. It going to be hard match but let see if the super eagles can overcome this storm.

If anyone is having high expectations from the Super Eagle today, I must say the person should be prepared for treatment as a result of high blood pressure that will come after. I normally lower my expectations on super eagle when it comes to crucial matches like this today's own. South Africa winning today will give them automatic qualification and you know what that means right? They wouldn't want to forfeit this golden chance. Nigeria on the other hand can revive their hope of qualifying for the World Cup if they defeat South Africa today but is that possible? I doubt not because we don't have good players but because we have no players who have no passion for home team. I wish them good luck but regardless of the outcome, we move.

[Roseline492]

That Rwandan player has ruined everything for the super eagles because the hope of winning South Africans by chance is no longer strong as we were thinking, perhaps the player plan was to really remove Osimhen from there match against them so that our front line will be empty without an enforcer so that they could win the eagles but nothing happened. Honestly without Osimhen against South Africans we can't win them because Osimhen personality is just one in the whole super eagles, although some others are fine but Osimhen is mostly the one who can do all the coordination on that front.

I think you are placing too much importance on Osimhen; he is a good and important player for us, but we can still do without him in that game if they decide to play as a team. The beauty of the current Super Eagles team is that there are good alternatives in the team that the coach can choose from, unlike other African teams.

You have witnesses the low input on any match he is not among them and those were the country that isn't the performance of South Africans, it is for sure that super eagles can still play without him but what they would missed will be bigger because this is just like removing Lionel Messi from there international match, even if Argentina will perform but might not be as when he is present, so actually what this match needs is that all the best should be on there fit in case a set up is not working they would attend to it with immediate effect of another player, we don't need somebody who would just go and relaxed on the forward.

[SLAAAYYYYYY]

It's sad but true. Just seems as if what we have in the Super Eagles squad are a bunch of players who aren't willing to put in much work cause they don't want to get injured. See, call me a pessimistic somebody but it's getting harder and harder by the minute to convince myself that Nigeria would qualify for the World Cup. You know how they behave. Give you the feeling that something might come out of them but on the D-Day, they mess up so bad that you watching them would feel like going on the pitch to take over from them.

Nigeria isn't in its best shape for multiple reasons although they have good players. When it comes to today's match, it is like its last chance to secure a spot in the upcoming World Cup. Super Eagles have to win it, they have to win every match in fact to try to pick the first spot which is hard to achieve I know. Trying their luck with the best four play-offs is risky and I think it is impossible comparing to the first spot.
I am not very confident about today's game by the way and South Africa is a good team.

In my opinion, Nigeria's chances this time are quite tough considering their current standings. The immense pressure could actually hinder their performance, especially against a team that's playing consistently and confidently. South Africa has the moral advantage of playing in front of their home crowd, plus their more consistent form in recent matches. If Nigeria doesn't quickly find an effective solution in attack, it will be difficult for them to match the hosts' dominance

[Zanab247]

South Africa vs Super Eagle game will be taking place in few hours time. super Eagle is going to south Africa home to use all their strength to prove to people that they are capable to qualify for world cup qualifiers this season, because they have to secure three points in this game to make people believe. In this group C, I guess south Africa is the strongest club in this group and if super Eagle players can discover where their strength is, I guess it will be easy for supper Eagle players to flow to the right direction to lead the game from the first and second half to beat south Africa 1:3.  

I don't think this game will be easy for the two club, because the two club will be playing this game to win and have hope to be among the qualifiers in this season, but super Eagle will be my favorite club in this today game.

[MainIbem]

In my opinion, Nigeria's chances this time are quite tough considering their current standings. The immense pressure could actually hinder their performance, especially against a team that's playing consistently and confidently. South Africa has the moral advantage of playing in front of their home crowd, plus their more consistent form in recent matches. If Nigeria doesn't quickly find an effective solution in attack, it will be difficult for them to match the hosts' dominance

Well, despite my hope that the Super Eagles would be victorious in that match, I won't doubt that it's not going to be tough, yes it would be tough but the Super Eagles have done it before and are capable of winning the South African team again, although their last encounter was a draw but they have to be more serious than ever this time around since the 3 points would go a long way in determining their presence in the next Fifa World Cup tournament. Nigeria is a great football nation in Africa and it would be so disappointing if they don't participate in the world cup therefore they need to work hard as a team and make what seems tough and impossible to be possible.

[Coyster]

It's a huge blow losing Victor Osimhen but we shouldn't lose faith already. This game is either you win or come back home for the super eagles. I'm keen to see how they react on the pitch. I get that records are meant to be broken, but this image below gives me some sense of peace and calm prior to the game.  We have a good defenders, we just need our strikers converting chances.

The head to head favors the Super Eagles, we hardly lose to Bafana Bafana and i hope that continues today. The thing about today's game is that a draw is not enough for the Super Eagles, but it would be a great result for Bafana Bafana. For the Eagles, it is either three points or no World Cup next year for us.

That said, i don't know why Alex Iwobi was playing more like a number 6 (defensive midfielder) in the last game, we need his attacking prowess further up the pitch, so that is something the manager should look into. I also felt Lookman was played out of position in the last game, these are the nuances the manager should look to correct, fine details would decide our fate, so we must get it right.

[Stable090]

Well, despite my hope that the Super Eagles would be victorious in that match, I won't doubt that it's not going to be tough, yes it would be tough but the Super Eagles have done it before and are capable of winning the South African team again,

The super eagles need to win today’s match. The match will be starting in the next few minutes, seriously the winner of the match is just going to be difficult to predict, but with the condition which the super eagles are currently, then they will do everything to get a win in the match , even as we all know that the match is not really going to be a easy one for the two team. Super eagles are really having great squad, I just hope the players which they have are going to perform well today, I really want the super eagles to get a win in the match, let’s wait and see if they won’t disappoint us today.

[Spaceman1000$]

In my opinion, Nigeria's chances this time are quite tough considering their current standings. The immense pressure could actually hinder their performance, especially against a team that's playing consistently and confidently. South Africa has the moral advantage of playing in front of their home crowd, plus their more consistent form in recent matches. If Nigeria doesn't quickly find an effective solution in attack, it will be difficult for them to match the hosts' dominance

Well, despite my hope that the Super Eagles would be victorious in that match, I won't doubt that it's not going to be tough, yes it would be tough but the Super Eagles have done it before and are capable of winning the South African team again, although their last encounter was a draw but they have to be more serious than ever this time around since the 3 points would go a long way in determining their presence in the next Fifa World Cup tournament. Nigeria is a great football nation in Africa and it would be so disappointing if they don't participate in the world cup therefore they need to work hard as a team and make what seems tough and impossible to be possible.

The Bafana Bafana in this World cup qualifier series have been impressive, as they are currently the group leaders in their group, although there's a pending case of 3-point deduction that might come afterwards,  so in spite of of the fact that they are the group leaders, they still will have to put up a good fight so they could remain at a very advantageous position if that 3-point is deducted. So the supper eagles game against Bafana Bafana this evening is quick unpredictable at the moment because Nigerians are struggling to make sure they pitch their tent on a higher ground, so they could secure a position. I will just sit and watch to see what the outcome will be.

[Cityhunter34]

I don't know what to say about the Nigerian team if the poor performance is from the players, coach or other related factors thats what i can't tell but all i know is they need to revamp there structure and work towards finding the mystery behind their weakness so they improve in all aspects. The Nigerian team is one of the best teams in Africa that can even compete in world football without any atom of doubt yet proving their consistency is the main subject matter now because they hardly turn tables around when it comes to crucial matches instead they end up betraying our trust. So on that note something should be done about that and it should be with immediate effect

I think today's match would definitely going to determine where there fault is coming from, because they are playing with a very strong opponent. But one thing I normally like about supper eagles is that, they always perform well against big opponents, Which has always been there pattern for a while now. I hope they continue this trend, as this is a tough one for them.

It's almost time for kick-off so I will definitely witness everything live.

[Accardo]

We pray for Osimhen's quick recovery, irrespective of the fact that it is just a bruise on his shin. The national team needs his presence as a strategic player who knows what to do per time. Hopefully, we will be cheering the boys, and we pray they do not mess up this opportunity to shine brighter.

Except for his strong mind control Osihmen would have gone physical with that rough player, which may have brought him bad publicity. The attack on him was not nice, the player's intention was to give him an Injury. Really sad he didn't make today's match, competent striker. However, the eagles are moving strong in the first 10 minutes, but the first half has a taste of a goaless end.

[Fiatless]

South Africa is now ahead by one goal. The pressure on the defence was so much that Willian Troost Ekong had to score an own goal. The Super Eagles are now in big danger because a loss will put an end to the World Cup qualification dream. There is still time for the Nigerian side to come back into the game. But it will take a lot of effort because the Bafana Bafana seems to be too formidable to beat. 

[Merit.s]

I don't know what to say about the Nigerian team if the poor performance is from the players, coach or other related factors thats what i can't tell but all i know is they need to revamp there structure and work towards finding the mystery behind their weakness so they improve in all aspects. The Nigerian team is one of the best teams in Africa that can even compete in world football without any atom of doubt yet proving their consistency is the main subject matter now because they hardly turn tables around when it comes to crucial matches instead they end up betraying our trust. So on that note something should be done about that and it should be with immediate effect

I think today's match would definitely going to determine where there fault is coming from, because they are playing with a very strong opponent. But one thing I normally like about supper eagles is that, they always perform well against big opponents, Which has always been there pattern for a while now. I hope they continue this trend, as this is a tough one for them.

It's almost time for kick-off so I will definitely witness everything live.

Nigeria is one goal behind after Troost Ekong scored an own goal to put his men in a tight corner of qualifying to the world cup. Nigeria is currently, playing under pressure because their host is making the match easy for them on the pitch. South Africa is pressuring to double their lead with several attacks.

I don’t know if it will be possible for Nigeria to equalize this goal, talk more of winning this match. South Africa is a strong team and you know what that means now that they are on the lead. I haven't seen Nigeria played any shot on target since I started watching the match.

[Adbitco]

South Africa 1 Vs Nigeria 0
I don't even understand this very match, as I was watching it, I was falling asleep because of how the game is going. What kind of pitch is this even? Did they organise a world cup qualifiers match on a swap pitch? Because that's what I'm seeing right there. South Africa is the more dominant team in this first half because since they scored,, Nigeria only entered their 18 yard box when they were about to play that corner kick, that's how inferior and toothless the Nigerian team has been so far in the match.

Edit
Finally, Nigeria equalises to make it 1 - 1 before the HT break. Need I stress that they are the ones that needs this three points most. They need to win South Africa

[Accardo]

South Africa is now ahead by one goal. The pressure on the defence was so much that Willian Troost Ekong had to score an own goal. The Super Eagles are now in big danger because a loss will put an end to the World Cup qualification dream. There is still time for the Nigerian side to come back into the game. But it will take a lot of effort because the Bafana Bafana seems to be too formidable to beat.  

I didn't notice any much attacking pressure that would be enough to fidget the captain badge bearer into scoring a clean own goal. That was a technical mistake on his end that explains how shattered the Super Eagle's team work is in this match. The game is really slow and one sided, if no extra effort is added from both nations that own goal would be the last time the ball would make it into the net.

[Berry2d]

I think today's match would definitely going to determine where there fault is coming from, because they are playing with a very strong opponent. But one thing I normally like about supper eagles is that, they always perform well against big opponents, Which has always been there pattern for a while now. I hope they continue this trend, as this is a tough one for them.

It's almost time for kick-off so I will definitely witness everything live.

Talking about the super eagle's super performance against big team, i don't think you are right about that, they are already one goal down in the first half of the game with an unimaginable poor performance on today's game against ordinary south Africa that their squad can not be compared to that of Nigeria in terms of quality yet there is no good news they can retaliate on the game.
From the way the game is going I don't think they can equalise the game but my problem here is I have used my life time saving all because I just wanted to prove a point

[Hyphen(-)]

I didn't notice any much attacking pressure that would be enough to fidget the captain badge bearer into scoring a clean own goal. That was a technical mistake on his end that explains how shattered the Super Eagle's team work is in this match. The game is really slow and one sided, if no extra effort is added from both nations that own goal would be the last time the ball would make it into the net.

It’s 1-1 already before the end of the first half, a goal from Kelvin Bassy through a brilliant cross from Dele Bashiru has helped the Super League Eagles to level up before the halftime which is what they actually needed if they want to win this match.

I can see how serious the Super Eagles players are towards the end of the first half, it seems like they ignore the coach instructions and play with their zeal and aim of winning this match because the Super Eagles clearly have more qualified players than the South Africa team, but the South African team have good teamwork that was why they were able to match the Super Eagles early in the first half and one of their pressure leads to an own goal.

Nevertheless, the second half will come with some changes I think because both coaches needs to analyse the game to make positive changes that will bring positive impact into the game.

[BIT-BENDER]

A very bad start for Nigeria to their match against south Africa, it was all south Africa at the beginning, they held the midfield strongly and were faster than Nigeria it paid off because they forced the super eagles captain to score and own Goal.
Nigeria were better in the closing end of the half and used their strength more than the Nigerian team which yielded fruit as they scored an equalizer, if Nigeria continue using their strength over the south Africans then they should win this game.

[Majestic-milf]

South Africa 1 Vs Nigeria 0
I don't even understand this very match, as I was watching it, I was falling asleep because of how the game is going. What kind of pitch is this even? Did they organise a world cup qualifiers match on a swap pitch? Because that's what I'm seeing right there. South Africa is the more dominant team in this first half because since they scored,, Nigeria only entered their 18 yard box when they were about to play that corner kick, that's how inferior and toothless the Nigerian team has been so far in the match.

Edit
Finally, Nigeria equalises to make it 1 - 1 before the HT break. Need I stress that they are the ones that needs this three points most. They need to win South Africa

The pitch looks like it was deliberately selected so that Nigeria could not be able to perform well as we all know that Bloemfontein is not a place that the Super Eagles are familiar with. Out of the 13 times these two have met, it's only once that South Africa has won and would be looking to upset the balance.
What I noticed in this game really got me angry because it seemed like Nigeria didn't understand what was at stake in this game. Often making mistakes to the point that the first goal for SA came as a result of a mistake from  William Troost Ekong thanks to the fact that they kept mounting pressure on the Nigerians.
 Even though they are at a stalemate at halftime, what would determine that Nigeria takes all three points is if they add the fire that they started coming out with towards the latter ends of the half.

[Stable090]

South Africa is now ahead by one goal. The pressure on the defence was so much that Willian Troost Ekong had to score an own goal. The Super Eagles are now in big danger because a loss will put an end to the World Cup qualification dream. There is still time for the Nigerian side to come back into the game. But it will take a lot of effort because the Bafana Bafana seems to be too formidable to beat. 

The first half of the match has ended, and the super eagles equalize before the second half of the match ended. The super eagles didn’t play so well in the first half of the match, the pressure on them in the first half of the match was just too much which leads to Ekong scoring an own goal in the match. The super eagles performance got better towards the ending of the first half, and they were able to secure a goal which is really a nice one for them, I just hope the super eagles performance will improve in the second half of the match, they really need to win the match.

I don’t really know why South African choose to use the field which they are using currently, they have better fields which they can use, but they choose to make use of a field with a poor condition, or maybe they decide to make use of the field intentionally.