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

[Marykeller]

I wonder why some people are happy over what happened South Africa it's not as if the Nigerian team has been given an automatic qualification to the world cup they still need to fight to win their remaining matches while they hope that the two countries that is ahead of them drop points it's our usual way of qualifying in any tournament.

Benin republic should be celebrating a little because it favours them but they will be more happy if they end up not dropping points in their remaining games they will be lucky to be in the world cup while Nigerian and South Africa will be back home watching them play in their television.

Deduction in South Africa's point does not stands as a guarantee for Nigeria to qualify for the world cup. Nigeria will have to work out her way to qualify for the world cup because that is what it takes for them to get there and they should not be too relaxed with the remaining matches as their  opponents too would be warming up to making sure they qualify so the Super Eagles should be ready to face or have a tough time with the remaining matches as they have while away their matches that could have helped them have good position and points in the group stage.

If the Super Eagles' chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup that will take place in the United States are 10%, the point deduction from South Africa has increased the Super Eagles' chances of qualifying for the World Cup to 20%, which I think in one way or the other will pave the way for the Super Eagles to qualify for the World Cup if they work hard and win their remaining two matches in the Africa World Cup qualification.

No need for much argument let them show working because capitalising on the points deduction from South Africa wouldn't push anywhere as they have two more teams to contend with to qualify for the ticket. And believe me it would not be a walk over for them as the teams too are also preparing for the Super Eagles for their final clash. The Nigeria team had every opportunity to have been able to get good points from the beginning of this qualifiers but they didn't take it seriously but rather they were busy messing up with opportunities they have gotten. We pray they make wake up and make good use of this last opportunity they have to get the ticket.

The points deduction is a wake up call for the Super Eagles, and I believe the Super Eagles will win their two remaining matches so that they can have a chance of qualifying for the World Cup. I am happy Victor Osimhen has returned back to action with Galatasaray, and he will be available to play for the Super Eagles, which is a big bonus for the Super Eagles.

We are all focused on our own national team ''Super Eagles", what about other national teams that are ahead of us, have we thought about them? The way we are thinking that Super Eagles would win their remaining World Cup matches, that's the way Benin Republic and South Africa are thinking to win their own remaining matches. They won't just allow the Super Eagles to qualify for the World Cup above them; they will fight it through to make sure they win their own match, the same Super Eagles will be thinking to win theirs.

I don't want us to be stressing about this because the Super Eagles are the ones that put themselves in this fortunate situation of us thinking they will qualify for the World Cup by chance. That's been the way they are known for, for a miracle to happen.

[letteredhub]

The Super Eagle's chances of qualifying this time is very tiny despite FIFA reduction of south Africa team's point in their group.
They were not serious in the first place and ,and I doubt it's now they want to become serious, and I pretty sure these two aren't gonna this opportunity slip their hands.

It’s just better the super eagles doesn’t qualify because they are not serious, just imagine the group which they are and they are still struggling, if they end up qualifying for the World Cup, how are they going to perform when they cant confidently win small countries in African. With the kind of players the super eagles are having, they should be at the top of the table, but they are not even in second position, and now they are happy just because 3 points has been deducted from South African, and they believe it’s an advantage for them. Seriously the super eagles will just have to improve their performance, and not really satisfied with the way they are playing currently.

I was wishing they could qualify with the points deduction from South Africa provided Nigeria won their two next games then considering your well thought out comment it's possible they might be a disgrace playing in the world cup tournament with this  beggerly performance where a point deduction from opponent becomes their only hope of qualification. The best teams in the group that would make Africa proud should there in the world cup and that's how African slots in the world can continue to increase when they perform exceedingly among other continents countries.

[Agbe]

Well I think you are correct about the South Africa and the Benin losing all their matches isn’t necessarily for Nigerian to advance as a single loss for the super eagle could still give them a chance to top the group with enough goals difference

It very clear of having a strong sense of national pride and loyalty to the team, acknowledging their past performances but choosing to remain supportive, that’s the spirit of true fans.

This comment attracted my attention, and to be honest with you I like what you said, true fans don’t only support their team when things are perfect, or only when their team is leading they stay with them althrough the up and downs, when they are winning and also loosing, it’s not just all about hope other teams also lose. One or two losses doesn't define the journey or the end of the game, most especially with goal difference and remaining games still in play. What matters most is saying focus and being determined. Super Eagles will definitely move forward again that what I believe. If they stay focused and make every match count, they can still finish top of league.

[CryptSafe]

Well I think you are correct about the South Africa and the Benin losing all their matches isn’t necessarily for Nigerian to advance as a single loss for the super eagle could still give them a chance to top the group with enough goals difference

It very clear of having a strong sense of national pride and loyalty to the team, acknowledging their past performances but choosing to remain supportive, that’s the spirit of true fans.

This comment attracted my attention, and to be honest with you I like what you said, true fans don’t only support their team when things are perfect, or only when their team is leading they stay with them althrough the up and downs, when they are winning and also loosing, it’s not just all about hope other teams also lose. One or two losses doesn't define the journey or the end of the game, most especially with goal difference and remaining games still in play. What matters most is saying focus and being determined. Super Eagles will definitely move forward again that what I believe. If they stay focused and make every match count, they can still finish top of league.

Hopefully we pray they stay focused and play with all efforts to making sure they win the remaining matches left. They should also have it in mind that this WC qualification is a fun fare thing but it means business for all the team contending for the ticket. So the remaining lapses is always very rough and tough looking at the fact that the competition is strong every team would want to take position for the WC qualifications.

Being a fan requires you staying strong with your team as the case may be no matter how tough the situation with them is. But sometimes it is good to say the truth, if your team is misbehaving, you ought to voice it out and call them to other because if you don't do that they wouldn't take it seriously and only this would make them straighten up because there are a million and one people looking out to them to win a game.

[Victorybit1]

Well I think you are correct about the South Africa and the Benin losing all their matches isn’t necessarily for Nigerian to advance as a single loss for the super eagle could still give them a chance to top the group with enough goals difference

It very clear of having a strong sense of national pride and loyalty to the team, acknowledging their past performances but choosing to remain supportive, that’s the spirit of true fans.

This comment attracted my attention, and to be honest with you I like what you said, true fans don’t only support their team when things are perfect, or only when their team is leading they stay with them althrough the up and downs, when they are winning and also loosing, it’s not just all about hope other teams also lose. One or two losses doesn't define the journey or the end of the game, most especially with goal difference and remaining games still in play. What matters most is saying focus and being determined. Super Eagles will definitely move forward again that what I believe. If they stay focused and make every match count, they can still finish top of league.

We can only stay hopefully on this matter of qualifications because looking at all the odds I don't think it's favouring Nigeria but there is still hope and that's something we can hold on to and cheer the super eagles so they can get their game on and possibly get back to winning and maybe their matches because they can't afford to get any other results in the remaining games apart from securing victory on all of them and something they must have at the back of their mind.

[Agbe]

Hopefully we pray they stay focused and play with all efforts to making sure they win the remaining matches left. They should also have it in mind that this WC qualification is a fun fare thing but it means business for all the team contending for the ticket. So the remaining lapses is always very rough and tough looking at the fact that the competition is strong every team would want to take position for the WC qualifications.

Being a fan requires you staying strong with your team as the case may be no matter how tough the situation with them is. But sometimes it is good to say the truth, if your team is misbehaving, you ought to voice it out and call them to other because if you don't do that they wouldn't take it seriously and only this would make them straighten up because there are a million and one people looking out to them to win a game.

The remaining qualifiers are definitely not a walk in the park, and the Super Eagles must understand that every game they play now, is a hot cake and this is not just about playing, it’s about winning and qualifying. I completely agree with the second point you mentioned, being a true fan doesn’t mean you can't support other team. It means loving your team enough to hold them strong when they fall short. But then again criticism from fans can actually bring urgency and awareness in players, reminding them that they represent millions of people who believe in them and expect more just like they have been performing greatly before.

[Salahmu]

This comment attracted my attention, and to be honest with you I like what you said, true fans don’t only support their team when things are perfect, or only when their team is leading they stay with them althrough the up and downs, when they are winning and also loosing, it’s not just all about hope other teams also lose. One or two losses doesn't define the journey or the end of the game, most especially with goal difference and remaining games still in play. What matters most is saying focus and being determined. Super Eagles will definitely move forward again that what I believe. If they stay focused and make every match count, they can still finish top of league.

I agree on the supporting base but however nobody is against them because anything that will happen is our country that would be mentioned or even if we are outside the country they would always remind us of how our team is playing so actually even if someone decided not to support them it doesn't mean anything because we are the same and they're our national team and when they loss is not the players that lost but the country that mothers all of us. The support in club side and national club are different because the love are not the same, some can decide to stop supporting there club side in place of another but the national club can't be substituted because is our pride as a nation.

[CryptopreneurBrainboss]

I was wishing they could qualify with the points deduction from South Africa provided Nigeria won their two next games then considering your well thought out comment it's possible they might be a disgrace playing in the world cup tournament with this  beggerly performance where a point deduction from opponent becomes their only hope of qualification. The best teams in the group that would make Africa proud should there in the world cup and that's how African slots in the world can continue to increase when they perform exceedingly among other continents countries.

Competition are won without the winners being the best team playing. At times it's those that took advantage of their chances or were just lucky to wins. If luck can take Nigeria to the world cup so be it, I'm not saying they're going to win it but lets get there first and I believe the boys won't disappoint when they get there. They'll put in their best performance and on the world stage, South Africa can't deliver better than Nigeria.

Nigeria being this unfortunate that we have to be hoping on reduction of points for we to make it out of the qualifications stages isn't because of how poor the boys have been playing. But they just haven't been lucky because they keep getting draws and I believe the coach is the major reason for this. The super egales don't have an elite manager and that's what the boys need because the talents are already there, they just need someone to bring out the best in the team

[Ronsbit]

The Super Eagle's chances of qualifying this time is very tiny despite FIFA reduction of south Africa team's point in their group.
They were not serious in the first place and ,and I doubt it's now they want to become serious, and I pretty sure these two aren't gonna this opportunity slip their hands.

It’s just better the super eagles doesn’t qualify because they are not serious, just imagine the group which they are and they are still struggling, if they end up qualifying for the World Cup, how are they going to perform when they cant confidently win small countries in African. With the kind of players the super eagles are having, they should be at the top of the table, but they are not even in second position, and now they are happy just because 3 points has been deducted from South African, and they believe it’s an advantage for them. Seriously the super eagles will just have to improve their performance, and not really satisfied with the way they are playing currently.

Hehehe 😂 Super Eagles are happy with the 3 points deduction from South Africa, maybe they should tell FIFA to add the points for them since the match which such occurred happens to be the one the both team played and such point deduction should be added to them reasons being that South Africa cheated in the match with a player not qualified to play the match. I think this is a good case to make so that the points would be added to the Super Eagles since they are looking for a free point and do not want to put in efforts to making sure they qualify for the world cup despite the calibres of players present in their squad.

I didn't even knew that South Africa got their point deducted already because I heard about the possible action by FIFA but I never truly taught that it would come through but since the point have been deducted maybe the chance that Nigeria have will just be a little better this time around than when South Africa had their full point because that would been very dreadful for them if not even impossible to qualify.

Yes the 3 points was deducted from them for fielding ineligible player against Nigeria and that was the final verdict by FIFA. With regards to possible chances, yes that's true but it is left to the team to put in efforts because these two last matches remaining would not be a walk over for them as the opposing teams too are planning and preparing for the match as they too would not want to lose out. They just have to do much better than the previous matches they had played and making sure they win the two matches remaining.

[BitBakerr1]

Well I think you are correct about the South Africa and the Benin losing all their matches isn’t necessarily for Nigerian to advance as a single loss for the super eagle could still give them a chance to top the group with enough goals difference

It very clear of having a strong sense of national pride and loyalty to the team, acknowledging their past performances but choosing to remain supportive, that’s the spirit of true fans.

This comment attracted my attention, and to be honest with you I like what you said, true fans don’t only support their team when things are perfect, or only when their team is leading they stay with them althrough the up and downs, when they are winning and also loosing, it’s not just all about hope other teams also lose. One or two losses doesn't define the journey or the end of the game, most especially with goal difference and remaining games still in play. What matters most is saying focus and being determined. Super Eagles will definitely move forward again that what I believe. If they stay focused and make every match count, they can still finish top of league.

We can only stay hopefully on this matter of qualifications because looking at all the odds I don't think it's favouring Nigeria but there is still hope and that's something we can hold on to and cheer the super eagles so they can get their game on and possibly get back to winning and maybe their matches because they can't afford to get any other results in the remaining games apart from securing victory on all of them and something they must have at the back of their mind.

Victorybit1 you are correct, all we as Nigeria needs to do right now is to be hopeful and cheer up the super eagles players to do better in the two remaining matches, it is true that qualifying for the world cup is very difficult now however for the fact that there is still hope for us to qualify we should be hopeful and just sit and wait anything can happen that will lead us to qualify, however I'm not happy that Nigeria super eagles are in this situation of hopeful, we have good players and yet last world cup we did not go and not going this 2026 world cup is making me angry, Nigerian players need to set up because I don't understand why they can't secure going to 2026 world cup.

[SatoPrincess]

Even though Victor Osimhen was part of the Super Eagles from the beginning of their World Cup qualifiers, and he couldn't inspire the Super Eagles to win most of their matches and top their group, I still believe Victor Osimhen's presence is a big boost for the Super Eagles because they will fight with everything they have in their remaining matches, and they need a player like Victor Osimhen in their midst to have a chance of winning their matches.

It is a fact that Victor Osimhen’s presence for us in every game gives us hope even before kick-off and it also impacts our performance and strength for each game. I really hope he will be available for the rest of our qualification matches because with him up front even our opponents are frightened.

[letteredhub]

I was wishing they could qualify with the points deduction from South Africa provided Nigeria won their two next games then considering your well thought out comment it's possible they might be a disgrace playing in the world cup tournament with this  beggerly performance where a point deduction from opponent becomes their only hope of qualification. The best teams in the group that would make Africa proud should there in the world cup and that's how African slots in the world can continue to increase when they perform exceedingly among other continents countries.

Competition are won without the winners being the best team playing. At times it's those that took advantage of their chances or were just lucky to wins. If luck can take Nigeria to the world cup so be it, I'm not saying they're going to win it but lets get there first and I believe the boys won't disappoint when they get there. They'll put in their best performance and on the world stage, South Africa can't deliver better than Nigeria.

Nigeria being this unfortunate that we have to be hoping on reduction of points for we to make it out of the qualifications stages isn't because of how poor the boys have been playing. But they just haven't been lucky because they keep getting draws and I believe the coach is the major reason for this. The super egales don't have an elite manager and that's what the boys need because the talents are already there, they just need someone to bring out the best in the team

Actually it's correct that in football the best team doesn't always win that depending on how the two team has to put to good use of the opportunities they had on goal. But in the case of Nigeria even before this group qualifiers to the world cup  group stage it has in previous events become a syndrome for the Nigeria national male team that we always have to pray for the downfall of another country's team for us to get lucky to qualify. Why can't it be that we deliver in our strength like other teams fair and square taking all three points in almost all our games. This is just where my concern about the super eagles performance has being. We're bigger than all these calculations of who should drop points and who shouldn't, it shameful to be frank.

[SatoPrincess]

I can only be hopeful that we can take advantage of the situation with South Africa dropping points and getting wins in our coming games. There is still hope for our qualification to the world cup now but only if we can fight with resilience and make it happen and putting smiles on the faces of Nigerians once more.

[Agbe]

It is fact that Victor Osimhen’s presence for us in every game gives us hope even before kick-off and it also impacts our performance and strength for each game. I really hope he will be available for the rest of our qualification matches because with him up front even our opponents are frightened.

You actually right. Victor Osimhen brings more than just goals, he brings confidence, and fear to the opposition. His presence in any match he playes brings joy because he must always make an attempted. His energy lift the whole team, and even fans feel more assured knowing he's on the pitch. If he stays fit and available for the rest of the qualifiers, it will be a huge boost for Nigeria. His presence alone changes the strategic of the super eagles attack and forces defenders to stay on alert. Let’s just hope injuries don’t get in the way, because with Osimhen leading the line, our chances look a lot stronger.

[Africolo]

I can only be hopeful that we can take advantage of the situation with South Africa dropping points and getting wins in our coming games. There is still hope for our qualification to the world cup now but only if we can fight with resilience and make it happen and putting smiles on the faces of Nigerians once more.

We still have Niger Republic to play so that's the biggest hope of finishing second at least and go for the playoffs. All our players did well in their various leagues this week hope we can get similar performance in our next two games.

The players should focus on our games and try to win the last two games with a good margin to increase our goal difference at least too. There's still plenty of hope.

[Asiska02]

I was wishing they could qualify with the points deduction from South Africa provided Nigeria won their two next games then considering your well thought out comment it's possible they might be a disgrace playing in the world cup tournament with this  beggerly performance where a point deduction from opponent becomes their only hope of qualification. The best teams in the group that would make Africa proud should there in the world cup and that's how African slots in the world can continue to increase when they perform exceedingly among other continents countries.

Things may change, we never can tell how well they may perform there, maybe much more better than what we see them performing now. They are a very good team but I’m still yet to understand how they’re not able to pull this through despite the quality players at their discretion. South Africans aren’t bad of a team and their performance in the World Cup will speak more for itself. The Nigeria Super Eagles should know that opportunity comes but once and when you don’t utilize them well, you’ll end up making more of them in the future. Whether Nigeria or South Africa, at this stage, the better team that would make Africa proud should be the one to represent which in the next few days that can be decided.

[Victorybit1]

I was wishing they could qualify with the points deduction from South Africa provided Nigeria won their two next games then considering your well thought out comment it's possible they might be a disgrace playing in the world cup tournament with this  beggerly performance where a point deduction from opponent becomes their only hope of qualification. The best teams in the group that would make Africa proud should there in the world cup and that's how African slots in the world can continue to increase when they perform exceedingly among other continents countries.

Things may change, we never can tell how well they may perform there, maybe much more better than what we see them performing now. They are a very good team but I’m still yet to understand how they’re not able to pull this through despite the quality players at their discretion. South Africans aren’t bad of a team and their performance in the World Cup will speak more for itself. The Nigeria Super Eagles should know that opportunity comes but once and when you don’t utilize them well, you’ll end up making more of them in the future. Whether Nigeria or South Africa, at this stage, the better team that would make Africa proud should be the one to represent which in the next few days that can be decided.

Well pressure seems to affect some team in a positive way so let's hope that they will take this pressure on them with a positive note and work and play towards winning their remaining games so that their chances of qualifications will be increased because if they get any results aside win then the narrative becomes more narrow for them to actually make it to the world cup . I think the best advice I will give to all Nigerians is to lower their expectations in that game so they won't be affected.

[Youngrebel]

Well pressure seems to affect some team in a positive way so let's hope that they will take this pressure on them with a positive note and work and play towards winning their remaining games so that their chances of qualifications will be increased because if they get any results aside win then the narrative becomes more narrow for them to actually make it to the world cup . I think the best advice I will give to all Nigerians is to lower their expectations in that game so they won't be affected.

You people are still talking about Nigeria qualifying in the World Cup? Yes if they win the remaining two matches they qualify and come home in the group stage matches. And it is not possible for Nigeria to win all the remaining two matches, "na witch"? The opposition teams are not zombies that just around the field without direction. Nigeria Super Eagles can't win all the two matches again from their performance so far.
Even if FIFA deduct the points from South Africa, Nigeria will not qualify.

[Fiatless]

It is a fact that Victor Osimhen’s presence for us in every game gives us hope even before kick-off and it also impacts our performance and strength for each game. I really hope he will be available for the rest of our qualification matches because with him up front even our opponents are frightened.

If you take a close look at the bluntness of Nigeria's attack in the game against South Africa, it is then you will then know the importance of Victor Osimhen.  The Super Eagles failed to create clear-cut chances in that game. Victor can maximise insignificant opportunities to get goals. His presence alone in the pitch is a threat to defenders. Nigerians are hoping that he will be fit for the remaining two games.   

[Wiwo]

Hopefully we pray they stay focused and play with all efforts to making sure they win the remaining matches left. They should also have it in mind that this WC qualification is a fun fare thing but it means business for all the team contending for the ticket. So the remaining lapses is always very rough and tough looking at the fact that the competition is strong every team would want to take position for the WC qualifications.

Being a fan requires you staying strong with your team as the case may be no matter how tough the situation with them is. But sometimes it is good to say the truth, if your team is misbehaving, you ought to voice it out and call them to other because if you don't do that they wouldn't take it seriously and only this would make them straighten up because there are a million and one people looking out to them to win a game.

The remaining qualifiers are definitely not a walk in the park, and the Super Eagles must understand that every game they play now, is a hot cake and this is not just about playing, it’s about winning and qualifying. I completely agree with the second point you mentioned, being a true fan doesn’t mean you can't support other team. It means loving your team enough to hold them strong when they fall short. But then again criticism from fans can actually bring urgency and awareness in players, reminding them that they represent millions of people who believe in them and expect more just like they have been performing greatly before.

The problem we may be facing in the next supper Eagles games and how their performed to get qualify in the groups is that, the supper Eagles  technical team and department are over relying on south Africa and other groups top team performance to pace the way for their own success.

Instead of depending on their own performance and working hard to get winnings fron their remaining games in this stage.