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

[Jegileman]

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.

Super Eagles can make this happen seeing that this is another chance for them to correct their wrongs in the past. But the ultimate decision to make it to the next stage solely lies in the hands of Benin and South Africa which they also are very eager to represent Africa in the World Cup. Nigeria may try all their best to win the two games but if this two teams also win theirs, then it is a no go for them in the World Cup. For South Africa, I know they’ve played against them in the second leg but I’m not sure if they have played Benin. So winning Benin will be a boost for them while they hope South Africa drop points in their games. This is a very tough moment for them to be honest.

[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.

Super Eagles can make this happen seeing that this is another chance for them to correct their wrongs in the past. But the ultimate decision to make it to the next stage solely lies in the hands of Benin and South Africa which they also are very eager to represent Africa in the World Cup. Nigeria may try all their best to win the two games but if this two teams also win theirs, then it is a no go for them in the World Cup. For South Africa, I know they’ve played against them in the second leg but I’m not sure if they have played Benin. So winning Benin will be a boost for them while they hope South Africa drop points in their games. This is a very tough moment for them to be honest.

I understand what you’re saying. My frustration is that why do we always have to become mathematics when it comes to the Super Eagles. Everytime there is a tournament, we are forced to go through this same process of calculating points and hoping other teams lose their games so we can qualify. It’s sickening and I’m tired of it.

[Stepstowealth]

I understand what you’re saying. My frustration is that why do we always have to become mathematics when it comes to the Super Eagles. Everytime there is a tournament, we are forced to go through this same process of calculating points and hoping other teams lose their games so we can qualify. It’s sickening and I’m tired of it.

I think we the citizens care more about the results of the Super Eagles than the players of the Super Eagles themselves because I follow most of them on social media and I see how nonreactive they are after losses to important games that we have. Some of them feel very unconcerned especially since they play for top clubs and will likely just return to their top club to continue their football. I feel if we have more players who are patriotic about the success of the national team we would see a better performance each time they come up to the field and wear the jersey of the country to play.

Osimhen is in the news again for his aggressive reaction during the Turkish derby

https://punchng.com/fans-defend-osimhen-after-neck-grabbing-brawl/

What is your opinion on the incident? Will you describe Osimhen as too aggressive or just very competitive?

[SatoPrincess]

I understand what you’re saying. My frustration is that why do we always have to become mathematics when it comes to the Super Eagles. Everytime there is a tournament, we are forced to go through this same process of calculating points and hoping other teams lose their games so we can qualify. It’s sickening and I’m tired of it.

I think we the citizens care more about the results of the Super Eagles than the players of the Super Eagles themselves because I follow most of them on social media and I see how nonreactive they are after losses to important games that we have. Some of them feel very unconcerned especially since they play for top clubs and will likely just return to their top club to continue their football. I feel if we have more players who are patriotic about the success of the national team we would see a better performance each time they come up to the field and wear the jersey of the country to play.

I don’t know. I think it’s common that the fans are more passionate than players but at the end of the day it is the players that out their body and health on the line. While it’s true that many modern players play for the money and not passion, I want to give Super Eagles the benefit of the doubt because from what I can see we have very passionate players in our squad, we just don’t have good management.

[GiftedMAN]

Maybe he did not actually need to offer the NFF any amount of money, but he was given the preference considering that he has foreign experience.

Either ways whether he bribed his way in or whatever people are saying, it's a good thing that we now have an experienced player from England that would help strengthen the super eagles, if more Nigerians in diaspora come back to play for Nigeria I don't think other African nations would match our squad so it's a welcome development for the super eagles.

[SatoPrincess]

Osimhen is in the news again for his aggressive reaction during the Turkish derby

https://punchng.com/fans-defend-osimhen-after-neck-grabbing-brawl/

What is your opinion on the incident? Will you describe Osimhen as too aggressive or just very competitive?

I saw this post on some blog when I was scrolling Instagram this morning, and from what I read Osimhen reacted that way only because he was racially abused by Emirhan Topçu. If anyone should be in the spotlight for indecent and unprofessional conduct it should be Topçu.

[Rockstarguy]

I hope the Super Eagles of Nigeria will sustain the latest trend set by Nigerians in the area of sports in general. Now Nigeria is dominating in female sports, football and basket ball have all been won by Nigeria and other sports will follow. We need to revamp the male sports especially football because we have the quality of players to do that. Vincent Nwabali, Victor Osimhen,  Lukeman Ademola, Ekong and many other players of the Super Eagles are in their prime, nothing stop us from dominating.

I just hope the Super Eagles will start dominating soon. I understand their recent performances because sometimes it is possible for a team to have quality players but still struggle in their games.

Winning is not just about talent, but I think there are some tasks that the Super Eagles players need to meet, and the coach too. There are talented players in the team, but a stronger bond and teamwork are needed to achieve better results.

[Salahmu]

I understand what you’re saying. My frustration is that why do we always have to become mathematics when it comes to the Super Eagles. Everytime there is a tournament, we are forced to go through this same process of calculating points and hoping other teams lose their games so we can qualify. It’s sickening and I’m tired of it.

If there mathematical problem was to be in study the formula will be impossible to find. If we divide this our new generation of squad into two one part are the ones only defending the club from a total failure while the other ones are not, perhaps that was what the past super eagles has that this era do not have because then it wasn't only one player that is creative but all of them which is why all there names comes with respect and if not for old age we would have never let any of the players leave. From the beginning of this world Cup qualifier was when the calculation and statistics of eagles started because it was about depending to others so that they can grow while others like them are very independent and knows that nothing can stop them.

[Zigabel]

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.

Super Eagles can make this happen seeing that this is another chance for them to correct their wrongs in the past. But the ultimate decision to make it to the next stage solely lies in the hands of Benin and South Africa which they also are very eager to represent Africa in the World Cup. Nigeria may try all their best to win the two games but if this two teams also win theirs, then it is a no go for them in the World Cup. For South Africa, I know they’ve played against them in the second leg but I’m not sure if they have played Benin. So winning Benin will be a boost for them while they hope South Africa drop points in their games. This is a very tough moment for them to be honest.

just like the norm has always been we can only pray and hope because their chances is hanging on a thread line and the eagles may be hoping on some sort of luck alongside their little effort because their effort isn't looking like one that should effortlessly give them a chance. The eagles had all the time at the very beginning of this qualifiers to start building their edge to create a better chance for qualification but they didn't use it as much rather wants to get some magic done at this point where the chances has become too slim.

South Africa has been a strong force in this qualifiers ever since and i don't see them stepping back at this time so that chance with them is really small and slim but i just hope the eagles get lucky enough because even with their wins they will still not be guaranteed of the qualification.

[CryptSafe]

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.

You are right that the remaining matches are not a walk over match because their opponents are also preparing harder for it as it is the last phase which will require them to win  and qualify for the world cup since they've not really had a good point to sustain them in the group stage qualifier. So they would not take it lightly the last phase of their match and this the super eagles should be wary of because it will be a tough match for them.

As for the criticism with respect to clubs and their fans, it is very necessary to improve the performance of the club because only them can't access themselves  but rather when their fans starts telling them their lapses with constructive criticism, they will have no option than to seat up and put efforts in their games to making sure they win matches. So there is nothing bad in making constructive criticism on your club because what you tell them will enable them improve better.

[Callido]

I saw this post on some blog when I was scrolling Instagram this morning, and from what I read Osimhen reacted that way only because he was racially abused by Emirhan Topçu. If anyone should be in the spotlight for indecent and unprofessional conduct it should be Topçu.

I read the article, and this part caught my attention.

"David-Leo Alabi tweeted, “Osimhen’s only ‘crime’ is playing with raw emotion in a sport that keeps pretending to be civilized while celebrating chaos. Football fans love passion until it’s an African showing it. Then suddenly it’s “terrible attitude."

This quote from the article answers the question. It's a hate on Africans, blacks to be precise. I understand that sometime players intentionally wants to mess with the mind of their opponents, but doing it racially shouldn't be a considerable option. Osimhen lost his temper very understandable, i will plead in his defense, not every player can tolerate such abuse, some would do worse.

[Silikiem]

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.

Super Eagles can make this happen seeing that this is another chance for them to correct their wrongs in the past. But the ultimate decision to make it to the next stage solely lies in the hands of Benin and South Africa which they also are very eager to represent Africa in the World Cup. Nigeria may try all their best to win the two games but if this two teams also win theirs, then it is a no go for them in the World Cup. For South Africa, I know they’ve played against them in the second leg but I’m not sure if they have played Benin. So winning Benin will be a boost for them while they hope South Africa drop points in their games. This is a very tough moment for them to be honest.

The super Eagles have a slim chance of making it to the World Cup 2026, they must have to focus on winning their remaining two matches and anything other than a win especially with their next game against lesotho at away, then it’s game over for them. If they can be able to get a win against Lesotho, then they stand a better chance to play it all out with Benin republic in the last game of the qualifiers and they will be playing at home so they have the advantage to win the game against Benin republic. Hopefully if they are able to do this they definitely stand a chance in the second best places team where they will have to dig it out.

[DiMarxist]

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The super Eagles have a slim chance of making it to the World Cup 2026, they must have to focus on winning their remaining two matches and anything other than a win especially with their next game against lesotho at away, then it’s game over for them. If they can be able to get a win against Lesotho, then they stand a better chance to play it all out with Benin republic in the last game of the qualifiers and they will be playing at home so they have the advantage to win the game against Benin republic. Hopefully if they are able to do this they definitely stand a chance in the second best places team where they will have to dig it out.

With the recent performance of the super eagles, One is not sure of any win from the super eagles of Nigeria even if they are playing a team that can be considered as a small team. But with the position that, Nigeria has played themselves into the qualifications ticket is not totally in the hands of Nigeria again. Because even if Nigeria win all their remaining two matches we still have to rely on results from both south Africa and Benin Republic.

[Stable090]

I understand what you’re saying. My frustration is that why do we always have to become mathematics when it comes to the Super Eagles. Everytime there is a tournament, we are forced to go through this same process of calculating points and hoping other teams lose their games so we can qualify. It’s sickening and I’m tired of it.

It’s annoying that the super eagles are always struggling in most tournaments, with the players that the super eagles are having, we can’t confidently qualify for the World Cup, it’s really annoying, even now that 3 points have been deducted from South African, there is no assurance that the super eagles are still going to qualify for the World Cup. Before the super eagles will be able to qualify, then they have to win all the matches which they are having left, and both South African and Benin will have to lose before the super eagles will be able to qualify.

I don’t know what the super eagles problem is right now, but I feel they should change the coach, they need a better coach, with the players which we are having, all I think we need is a proper coach that will be able to make use of those players.

[letteredhub]

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.

Super Eagles can make this happen seeing that this is another chance for them to correct their wrongs in the past. But the ultimate decision to make it to the next stage solely lies in the hands of Benin and South Africa which they also are very eager to represent Africa in the World Cup. Nigeria may try all their best to win the two games but if this two teams also win theirs, then it is a no go for them in the World Cup. For South Africa, I know they’ve played against them in the second leg but I’m not sure if they have played Benin. So winning Benin will be a boost for them while they hope South Africa drop points in their games. This is a very tough moment for them to be honest.

I understand what you’re saying. My frustration is that why do we always have to become mathematics when it comes to the Super Eagles. Everytime there is a tournament, we are forced to go through this same process of calculating points and hoping other teams lose their games so we can qualify. It’s sickening and I’m tired of it.

Me just tire self, every qualification stage of any tournament every Nigerian would turn to a mathematician because of the Super Eagles we all be calculating who has to lose, get a draw so that we can be lucky to move forward. Where's the creativity among the players as a team if we have to be doing this all the time.We have other African countries going for the World Cup and if we're going we should qualify excellently to give us confidence that we can do better at the world stage.

[BIT-BENDER]

I have not been interested in African football like I will be looking forward to Friday's African world Cup qualifiers on Friday.
After FIFA deducted 3 point from South Africa it is now open for three teams to top the group. The Nigerian coach prayers has been answered now he can gain back the love from the country by not just getting a scrappy win but giving Nigerian football fans a very good game.

[Mr Reporter]

I understand what you’re saying. My frustration is that why do we always have to become mathematics when it comes to the Super Eagles. Everytime there is a tournament, we are forced to go through this same process of calculating points and hoping other teams lose their games so we can qualify. It’s sickening and I’m tired of it.

It’s annoying that the super eagles are always struggling in most tournaments, with the players that the super eagles are having, we can’t confidently qualify for the World Cup, it’s really annoying, even now that 3 points have been deducted from South African, there is no assurance that the super eagles are still going to qualify for the World Cup. Before the super eagles will be able to qualify, then they have to win all the matches which they are having left, and both South African and Benin will have to lose before the super eagles will be able to qualify.

I don’t know what the super eagles problem is right now, but I feel they should change the coach, they need a better coach, with the players which we are having, all I think we need is a proper coach that will be able to make use of those players.

Bro honestly speaking i myself i really having that kinds of feelings seeing how the Nigerian super Eagles finds hard to ether predict if the super Eagles can win most time, well the Super Eagles' struggles in tournaments can be disheartening, especially with the talent they have. You're right; the path to World Cup qualification seems it not that possible.

I think thier lacking isa fresh perspective and tactics might be just what the team needs. Or let say a coach who can get the best out of the players could make a significant difference.

[Issa56]

With the recent performance of the super eagles, One is not sure of any win from the super eagles of Nigeria even if they are playing a team that can be considered as a small team.

With the way the super eagles are playing right now, don’t expect them to win any match, they have played against weaker teams and they couldn’t win them, they played with countries you Won’t hear about when it comes to football, but the super eagles ended up playing draw in some match,

Everyone one is already happy that 3 points have been deducted from South Africa, but even with that, they are still ahead of Nigeria, and their is no assurance that the super eagles are going to qualify even as 3 points has been deducted from South African. If we are going to make use of super eagles previous performance to predict how their performance in coming matches will be, then I don’t think the super eagles will be able to qualify.

Super eagles coach should try and get things fixed quickly, with super eagles squad, they are not suppose to be struggling to win matches, if the current coach cant lead the super eagles to the World Cup, then they should just sack him, he isn’t capable.

[Rockson1]

I have not been interested in African football like I will be looking forward to Friday's African world Cup qualifiers on Friday.
After FIFA deducted 3 point from South Africa it is now open for three teams to top the group. The Nigerian coach prayers has been answered now he can gain back the love from the country by not just getting a scrappy win but giving Nigerian football fans a very good game.

Let's hope to see those guys do what is expected of them but as for anything I see from them is good no too much expectations, I will rather say the Nigerian super eagles prayers has been heard just, I won't say the coach prayer has been answered although this can cause him his job but he will be paid his entitlements so who will be at loss at the end, the biggest question here is can this opportunity be utilized by the coach and his team, let me be sincere, i don't believe those guys because of how the have performed, must things be as it is presently before they can come into the picture for consideration that has to be faced with struggle to qualify, this is too bad, at this point am not putting my hopes high, if they qualify this time good and congratulations to them in advance but if they don't fine and I will be good, nothing to worry about.

[Africolo]

I have not been interested in African football like I will be looking forward to Friday's African world Cup qualifiers on Friday.
After FIFA deducted 3 point from South Africa it is now open for three teams to top the group. The Nigerian coach prayers has been answered now he can gain back the love from the country by not just getting a scrappy win but giving Nigerian football fans a very good game.

Same here I didn't want to bother watching the remaining games but with the recent point deduction to SA it blew the group wide open once more and all we have to do now is win our games and hope one of our group member slips. We're up again Losotho, this is a game we should be winning with ease but we still need to be careful cause we drew the first game at Home. We need to win it at their ground by all means.

We need to be careful, they're South Africa puppet and would do anything to make sure we don't win at their ground. Niger Republic are up against Rwanda; they lost to them in the first leg so it's a difficult game for the Niger while SA are up against Zimbabwe.