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

[Mr Reporter]

In my opinion, the mistake begins with the people running the Nigerian Football Federation, because they haven't been able to hire a national coach. Considering the good levels of Nigerian players and the leagues they play in, they need to hire a coach who has had some success in Europe and is familiar with all the European teams these Nigerian players play for. This coach should first be tested in friendlies. If the coach loses in friendlies against strong teams, so don't extend his contract too much, fire him early

The Nigerian football federation under this present leadership is the worst; these guys use politics to control everything. We've had some great coaches in the past, but they all left due to terrible treatment, unpaid salary and bonuses.  The previous manager performed admirably at the last AFCON, finishing as first runner-up, and was fired without good explanations.

The current Manager does not have the necessary experience to lead the team and it was quite obvious from the beginning, I can't remember the last time we won a game comfortably or play an exciting football like we used to. With the way we play we don't deserve to play in the World Cup.

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has faced criticism for its handling of the national team, with concerns about politics influencing decision-making and poor treatment of coaches. Here's a breakdown of the current situation

https://leadership.ng/just-in-musa-gusau-emerges-new-nff-president/

It's worth noting that the NFF has taken steps to address some of the concerns, such as improving financial transparency and accountability. However, the team's performance on the field will ultimately determine the success of the current leadership and coaching staff.

[Stable090]

Sometimes it's good that we tell ourselves the truth as sport fans even though we can are supporting a team the truth is that Nigeria have no business doing in the world cup, if we can't even comfortable win a qualifying game how will the super eagles play in the world cup so it's better that we don't qualify for the world cup.

It’s just better we forget about the super eagles qualifying for the World Cup, super eagles that are finding it difficult to qualify from the group stage, just imagine if they manage to qualify for the World Cup, what are they going to play? Which country are they going to win there? It’s just better they forget about the coming World Cup, because I don’t think they will be able to qualify.

I never expected the super eagles to even find any country difficult to win in the group stage, but it’s now surprising how the super eagles are struggling to win even weak country, with the squad which the super eagles are having, they are the ones that are suppose to be at the top of the table.

[Africolo]

The previous manager performed admirably at the last AFCON, finishing as first runner-up, and was fired without good explanations.

Get your facts right, Jose Poseiro was not fired by the NFF, he decided to leave the Super Eagles when his contract expired after the AFCON 2023. According to him, he had already made the decision to leave the Super Eagles even before the AFCON ended, so even if the Super Eagles had won the AFCON, he would have still step down. This is what he had to say about his decision to quit the Super Eagles:

I decided that when I finished AFCON, I would leave. I had put too much effort into my job, and it was too much stress. Everyone supported me—my family and the players—but I grew fatigued,” Peseiro revealed. “I thought it was enough for me, even if I had won the AFCON.

Same manager that was owed 6 months salaries by the NFF? He had a lot of shit from the NFF and decided to call it a day. No National team treats their managers the way we do ours here. They wanted a Yes sir manager and got one.

https://dailypost.ng/2022/11/01/super-eagles-coach-peseiro-owed-six-months-salary-by-nff/

[Sexylizzy2813]

I saw this on FACEBOOK with all the ex Cameroon footballer Samuel Eto'o said about the way the Super Eagles operate the NFF and all that, I think he has a point and if something isn't done I don't see Nigeria becoming strong in football and other smaller nations will continue to see us as a weak team, that's if they haven't started seeing us as one...
Eto'o words;

Samuel Eto'o🗣️--------If at the end Nigeria didn't qualify for the world cup 2026 , then it's a call for reformation, overhauling their båd system, if I must be honest with you their is a smêlling & båd system in Nigeria Fōotball for years, we are all aware, it's never the fault of the players, they are doing well outside in their different clubs, the current African BEST player is from Nigeria, the past was from Nigeria.

If you noticed, even the referees deniêd Nigeria their rights because they no longer see the ÑFF effective, I'm sorry to say this, no ref would boldly ignōre punishìng a player who intentionãlly injurêd an international player like Osimhen, no card was issuêd nothing at all 😭

I'm not condêmning Nigeria either, in Africa the Best players are from Nigeria but they lack good management, we have great ex Fōotballers in Nigeria yet politicians are appointed to run the Fōotball affairs, leaving the experienced Fōotballers behind. So if Nigeria by chance didn't qualify for the ongoing World Cup Qualifiers matches then i think it's good so that the country will sit up, since the county are in the verge of electing new Ñff leadership then I'm urging the Nigêria Fōotball fans to rally round for Jay Jay Okocha to emêrge victorious by then we can work with him, personally I love Nigeria and our friendship has been a top notch I enjoyed a lot of praises from NIGERIANs fans I'm not blind, we know counties that recognizes greatness and Nigeria happens to be number one among those countries.

In conclusion I want to cheer all Ãfricãn countries to emulate the lifestyle of NIGERIANs, loving and caring for their visitors 🇳🇬💚🦅
Thank you everyone, good luck to African players 🦅🇳🇬💚

(ESPN sports news)

[1grindwhale]

I'm curious. Can a player be eligible to play for both competitions. I mean a home grown player that plays the championship, could they be eligible to play AFCON too

[Victorybit1]

I'm curious. Can a player be eligible to play for both competitions. I mean a home grown player that plays the championship, could they be eligible to play AFCON too

Why not ? I think every player that is playing their football in the Nigerian premiere league has the full capability to play for the national team although their is just one exception though and that's if he gets called by the national team coach because due to the reason of him playing very well or maybe the coach actually likes his style and see him fit to improve and add quality to the team.

[Nightwatchmare]

The super eagles needs a very good coach because their problem is lack of good coach they need a coach that knows the best position for players to play it does not really mean that a player that is playing for a certain position in his club may do well when he plays in that certain position in the country match these are the things the coach should look into and again the NFF needs a good president because a lot of things are going on in the Nigerian sports which I really don't like especially in the football sector, I heard a news that Jay Jay okocha is interested in the NFF president and some people that are contesting with him has already stepped down meaning he has the opportunity of becoming the NFF president and I believe when he's giving this position everything will change for good because a lot of things we will be put in order.

Despite the super eagles having good players, they have been struggling for so many years to qualify for competitions, so i think the problem of the super eagles isn't a coach because you can't tell me that of all the coaches that have coached the super eagles, non of them is good enough to handle the super eagles.  Jay Jay Okocha is the right man for the position of NFF president, but the problem is that he might not become the new NFF president because Nigerian godfathers like putting people they can control in office, and since they can't control Jay Jay Okocha, they won't want him to become the new NFF president.

[Majestic-milf]

Eto'o words:

Samuel Eto'o🗣️--------If at the end Nigeria didn't qualify for the world cup 2026 , then it's a call for reformation, overhauling their båd system, if I must be honest with you their is a smêlling & båd system in Nigeria Fōotball for years, we are all aware, it's never the fault of the players, they are doing well outside in their different clubs, the current African BEST player is from Nigeria, the past was from Nigeria.

If you noticed, even the referees deniêd Nigeria their rights because they no longer see the ÑFF effective, I'm sorry to say this, no ref would boldly ignōre punishìng a player who intentionãlly injurêd an international player like Osimhen, no card was issuêd nothing at all 😭

I'm not condêmning Nigeria either, in Africa the Best players are from Nigeria but they lack good management, we have great ex Fōotballers in Nigeria yet politicians are appointed to run the Fōotball affairs, leaving the experienced Fōotballers behind. So if Nigeria by chance didn't qualify for the ongoing World Cup Qualifiers matches then i think it's good so that the country will sit up, since the county are in the verge of electing new Ñff leadership then I'm urging the Nigêria Fōotball fans to rally round for Jay Jay Okocha to emêrge victorious by then we can work with him, personally I love Nigeria and our friendship has been a top notch I enjoyed a lot of praises from NIGERIANs fans I'm not blind, we know counties that recognizes greatness and Nigeria happens to be number one among those countries.

In conclusion I want to cheer all Ãfricãn countries to emulate the lifestyle of NIGERIANs, loving and caring for their visitors 🇳🇬💚🦅
Thank you everyone, good luck to African players 🦅🇳🇬💚

(ESPN sports news)

All Eto'o has said is true. Very sad but true because it's like even the NFF that should have been like the backbone aren't even strong enough . We saw how much the refs got away with some controversial calls they made but it wasn't brought up for investigation and the rest. My question is, with how nonchalant the NFF are, is it the reason our boys don't play with their heart because we are all seeing how much they are struggling with small teams. Like they are a shadow of themselves.
 See, it's one thing to say a thing and another to actually work on it. This matter Eto'o brought up is something that he must have carefully observed but change doesn't come by just talking. The way things are, it's not looking like we'd see that change occuring because this problem of NFF having issues didn't start now and might not end now till the right action is taken.
 

[Barikui1]

Eto'o words:

Samuel Eto'o🗣️--------If at the end Nigeria didn't qualify for the world cup 2026 , then it's a call for reformation, overhauling their båd system, if I must be honest with you their is a smêlling & båd system in Nigeria Fōotball for years, we are all aware, it's never the fault of the players, they are doing well outside in their different clubs, the current African BEST player is from Nigeria, the past was from Nigeria.

If you noticed, even the referees deniêd Nigeria their rights because they no longer see the ÑFF effective, I'm sorry to say this, no ref would boldly ignōre punishìng a player who intentionãlly injurêd an international player like Osimhen, no card was issuêd nothing at all 😭

I'm not condêmning Nigeria either, in Africa the Best players are from Nigeria but they lack good management, we have great ex Fōotballers in Nigeria yet politicians are appointed to run the Fōotball affairs, leaving the experienced Fōotballers behind. So if Nigeria by chance didn't qualify for the ongoing World Cup Qualifiers matches then i think it's good so that the country will sit up, since the county are in the verge of electing new Ñff leadership then I'm urging the Nigêria Fōotball fans to rally round for Jay Jay Okocha to emêrge victorious by then we can work with him, personally I love Nigeria and our friendship has been a top notch I enjoyed a lot of praises from NIGERIANs fans I'm not blind, we know counties that recognizes greatness and Nigeria happens to be number one among those countries.

In conclusion I want to cheer all Ãfricãn countries to emulate the lifestyle of NIGERIANs, loving and caring for their visitors 🇳🇬💚🦅
Thank you everyone, good luck to African players 🦅🇳🇬💚

(ESPN sports news)

All Eto'o has said is true. Very sad but true because it's like even the NFF that should have been like the backbone aren't even strong enough . We saw how much the refs got away with some controversial calls they made but it wasn't brought up for investigation and the rest. My question is, with how nonchalant the NFF are, is it the reason our boys don't play with their heart because we are all seeing how much they are struggling with small teams. Like they are a shadow of themselves.
 See, it's one thing to say a thing and another to actually work on it. This matter Eto'o brought up is something that he must have carefully observed but change doesn't come by just talking. The way things are, it's not looking like we'd see that change occuring because this problem of NFF having issues didn't start now and might not end now till the right action is taken.

Samuel eto fils saying it now doesn't mean that we are blind to this fact, we all knows how fishy our NFF has been over the years and I think that the major cause of these is because they are mostly politicians. You can't put politicians in charge of a footballing body and be expecting them not to play political game with it, why Samuel eto fils voice was the loudest was because he is the president of cameroonian football federation right now and he is equally the greatest footballer in the history of African football, because I can remember very clearly when JJ okocha was complaining that our NFF are playing politics with our football, and even that Mikel obi  said in a few weeks back, that anything that makes makes our super eagles not to qualify for next year fifa world cup, all of them have to go, so these is what is mandatory that should take place if our football is going to blossom, they all have to go, regardless of if we make it to the world cup or not.

[Cityhunter34]

Its not an easy one for me now, I over rated the Nigerian team due to the quality of players in their squad without knowing they can't make it happen when they are needed most but let's watch maybe they could turn the table at last just the way Italy did in their game against Israel. Now I understand why it is clearly stated we should gamble with what we can afford to loss know matter the assurance one thinks he or she has on any game. Although I strongly believe the super eagles will win the game at last, that's what I know and am fully convinced it will happen.

Comparing Italy players with Super Eagles players is causing more harm to yourself because both teams doesn't perform the same at all.

But glad to see that you understand the logic now because there is no guarantee of winnings in gambling, that is why we often preach that each and everyone us here should always gamble with what they can easily afford to lose because nothing is satting until final whistle sound.

[Oluwa-btc]

With the Champions League football back today/tonight,  these are the players from Nigerian representing their respective clubs. I'm rooting for them all but Galatasaray I will watch whenever I see their games. Ademola Lookman and George of Monaco are players that would also thrive.

[Richbased]

Good to see quite a good number of Nigerian players representing their teams at the Champions League games but it's just so unfortunate that most of them are not really playing in teams that can have the possibility of winning the Champions League title. I could remember how Ademola Lookman became popular when he won the Europa League title for Atalanta so imagine if it was in the Champions League that he got that privilege to win the prestigious title it could have been a great achievement for him and the Nigerian football body as well. It's really sad to know that only three Nigerians have succeeded in winning the Champions League title which includes: Finidi George, Kanu Nwankwo, and Mikel Obi. Sadly, the two important players we have now namely; Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen are playing in teams that has less chances of winning the Champions League title.

With the Champions League football back today/tonight,  these are the players from Nigerian representing their respective clubs. I'm rooting for them all but Galatasaray I will watch whenever I see their games. Ademola Lookman and George of Monaco are players that would also thrive.

[Salahmu]

With the Champions League football back today/tonight,  these are the players from Nigerian representing their respective clubs. I'm rooting for them all but Galatasaray I will watch whenever I see their games. Ademola Lookman and George of Monaco are players that would also thrive.

That is a good number of the super eagles on this champions League and i can see that there was an improvement from there various clubs last season to be playing on this league that's very difficult for clubs to qualify because I didn't think there was this number last season champions League, Slavia Prague has two super eagles players and also Club Brugge still has another two players and this are potential recommended players even if there best are not always felt on the national team but outside they are impressive. however non of there teams are in the list those with match today.

[knowngunman]

I never expected the super eagles to even find any country difficult to win in the group stage, but it’s now surprising how the super eagles are struggling to win even weak country, with the squad which the super eagles are having, they are the ones that are suppose to be at the top of the table.

Lack of seriousness from the beginning was the reason why the Super eagle failed to top the group. South Africa on the other hand took the opportunity very personal and sit comfortably on the top. South Africa was the only team I expected to give Nigeria a tough game not knowing that our squad will struggle even against average teams. Although, I'm not happy that we won't be playing in the coming world cup but I think it's better to save ourselves from the international embarrassment since we are finding it difficult to win against local teams in the same continent. Imagine what will happen if we fall in the same group with the likes of Argentina, Spain, Brazil, France or England, it's going to be brutal.

[Ronsbit]

Eto'o words:

Samuel Eto'o🗣️--------If at the end Nigeria didn't qualify for the world cup 2026 , then it's a call for reformation, overhauling their båd system, if I must be honest with you their is a smêlling & båd system in Nigeria Fōotball for years, we are all aware, it's never the fault of the players, they are doing well outside in their different clubs, the current African BEST player is from Nigeria, the past was from Nigeria.

If you noticed, even the referees deniêd Nigeria their rights because they no longer see the ÑFF effective, I'm sorry to say this, no ref would boldly ignōre punishìng a player who intentionãlly injurêd an international player like Osimhen, no card was issuêd nothing at all 😭

I'm not condêmning Nigeria either, in Africa the Best players are from Nigeria but they lack good management, we have great ex Fōotballers in Nigeria yet politicians are appointed to run the Fōotball affairs, leaving the experienced Fōotballers behind. So if Nigeria by chance didn't qualify for the ongoing World Cup Qualifiers matches then i think it's good so that the country will sit up, since the county are in the verge of electing new Ñff leadership then I'm urging the Nigêria Fōotball fans to rally round for Jay Jay Okocha to emêrge victorious by then we can work with him, personally I love Nigeria and our friendship has been a top notch I enjoyed a lot of praises from NIGERIANs fans I'm not blind, we know counties that recognizes greatness and Nigeria happens to be number one among those countries.

In conclusion I want to cheer all Ãfricãn countries to emulate the lifestyle of NIGERIANs, loving and caring for their visitors 🇳🇬💚🦅
Thank you everyone, good luck to African players 🦅🇳🇬💚

(ESPN sports news)

All Eto'o has said is true. Very sad but true because it's like even the NFF that should have been like the backbone aren't even strong enough . We saw how much the refs got away with some controversial calls they made but it wasn't brought up for investigation and the rest. My question is, with how nonchalant the NFF are, is it the reason our boys don't play with their heart because we are all seeing how much they are struggling with small teams. Like they are a shadow of themselves.
 See, it's one thing to say a thing and another to actually work on it. This matter Eto'o brought up is something that he must have carefully observed but change doesn't come by just talking. The way things are, it's not looking like we'd see that change occuring because this problem of NFF having issues didn't start now and might not end now till the right action is taken.
 

What Eto has said is nothing far from the truth. The corrupt system and practices have eaten deep into NFF, and this has finally taken a toll on the National team, which we are all seeing today. I wish it would be passed into law to forbid non-athletes or non-sportsmen from having anything to do with the NFF governing council, as they would not have the experience and the technical know-how to run the sports body of the nation. Only ex-sportsmen/women should be allowed to take part in aspiring for positions in the NFF governing council because they would have better communication and relationships with the team, and also foreign sports relations, as they are knowledgeable about how to go about such activities in building a formidable team again.

[Fiatless]

With the Champions League football back today/tonight,  these are the players from Nigerian representing their respective clubs. I'm rooting for them all but Galatasaray I will watch whenever I see their games. Ademola Lookman and George of Monaco are players that would also thrive.

Victor Osimhen wants to play for Galatasaray against Eintracht Frankfurt, even if it will take using painkillers, since he has not fully recovered from the injury. I would expect to see him put up a good performance. Ademola Lookman might not feature for Atalanta. It seems coach Ivan Juric will be sidelining him due to his protracted transfer drive. He said he wants the Nigerian star to show that he is determined to play for the Italian club.

[Mr Reporter]

With the Champions League football back today/tonight,  these are the players from Nigerian representing their respective clubs. I'm rooting for them all but Galatasaray I will watch whenever I see their games. Ademola Lookman and George of Monaco are players that would also thrive.

Victor Osimhen wants to play for Galatasaray against Eintracht Frankfurt, even if it will take using painkillers, since he has not fully recovered from the injury. I would expect to see him put up a good performance. Ademola Lookman might not feature for Atalanta. It seems coach Ivan Juric will be sidelining him due to his protracted transfer drive. He said he wants the Nigerian star to show that he is determined to play for the Italian club.

That's the kind of determination we love to see from Victor Osimhen! Playing through pain isn't easy, but if he's willing to push through, he might just deliver an impressive performance. As for Ademola Lookman, it's understandable that the coach wants him to prove his commitment to Atalanta. Hopefully, Lookman can demonstrate his dedication and secure his spot on the team."

[Stable090]

Lack of seriousness from the beginning was the reason why the Super eagle failed to top the group. South Africa on the other hand took the opportunity very personal and sit comfortably on the top. South Africa was the only team I expected to give Nigeria a tough game not knowing that our squad will struggle even against average teams. Although, I'm not happy that we won't be playing in the coming world cup but I think it's better to save ourselves from the international embarrassment since we are finding it difficult to win against local teams in the same continent. Imagine what will happen if we fall in the same group with the likes of Argentina, Spain, Brazil, France or England, it's going to be brutal.

Yeah I agree with you, lack of seriousness is the reason why the super eagles are in the current position which they are. I just shake my head whenever I check the countries which are in our group, and the super eagles cant conveniently win those countries, seriously it’s really annoying. When those players gets to their clubs, they do end up performing well, but when they playing for there country, they do end up playing rubbish.

It’s better they don’t even qualify because they just going to end up disgracing us. Just imagine the super eagles find themselves playing against the countries which you mentioned above, then you should know they going to disgrace us because if they can’t win Benin republic, then which country will the super eagles win when they qualify for the World Cup.

[Callido]

Victor Osimhen wants to play for Galatasaray against Eintracht Frankfurt, even if it will take using painkillers, since he has not fully recovered from the injury. I would expect to see him put up a good performance. Ademola Lookman might not feature for Atalanta. It seems coach Ivan Juric will be sidelining him due to his protracted transfer drive. He said he wants the Nigerian star to show that he is determined to play for the Italian club.

After the scan they think Osimhen is ready to perform on thursday in the match against Frankfort, the injury isn't that serious for him not to perform. Galatasaray is already a team capable of defeating Frankfurt, if they can make quick progress by scoring early goals, Osimhen can leave the match to rest after some minutes in the second half, Galatasaray should know how to manage any of his injury to avoid further complications that will keep him away for a long time.

[Donneski]

With the Champions League football back today/tonight,  these are the players from Nigerian representing their respective clubs. I'm rooting for them all but Galatasaray I will watch whenever I see their games. Ademola Lookman and George of Monaco are players that would also thrive.

Victor Osimhen wants to play for Galatasaray against Eintracht Frankfurt, even if it will take using painkillers, since he has not fully recovered from the injury. I would expect to see him put up a good performance. Ademola Lookman might not feature for Atalanta. It seems coach Ivan Juric will be sidelining him due to his protracted transfer drive. He said he wants the Nigerian star to show that he is determined to play for the Italian club.

I know Victor Osimhen desperately wants to play in Galatasaray's first UEFA Champions League game of the season but I don't think it'll be a good decision for him to risk his health just to achieve his aim. If he's not fully fit to face Eintracht Frankfurt, then he should rest take his time to fully recover from the injury he picked earlier this month during the international break with the Super Eagles. Unless he wasn't truly injured like some people allege, it's a risk taken too far to feature for Galatasaray in a competitive game less than 14 days after he was subbed off in a game for the Nigeria national team.