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

[Adbitco]

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.

Personally, I have already given up on the Nigerian national team on the world cup qualification, even if they manage to win their remaining two games of which I don't even see the possibility of that. Let's say they win both and South Africa on the other hand wins both as well, automatically they will be first in the group and it will depend on the numbers of goal Nigeria will score against their last two opponent of which Benin Republic is one of the two countries left to be played against by Nigeria. Let's say, they still manage to finish second, the question again is, can they win and qualify through playoffs?

[Africolo]

Personally, I have already given up on the Nigerian national team on the world cup qualification, even if they manage to win their remaining two games of which I don't even see the possibility of that. Let's say they win both and South Africa on the other hand wins both as well, automatically they will be first in the group and it will depend on the numbers of goal Nigeria will score against their last two opponent of which Benin Republic is one of the two countries left to be played against by Nigeria. Let's say, they still manage to finish second, the question again is, can they win and qualify through playoffs?

We can't say for now but the major thing is to have a second chance at least and not just get knocked out. I don't know if it's only me but I have a feeling that South Africa would lose one of their games but what I'm not too sure of the Super Eagles beating Losotho and Niger Republic. Our destiny is in our hands; if we can't beat Losotho and Niger then we have not business at the World cup.

We're in one of the easiest group and we're struggling to qualify for playoffs. It's a shame.

[DYOR+BTC]

Personally, I have already given up on the Nigerian national team on the world cup qualification, even if they manage to win their remaining two games of which I don't even see the possibility of that. Let's say they win both and South Africa on the other hand wins both as well, automatically they will be first in the group and it will depend on the numbers of goal Nigeria will score against their last two opponent of which Benin Republic is one of the two countries left to be played against by Nigeria. Let's say, they still manage to finish second, the question again is, can they win and qualify through playoffs?

Giving up on Nigerian team qualification to the 2026 world  in the best way to avoid high blood pressure and other dysfunctional issues that can take once life on a long run.  Before there qualifications became very competitive now, they had all it takes to come out in flying colours but failed to capitalise on south African's weakness the last time they played and secure a draw in the game. 

The problem of the super eagles team not qualifying for the world cup is still not conspicuous making it difficult for the solution to be identified, but could be achieved if political interference is totally eliminated from football and left on a plain ground

[Donneski]

Personally, I have already given up on the Nigerian national team on the world cup qualification, even if they manage to win their remaining two games of which I don't even see the possibility of that. Let's say they win both and South Africa on the other hand wins both as well, automatically they will be first in the group and it will depend on the numbers of goal Nigeria will score against their last two opponent of which Benin Republic is one of the two countries left to be played against by Nigeria. Let's say, they still manage to finish second, the question again is, can they win and qualify through playoffs?

I thought I was the only one who ha given up on our chances of qualifying for the next edition of the FIFA World Cup. With a national team as talented as the Super Eagles of Nigeria, I wasn't expecting us to be struggling to qualify from the the group. Imagine a group where Benin Republic is leading while Nigeria is trailing, that's very disappointing.
The fact that Nigeria's qualification now rests on the shoulders of the opposing teams I think sums up the entire conversation because o don't see a South African side who are going to lose their two remaining fixtures. Nigeria's chances are very slim and despite the fact that it's still possible, I strongly doubt that they'll defile the odds at the end of the day and finish top of the group.

[Africolo]

The problem of the super eagles team not qualifying for the world cup is still not conspicuous making it difficult for the solution to be identified, but could be achieved if political interference is totally eliminated from football and left on a plain ground

This first thing would be to integrate the local players back to the team, the last time we made the World or won the AFCON we had more local based players in the team now there is no single one of them in the starting lineup.

The current squad of players have already made names for themselves and not here to impress anyone, they don't put too much on the line, they're not hungry for success but you see those local based players; everytime they get a chance they always make it counts cause their future depends on it. That's where to start.

[Sexylizzy2813]

Giving up on Nigerian team qualification to the 2026 world  in the best way to avoid high blood pressure and other dysfunctional issues that can take once life on a long run.  Before there qualifications became very competitive now, they had all it takes to come out in flying colours but failed to capitalise on south African's weakness the last time they played and secure a draw in the game. 

The problem of the super eagles team not qualifying for the world cup is still not conspicuous making it difficult for the solution to be identified, but could be achieved if political interference is totally eliminated from football and left on a plain ground

Lets put political issues aside and focus more on them qualifying and we should never forget that the Super Eagles will be more serious now that they only have just one shot in qualifying for the World Cup, that is how we are built, that's getting serious at the last minute. After the deduction of point from the South Africa side the Eagles saw it as an opportunity which I feel they are going to use it well, now the number 1 spot still open for Benin, South Africa and Nigeria so these teams have it on them if they lose any game. If the Super Eagles mistakenly qualify for the World Cup I don't want them to see the Super Eagles to be as wasteful as they are in this qualification in the World Cup.

[CryptopreneurBrainboss]

The international break is upon us and although the club games are no more that doesn't mean we can't still enjoy football. We have some interesting games coming up in the world cup qualifiers and as we all know Nigeria is still trying to see if they can find a way to qualify for the world cup. All hopes aren't lost yet because we have just 3 points separating the Group C nations. A loss from one of this three nations (Benin, South Africa and Nigeria) and the table will be rearranged so this should be the most anticipated group games for this international break.

From the matches above, what are you prediction? And which nation do you guys think will join the country's that have already qualified?

[Barikui1]

This first thing would be to integrate the local players back to the team, the last time we made the World or won the AFCON we had more local based players in the team now there is no single one of them in the starting lineup.

It's actually not a bad idea if top players from our local is integrated into the super eagles team because they will always bring that desire that most of this our foreign base player don't have, so it's a welcome idea, the the only reservation I have is their quality.

The current squad of players have already made names for themselves and not here to impress anyone, they don't put too much on the line, they're not hungry for success but you see those local based players; everytime they get a chance they always make it counts cause their future depends on it.

No doubt that our foreign base player has already made names for themselves but their level of football is way more higher than those top players in our local league,  because most of the top players are being transferred to other top African leagues or to Europe, so it's quite difficult to see a player in our local league that will play with enough confidence when up against a top European side, that's why I feel like they may have the enthusiasm needed at the top level, but they might be short of quality, and in top level football, quality is the most important thing, that's why I believe that if our super eagles team can have a very good coach, we are going to do very well, just as our super eagles team in the days of Steven keshi.

[Tonimez]

The international break is upon us and although the club games are no more that doesn't mean we can't still enjoy football. We have some interesting games coming up in the world cup qualifiers and as we all know Nigeria is still trying to see if they can find a way to qualify for the world cup. All hopes aren't lost yet because we have just 3 points separating the Group C nations. A loss from one of this three nations (Benin, South Africa and Nigeria) and the table will be rearranged so this should be the most anticipated group games for this international break.

From the matches above, what are you prediction? And which nation do you guys think will join the country's that have already qualified?

This international break is definitely going to be a thrilling one due to the last chance factor that every team has if they must qualify. The group D qualification game between Cape Verde and Libya seems to be the bangs of the week for me. This is because, Cape Verde is sitted at the top already with 19 points while Libya is at the 3rd with 14 points. This makes winning the game a very crucial one for Libya whereas all of us know how strong Cape Verde is this period.  Libya still has to win this game by all means and infact a loose or draw keeps them at risk.
Cameron is at number 2 and still playing with 2 lower teams which is why they are more favoured.

I would give a goal goal and a draw for the game between Cape Verde and Libya while I will give a straight win to Cameroon in their two games.

Nigeria is winning Lesotho by 2 goals too.

[Cryptoprincess101]

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.

Personally, I have already given up on the Nigerian national team on the world cup qualification, even if they manage to win their remaining two games of which I don't even see the possibility of that. Let's say they win both and South Africa on the other hand wins both as well, automatically they will be first in the group and it will depend on the numbers of goal Nigeria will score against their last two opponent of which Benin Republic is one of the two countries left to be played against by Nigeria. Let's say, they still manage to finish second, the question again is, can they win and qualify through playoffs?

Thank you for asking this question because that is problem we have in the National team, at a time when we feel that they have given us hope that is when they do their worst and am just having this imagination that what if the Nigerian Super Eagles reach the playoff round and still couldn't qualify for the World cup it will then mean that all their efforts is just in vain. I even prefer them not to qualify for the playoffs because they will be putting the whole country in another tension and suspense. I know that Nigerians are passionate about the National team qualifying for the world cup but as it stands now, they are not even prepared if peradventure they qualify because they might not go beyond the group stage matches so what's the need for even qualifying. Nigeria needs to build a solid team that we can beat our chest and say that they won't disappoint us when we participate in an international competition such as the world cup. The current squad we have in the Super Eagles can give someone HBP because imagine when they score and gives us hope of winning but before the end of the match their opponent ends up equalizing the score or even come from behind and win just like it happened in the AFCON finals between Nigeria and Ivory Coast last year when they scored first and ended up losing the match.

[snipie]

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.

Well regardless of Lesotho situation, puppet of South Africa or not, they remain a weak team and Nigeria is way better than them. If Nigeria lost points against them I prefer that they withdrew from the remaining game and stay home. No need to qualify and humiliate themselves further.
I am very disappointed from them and waiting to see some real skills in the remaining two games so they can push the confidence of their fans even if they didn't qualify.

[Agbamoni]

The international break is upon us and although the club games are no more that doesn't mean we can't still enjoy football. We have some interesting games coming up in the world cup qualifiers and as we all know Nigeria is still trying to see if they can find a way to qualify for the world cup. All hopes aren't lost yet because we have just 3 points separating the Group C nations. A loss from one of this three nations (Benin, South Africa and Nigeria) and the table will be rearranged so this should be the most anticipated group games for this international break.

From the matches above, what are you prediction? And which nation do you guys think will join the country's that have already qualified?

Honestly I wish I can trust the Super Eagles to win all their matches. Even if they put in effort to do so, their opponent might just come with a different type of play. For example in the previous international break, I saw how Rwanda and South Africa played a poor African type of game. Misbehaving in the pitch, lying down for over 5 to 10 minutes. All of those things kills the zeal of the other players. Since they have nothing to lose or gain, they just want to frustrate the Super Eagles. Well, one good thing is Osimehn is back from injury, he will be starting for us so I know the game would be better if they dont try to injure him again.

[Zigabel]

The international break is upon us and although the club games are no more that doesn't mean we can't still enjoy football. We have some interesting games coming up in the world cup qualifiers and as we all know Nigeria is still trying to see if they can find a way to qualify for the world cup. All hopes aren't lost yet because we have just 3 points separating the Group C nations. A loss from one of this three nations (Benin, South Africa and Nigeria) and the table will be rearranged so this should be the most anticipated group games for this international break.

From the matches above, what are you prediction? And which nation do you guys think will join the country's that have already qualified?

So much thrill is already anticipated for this fixture as everyone especially Nigerians cannot wait to know the fate of our dear country in the world cup qualifiers, if eventually the eagles will be playing at the world cup or its another year to miss out just like they did some years back. in as much as we will not want to wish any country ill, we also don't want to miss the opportunity to be at the world cup games and in other for that to happen, someone had to loose for the table to be rearranged and the eagles probably move to the top if they win and secure a chance at the world cup.

i wish the Eagles the very best in this game and really do hope to see them fly the green and white flag at the world cup, even if they may not have the capacity to win the world cup, effective representation will mean a whole lot to the nation and even the eagles will have the chance to showcase their talent at the international stage for the young ones who re still up coming.

[Africolo]

It's actually not a bad idea if top players from our local is integrated into the super eagles team because they will always bring that desire that most of this our foreign base player don't have, so it's a welcome idea, the the only reservation I have is their quality. 

We may not have the level of quality and experience compared to the foreign based players but we also need to understand that environment matters a lot and this is why the foreign based players struggles here in Africa due to the nature for our fields. This is the nature of field the home based players are used to and this is exactly another reason why most African teams with many home base players performs better than the ones with many foreign based players.

Have you noticed the the current trend now most African countries tends to play Nigeria on a very bad field because of our foreign base players. So having home base players is going to help a lot especially on this terrible field in Africa it gives you some level of advantage against other African teams with home based players who are used to the level of poor field we currently have across major African countries.

[DYOR+BTC]

The international break is upon us and although the club games are no more that doesn't mean we can't still enjoy football. We have some interesting games coming up in the world cup qualifiers and as we all know Nigeria is still trying to see if they can find a way to qualify for the world cup. All hopes aren't lost yet because we have just 3 points separating the Group C nations. A loss from one of this three nations (Benin, South Africa and Nigeria) and the table will be rearranged so this should be the most anticipated group games for this international break.

From the matches above, what are you prediction? And which nation do you guys think will join the country's that have already qualified?

So much thrill is already anticipated for this fixture as everyone especially Nigerians cannot wait to know the fate of our dear country in the world cup qualifiers, if eventually the eagles will be playing at the world cup or its another year to miss out just like they did some years back. in as much as we will not want to wish any country ill, we also don't want to miss the opportunity to be at the world cup games and in other for that to happen, someone had to loose for the table to be rearranged and the eagles probably move to the top if they win and secure a chance at the world cup.

i wish the Eagles the very best in this game and really do hope to see them fly the green and white flag at the world cup, even if they may not have the capacity to win the world cup, effective representation will mean a whole lot to the nation and even the eagles will have the chance to showcase their talent at the international stage for the young ones who re still up coming.

Seeing Nigeria play the up coming world cup is the prayer of every one but they misused the golden opportunity they had to qualify when they failed to win against South Africa that believed the super eagles have won. The super eagles started the qualifier series with full confidence that they can not be eliminated which made them fail to play with curiosity,  perseverance and passion from the beginning of the tournament till now they have seen their chances of qualifying is very slim and can only work by the grace of god.
All they need do now is pray for miracle and stop underrating any team they meet now

[Africolo]

Well regardless of Lesotho situation, puppet of South Africa or not, they remain a weak team and Nigeria is way better than them. If Nigeria lost points against them I prefer that they withdrew from the remaining game and stay home. No need to qualify and humiliate themselves further.
I am very disappointed from them and waiting to see some real skills in the remaining two games so they can push the confidence of their fans even if they didn't qualify.

Agreed yes Lesotho are small compared to the super Eagles but the super Eagles are not any better than them currently and don't forget the last the first game we drew draw with them at our home and now we are going to play away so it's not going to be easy we just have to focus and don't underestimate them could be dangerous we just have to stay focus and try to win the game.

The South Africans and Niger Republic will also be under pressure to win their games so it's going to be easy for anybody we just have to ignore their own game and focus on our own make sure we can win and wait for someone to slip.

[Zackz5000]

Giving up on Nigerian team qualification to the 2026 world  in the best way to avoid high blood pressure and other dysfunctional issues that can take once life on a long run.  Before there qualifications became very competitive now, they had all it takes to come out in flying colours but failed to capitalise on south African's weakness the last time they played and secure a draw in the game.  

The problem of the super eagles team not qualifying for the world cup is still not conspicuous making it difficult for the solution to be identified, but could be achieved if political interference is totally eliminated from football and left on a plain ground

Lets put political issues aside and focus more on them qualifying and we should never forget that the Super Eagles will be more serious now that they only have just one shot in qualifying for the World Cup, that is how we are built, that's getting serious at the last minute. After the deduction of point from the South Africa side the Eagles saw it as an opportunity which I feel they are going to use it well, now the number 1 spot still open for Benin, South Africa and Nigeria so these teams have it on them if they lose any game. If the Super Eagles mistakenly qualify for the World Cup I don't want them to see the Super Eagles to be as wasteful as they are in this qualification in the World Cup.

It got me surprised to see that the Super Eagles of Nigeria is finding it hard to qualify for next year World Cup, with the players we have we are not supposed to be defeated by any African country we are currently in a tight corner and they brought this upon them self it is left for them if they like they should go and mess up them when it comes to playing for Nigeria they all turn flop Victor Osimhem is the only serious and determine player we have if others can take it serious like the Galatasaray striker Nigeria will be a difficult team to eliminate in the world Cup. I wish the good luck.

[IceLincoln]

Well regardless of Lesotho situation, puppet of South Africa or not, they remain a weak team and Nigeria is way better than them. If Nigeria lost points against them I prefer that they withdrew from the remaining game and stay home. No need to qualify and humiliate themselves further.
I am very disappointed from them and waiting to see some real skills in the remaining two games so they can push the confidence of their fans even if they didn't qualify.

Agreed yes Lesotho are small compared to the super Eagles but the super Eagles are not any better than them currently and don't forget the last the first game we drew draw with them at our home and now we are going to play away so it's not going to be easy we just have to focus and don't underestimate them could be dangerous we just have to stay focus and try to win the game.

The South Africans and Niger Republic will also be under pressure to win their games so it's going to be easy for anybody we just have to ignore their own game and focus on our own make sure we can win and wait for someone to slip.

Despite all the heartbreaks and disappointments the Super Eagles have caused us Naija Fans I still have a tiny bit of hope that they’ll qualify, we’ve been given a second chance and hopefully now Osimhen will be atleast 80-90% fit I so much believe in him. Victor Boniface has totally dropped form from his last season at Union St Gilloise and his first season at Bayer Leverkusen, even his time with the super Eagles has not been fruitful I don’t think he should be invited again for now. We really need reinforcements with the defence mostly the center backs, Ekong our captain fantastic has dipped in form. But no matter comes we’ll win all our games.

Our Flying Eagles will be playing Argentina tomorrow in the round of 16 of the ongoing U-20 World Cup, we’ve not been doing so well in the Youth level tournaments as we used to do in the past, is it that our football has dropped or it’s poor recruitment and management. This set has not really been impressive but they’ve shown some glitters I hope they surpass the Argentines tomorrow.

[Lida93]

image

Enough of the talks and discussions centered on Nigeria who have just being so disappointing in a group they should be leading with far distant points. Here's Cape Verde, a country that have caught my attention with a superb performance having the highest wins in a group wth teams like Cameroon, Angola and Libya.

Cape Verde only needs to win one of their two next games to seal their qualification to the World Cup in 2026. And it's unlikely they don't win one of their next two games, which would leave the second place in the Group D to Cameroon and Libya to battle for. What a time to pride oneself as a Cape Verde citizen.

[Spaceman1000$]

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.

Personally, I have already given up on the Nigerian national team on the world cup qualification, even if they manage to win their remaining two games of which I don't even see the possibility of that. Let's say they win both and South Africa on the other hand wins both as well, automatically they will be first in the group and it will depend on the numbers of goal Nigeria will score against their last two opponent of which Benin Republic is one of the two countries left to be played against by Nigeria. Let's say, they still manage to finish second, the question again is, can they win and qualify through playoffs?

Thank you for asking this question because that is problem we have in the National team, at a time when we feel that they have given us hope that is when they do their worst and am just having this imagination that what if the Nigerian Super Eagles reach the playoff round and still couldn't qualify for the World cup it will then mean that all their efforts is just in vain. I even prefer them not to qualify for the playoffs because they will be putting the whole country in another tension and suspense. I know that Nigerians are passionate about the National team qualifying for the world cup but as it stands now, they are not even prepared if peradventure they qualify because they might not go beyond the group stage matches so what's the need for even qualifying. Nigeria needs to build a solid team that we can beat our chest and say that they won't disappoint us when we participate in an international competition such as the world cup. The current squad we have in the Super Eagles can give someone HBP because imagine when they score and gives us hope of winning but before the end of the match their opponent ends up equalizing the score or even come from behind and win just like it happened in the AFCON finals between Nigeria and Ivory Coast last year when they scored first and ended up losing the match.

It is the passion that we have for football that has cost us this great disappointment as most football fans across the country are really not interested in whatever outcome the super Eagles will have in their next encounter, whether they qualify to play for the playoff or not. However, What I'm concerned is the fact that, if at this stage of the qualifying series, we've not been able to convincingly win our qualifying matches, what exactly are we going to do in the World Cup, because I will strongly advise those that have BP issues to by-cut the matches as it will not be too good for their health.