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

[Adbitco]

This Ivory Coast and Gabon group is so dope that even 23 and 22 points hasn't yet guaranteed you an automatic ticket in the upcoming world cup. The group is so competitive amongst these two teams that non of them has qualified yet. Seychelles just came to distribute points to other teams there because so far after 9 matches, they have accumulated zero points and conceded 44 goals in 9 games, which means they are averaging 4.8 goals negative in every match.

As the reigning African champions, I totally understand why Ivory Coast have been able to take 23 points after 9 games but for Garbon, how did they actually managed to garner such intimidating number of points? I've not been following what's happening in other groups —not because I'm not interested but because I'm concentrating in the Super Eagles of Nigeria group where they're struggling to qualify.
That said, I think Garbon is supposed to reach the next edition of the FIFA World Cup for their efforts, if not as group winners, then through the playoffs.

I was also surprised too when I saw this image and I went to confirm for myself if it was true, I checked their group and clicked on the standings and saw exactly the same thing, I was surprised as to how Gabon was able to amass such number of points. I don't know if it's because I don't know them as a footballing nation but seriously in this qualifiers, they have really impressed. I'm sure even if they finish second, they will be part of the team that will be eligible for the play offs selection.

[Rruchi man]

Most of the players posted it on their socials like Snapchat because that is where I saw it first, so I don't think they wanted to keep it a secret.

That's all they're good at; posting everything on social media and disgracing the nation on the pitch. I read another report that says they stopped for emergency fuel refill that the crack windshield wasn't that severe.

Benin is 9/1 odd against Nigeria tomorrow, Rwanda 18/1 odd against South Africa - both away teams should be able to cover +2.5 handicap what do you think?

I don't think either game will be a high-scoring fixture; we may likely just see a goal or two.

A +2.5 handicap may be a good bet.

I do not know about South Africa, but Nigeria have struggled for goals all through this World Cup qualifiers. Correct me if i am wrong, but i do not think we have scored more than two goals in a game in this qualifiers so far. So that said, i think a +2.5 handicap for Benin should be a safe bet, except the Super Eagles have something spectacular up their sleeves tomorrow, lol, which i (and millions more in Nigeria) doubt that's possible.

They will likely spend the first half shooting blanks and wasting chances, then struggle in the second half to win.

I have a feeling the game will end in a draw.

[Callido]

Benin is 9/1 odd against Nigeria tomorrow, Rwanda 18/1 odd against South Africa - both away teams should be able to cover +2.5 handicap what do you think?

I do not know about South Africa, but Nigeria have struggled for goals all through this World Cup qualifiers. Correct me if i am wrong, but i do not think we have scored more than two goals in a game in this qualifiers so far. So that said, i think a +2.5 handicap for Benin should be a safe bet, except the Super Eagles have something spectacular up their sleeves tomorrow, lol, which i (and millions more in Nigeria) doubt that's possible.

3+ goals is not going to save us if South Africa should win. We might win tomorrow against Benin but how sure that Rwanda are going to hold South Africa to a win or draw. Not just that, our biggest problem is that most of our wins are with 1 goal ahead of the opponent. Last game we scored two, close to the final minutes they scored 1 and at the exact minute they nearly scored to equalize, we might be leading with goals but defending our own post is another challenge.

What will be the odds for Nigeria to qualify 

[Abu-Naim]

I was also surprised too when I saw this image and I went to confirm for myself if it was true, I checked their group and clicked on the standings and saw exactly the same thing, I was surprised as to how Gabon was able to amass such number of points. I don't know if it's because I don't know them as a footballing nation but seriously in this qualifiers, they have really impressed. I'm sure even if they finish second, they will be part of the team that will be eligible for the play offs selection.

Most of the countries we underrated did really well, while the hyped countries did t perform to expectation except Morocco who was the first Africa team to qualify, other big teams were just making now after series of struggles; I will say that other countries are improving in terms of football, while the known best teams are going backwards despite their quality players.

Tomorrow, either South Africa or Nigeria might qualify for the World Cup, Ghana has qualified already; I don’t know exactly how tomorrow’s match outcome will be, but one of these top teams Nigeria and South Africa will be give up tomorrow because they both misused their opportunities because they were suppose to be the best teams in that group.

[EL MOHA]

That's all they're good at; posting everything on social media and disgracing the nation on the pitch. I read another report that says they stopped for emergency fuel refill that the crack windshield wasn't that severe.

Benin is 9/1 odd against Nigeria tomorrow, Rwanda 18/1 odd against South Africa - both away teams should be able to cover +2.5 handicap what do you think?

Yes the damage to the windshield wasn’t that severe but it was spotted after they had refuel and taken off then the pilot had little difficulty and he was said to have announced it and said it was best to actually turn back to where they had refuel and this was where a new plane came to take them to Uyo, so I don’t agree with the news which says the windshield was used to refuel.

This 9/1 for Benin is somewhat a juicy odd in my opinion because if we look at how this team has playing and how bad they have been at home in Uyo I wouldn’t be suprised seeing them losing this one again, one win in a year at Uyo is a good stats to bet on Benin

[Majestic-milf]

Sentiment a side, the Bafana Bafana of South Africa deserves the slot more than any team in that group, they're by far the better team, it's stupid they ended up in this situation like that,  it was unprofessional and foolish of the team to field an ineligible player thinking they would get away with it.

If they somehow lost the qualifications spot, the manager and those responsible for that idiotic decision should be held accountable.

I really agree with you. South Africa are the only team that I can say has maintained a fine record, compared to the Super Eagles. This is even the first time I'm seeing Bafana Bafana struggle to get three points against a team that was down by a player and I'm talking about the game they had against Zimbabwe.
 It's painful to see how low Nigeria has fallen to the point that a team like Benin would be posing a threat for their survival. The way I see it, Nigeria doesn't just need to beat Benin, they also need a miracle.

[Africolo]

Tomorrow, either South Africa or Nigeria might qualify for the World Cup, Ghana has qualified already; I don’t know exactly how tomorrow’s match outcome will be, but one of these top teams Nigeria and South Africa will be give up tomorrow because they both misused their opportunities because they were suppose to be the best teams in that group.

I'm of the opinion that Benin Republic will draw with Nigeria and qualify even if South Africa manages to win their game.

Trying to cheat the group by fielding ineligible player is not a good taste in the mouth, if they weren't caught I'm sure they would continued to cheat in the remaining fixtures. This is karma and they deserves to face it.

[Ndabagi01]

I was also surprised too when I saw this image and I went to confirm for myself if it was true, I checked their group and clicked on the standings and saw exactly the same thing, I was surprised as to how Gabon was able to amass such number of points. I don't know if it's because I don't know them as a footballing nation but seriously in this qualifiers, they have really impressed. I'm sure even if they finish second, they will be part of the team that will be eligible for the play offs selection.

They already made their way to the World Cup qualifiers after getting this number of points. One can see from the points put together by the first and second position and the gap difference between them and the the remaining teams is quite obvious that those two teams really did the rest dirty by beating them at every meeting during the qualifiers match. With this points gathered, I will say they deserve a World Cup spot for a hard work done. Ivory Coast is a big team and I’m happy they’ll make their way to the World Cup after a long time representing African continent there. I hope they have a good ride this time.

[Mr Reporter]

This Ivory Coast and Gabon group is so dope that even 23 and 22 points hasn't yet guaranteed you an automatic ticket in the upcoming world cup. The group is so competitive amongst these two teams that non of them has qualified yet. Seychelles just came to distribute points to other teams there because so far after 9 matches, they have accumulated zero points and conceded 44 goals in 9 games, which means they are averaging 4.8 goals negative in every match.

As the reigning African champions, I totally understand why Ivory Coast have been able to take 23 points after 9 games but for Garbon, how did they actually managed to garner such intimidating number of points? I've not been following what's happening in other groups —not because I'm not interested but because I'm concentrating in the Super Eagles of Nigeria group where they're struggling to qualify.
That said, I think Garbon is supposed to reach the next edition of the FIFA World Cup for their efforts, if not as group winners, then through the playoffs.

I was also surprised too when I saw this image and I went to confirm for myself if it was true, I checked their group and clicked on the standings and saw exactly the same thing, I was surprised as to how Gabon was able to amass such number of points. I don't know if it's because I don't know them as a footballing nation but seriously in this qualifiers, they have really impressed. I'm sure even if they finish second, they will be part of the team that will be eligible for the play offs selection.

Gabon's performance in the World Cup qualifiers. With 22 points, they're currently leading Group F and looking strong for a direct qualification spot. Even if they finish second, their impressive run so far suggests they'll likely be among the top four runners-up eligible for the playoffs.

https://www.fifaworldcupnews.com/african-runners-2026-world-cup-qualifiers/

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's exceptional form has been a significant factor in their success, including a stunning four-goal performance against Gambia that kept Gabon's World Cup dream alive. With their talented squad and Thierry Mouyouma's guidance, Gabon might indeed make a strong case for the World Cup.

[Issa56]

I'm of the opinion that Benin Republic will draw with Nigeria and qualify even if South Africa manages to win their game.

I have the feels also that the super eagles won’t be able to win Benin in the match, Benin is not a team that the super eagles are suppose to find difficult to win, but with super eagles performance, winning Benin is just what I feel is going to be a difficult task for them. If Benin won’t be getting a win against the super eagles tomorrow, then I expect a draw to happen in the match. Super eagles put us in condition that we will have to pray for other countries loss before we will be able to qualify.

Super eagles chances of qualifying for the World Cup is so slim, have given up on them already actually some people are still feeling that the super eagles can make it, but I just don’t know how that’s going to be possible, because before the super eagle will be able to qualify, both South Africa, and Benin will have to lose in the match, which I think is not going to be possible.

[Africolo]

Super eagles chances of qualifying for the World Cup is so slim, have given up on them already actually some people are still feeling that the super eagles can make it, but I just don’t know how that’s going to be possible, because before the super eagle will be able to qualify, both South Africa, and Benin will have to lose in the match, which I think is not going to be possible.

Okay let's say Rwanda manages to win against South Africa how do we score Benin Republic 3+ goals without conceeding to qualify? When was the last time we scored 3+ goals in a competitive game?

Benin Republic only needs a draw and they will my likely sit down and manage the game from their own half. Less attack, more defensive play.we dint strand a chance to get single point.

[Smartvirus]

Okay let's say Rwanda manages to win against South Africa how do we score Benin Republic 3+ goals without conceeding to qualify? When was the last time we scored 3+ goals in a competitive game?

Benin Republic only needs a draw and they will my likely sit down and manage the game from their own half. Less attack, more defensive play.we dint strand a chance to get single point.

Nigeria did shot themselves in the foot before they even knew it. They had time in the early stages of the qualifiers to make good use of their games but, they were out there being all top dog and all. They just needed to see the qualifiers eluding them before they would try and win games. It’s just too late for all that now, Benin would just battle for a draw and they could easily have it against the team Nigeria have got now, Nwabali would make certain of that.

[Barikui1]

Okay let's say Rwanda manages to win against South Africa how do we score Benin Republic 3+ goals without conceeding to qualify? When was the last time we scored 3+ goals in a competitive game?

Sorry for saying this, our hopes of qualiifying to the fifa world cup is right now is just hanging by a thread, and the Nigerian team that I have watched so far can never beat this Benin republic side talkless of scoring them by three unreply goals, so it's like thinking of the impossible.

Benin Republic only needs a draw and they will my likely sit down and manage the game from their own half. Less attack, more defensive play.we dint strand a chance to get single point.

Yes the possibilities of them seating back and defending their advantage are high, but with the way our super eagles team are, I don't see them winning this Benin republic side even though Benin republic team came out attacking, so we should not keep our hopes too high because our only chance of qualifications is through the play off, and that will be possible if the south Africans lost their game against Rwanda and we managed to win this Benin republic team which I think is near impossible.

[SmartCharpa]

3+ goals is not going to save us if South Africa should win. We might win tomorrow against Benin but how sure that Rwanda are going to hold South Africa to a win or draw. Not just that, our biggest problem is that most of our wins are with 1 goal ahead of the opponent. Last game we scored two, close to the final minutes they scored 1 and at the exact minute they nearly scored to equalize, we might be leading with goals but defending our own post is another challenge.

What will be the odds for Nigeria to qualify 

Our national team is just like a country that is attempting to gather players but never knows who to utilize in big matches. How are we struggling to win games when we have top players? Our players have only been hyped by their names, but they are not showing up for us, attacking zero, defending zero. I remember the previous time we drew against Zimbabwe, we had already secured three points, but if we never conceded a goal, it is not a match.

The funny part of this game is that we are playing against a team at the top of the group, and look at the odds that the bookies place on Nigeria @1.39, while Benin has above @9 odds. We have better players, no doubt, but they are not giving their best, they almost drew their last game, and if you look at the games Lesotho played just before meeting Nigeria, they conceded a lot of goals. If we win Benin today, we will be okay and we are not sure that Rwanda, which has failed to draw at home, would beat South Africa away from home.

[Jostern]

Tomorrow, either South Africa or Nigeria might qualify for the World Cup, Ghana has qualified already; I don’t know exactly how tomorrow’s match outcome will be, but one of these top teams Nigeria and South Africa will be give up tomorrow because they both misused their opportunities because they were suppose to be the best teams in that group.

I'm of the opinion that Benin Republic will draw with Nigeria and qualify even if South Africa manages to win their game.

Trying to cheat the group by fielding ineligible player is not a good taste in the mouth, if they weren't caught I'm sure they would continued to cheat in the remaining fixtures. This is karma and they deserves to face it.

You were even considerate enough to give them are draw, considering how the Nigerian Super Eagles can disappoint, especially when they are playing a game of this magnitude, the super eagles will be under pressure, and I don’t possibly see how they will qualify for the World Cup, it’s a very difficult task for them one that I don’t think they’ll be up to the task, Benin Republic I have watched them during this World Cup qualifying series they’ve been a team that is playing absolutely fantastic, and the Super Eagles of Nigeria will find it very difficult to beat them regardless, it will only take a miracle for Super Eagles to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

[7juju]

 You were even considerate enough to give them are draw, considering how the Nigerian Super Eagles can disappoint, especially when they are playing a game of this magnitude, the super eagles will be under pressure, and I don’t possibly see how they will qualify for the World Cup, it’s a very difficult task for them one that I don’t think they’ll be up to the task, Benin Republic I have watched them during this World Cup qualifying series they’ve been a team that is playing absolutely fantastic, and the Super Eagles of Nigeria will find it very difficult to beat them regardless, it will only take a miracle for Super Eagles to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

I will continue with the advice that is already popular in Nigeria which says "Anyone that has BP problem should stay away from watch super eagles matches" if the same super eagles players that has been playing the previous matches are the ones that will face Benin Republic today, the super eagles will most likely lose that match. Although draw is a big possibility here, but Benin Republic will be the first team to score in the first half and the super eagles will equalise in 90 plus minutes. At this point I am supporting Benin Republic to qualify they deserve it.

[Agbam]

A lot of our discussions here has been centred on the Nigerian team and the happenings surrounding the group C, I get it we’re mostly Nigerians here and it’s what matters most to us even the ones that don’t care still care. But I want to bring to your Notice the Cape Verdeans, this country has improved a lot in the past years the last time we saw them at the AFCON they were spectacular not just for the beautiful fans but also on the pitch and now we seeing them top a group consisting of Cameroun Libya and Angola. They didn’t just top it by luck they won their games convincingly topping the group with four points away from second place Cameroun. I applaud their performance and efforts. Watch out for them at the World Cup.

Yeah truly the Cape Verdeans have been really impressive, they have come a long way and it’s a good reward for their hardwork. I’ll cheer them at the World Cup cos Nigeria might not qualify and even if they do I’m now a Cape Verdean fan…. Success they say have many friends.

The Gabon and Ivory Coast group is still open but Ivory Coast is leading now with 1 point but the last game will be the decider. But unfortunately for the Gabonese they’ll be playing without their most important and key player Pierre Emerick Aubameyang who scored a poker in their last game and got red carded, what a way to go off.

By the end of today we’ll know our FATE!.

[Wakate]

The funny part of this game is that we are playing against a team at the top of the group, and look at the odds that the bookies place on Nigeria @1.39, while Benin has above @9 odds. We have better players, no doubt, but they are not giving their best, they almost drew their last game, and if you look at the games Lesotho played just before meeting Nigeria, they conceded a lot of goals. If we win Benin today, we will be okay and we are not sure that Rwanda, which has failed to draw at home, would beat South Africa away from home.

These bookies are fuckin crazy! Why would they give Nigeria a odd of 1.39 while Benin has up to 9 odds?
Does it mean that they are anticipating for Nigeria to win the match? In assumption, perhaps they still believe in Nigeria and they want to see Nigeria win their next watch while Benin go away with a loss. I know that the super eagles can do some crazy unexpected things atimes. If the win their next match, that does not mean that they are on the safe track. Let see how it goes.

[Stepstowealth]

These bookies are fuckin crazy! Why would they give Nigeria a odd of 1.39 while Benin has up to 9 odds?
Does it mean that they are anticipating for Nigeria to win the match?

The bookies probably gave Nigeria that winning odds because they believe that many people and not just them trust Nigeria can win the game based on the importance the game has for us and the star players that we have abundantly in our team. I will bet on a draw game because I believe Nigeria has been overrated by the bookies, and because of previous experiences where we had high hopes for the National side only to end up dissapointed. I feel the boys are perhaps overconfident, and that will affect the game. The game will end 0-0, or 1-1.

[Danica22]

These bookies are fuckin crazy! Why would they give Nigeria a odd of 1.39 while Benin has up to 9 odds?
Does it mean that they are anticipating for Nigeria to win the match?

The bookies probably gave Nigeria that winning odds because they believe that many people and not just them trust Nigeria can win the game based on the importance the game has for us and the star players that we have abundantly in our team. I will bet on a draw game because I believe Nigeria has been overrated by the bookies, and because of previous experiences where we had high hopes for the National side only to end up dissapointed. I feel the boys are perhaps overconfident, and that will affect the game. The game will end 0-0, or 1-1.

Nigeria's squad is stronger than Benin. But Benin is not weak as an opponent. The team is at the top of the points table right now. They scored 5 points in 5 matches. On the other hand, Nigeria will have to win in this match if you want to get into the top 2 of the table. And they lagged at 5 points from South Africa. In the last five matches against Benin, we have seen three of Nigeria's victory. On the other hand, Benin won in just one match. So naturally Bookih considers the Nigeria team as favorites in this match