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

[Stable090]

I was really amazed by super eagles performance today. I was actually doubting there performance , it was really a flawless victory. Oshimen performance in the match was really awesome by scoring the hat trick and onyeka scoring the last goal. The super eagles has really made Nigerian proud. If Nigeria is lucky we may be going for the play off and if super eagles should keep up with this performance we definitely qualify for the world cup.

How the super eagles should have been playing since the beginning of the tournament, that’s how they played today, they were able to get a win today, and they scored 4 goals in the match, I never believed the super eagles would have scored multiple goals in the match, but they won the match when it’s no longer needed. Super eagles were not even suppose to find any match in the group so difficult, all the countries in the group are weaker countries, so I don’t know why the super eagles lost and played draw in matches which they were suppose to win when the competition started.

The performance which they should have put up since the beginning of the competition, that’s what they put on today, but South Africa were able to win their match also, so they qualified for the competition, and the super eagles are in second position, which I don’t even think they will be among the teams that will be playing the best loser play off.

[igebotz]

I wish we played this way throughout the qualifiers, too bad we only brought this version of ourselves in the last match. Over all, no team was really exceptional in our group, because despite our abysmal performance, we were only one point away from top spot. That said, congratulations to Bafana Bafana, they were one point better. But we also live to fight another day as we move on to the second round as one of the four best runners-up, if we win that round, then we move on to represent Africa in the play-off.

Sadly all the games we lost important points were the 4-5 games Osimhen didn't play in due to injuries. The last minute goals we conceded against Zimbabwe was what cost us this position.

We have the playoff coming up next month, hope we can show the same commitments and performance we shown today. We need to be in this World Cup.

[Richbased]

According to a post by Fabrizio Romano, after the Super Eagles of Nigeria won Benin by a whooping 4:0 defeat today, they have qualified for the play-off round which is quite interesting but my question is that can the Super Eagles scale through the play-off round and qualify for the world cup proper? It will make no sense after all these struggles and they couldn't make it to the world cup at last, it will just be like a wasted effort and i don't want them to experience such. At least for the sake of Victor Osimhen who has made wonderful performance in the qualifier matches, i wish Nigeria will qualify so that he can play at the 2026 world cup because it will be so painful that a world class player like Victor Osimhen will be nowhere to be found at the world cup due to his country not being able to qualify.

[Antotena]

I was really amazed by super eagles performance today. I was actually doubting there performance , it was really a flawless victory. Oshimen performance in the match was really awesome by scoring the hat trick and onyeka scoring the last goal. The super eagles has really made Nigerian proud. If Nigeria is lucky we may be going for the play off and if super eagles should keep up with this performance we definitely qualify for the world cup.

One thing I don't like about Super eagles, it's the fact that the way we played today and expected to be qualify in the play off, if we have done that in the beginning of the competition, I don't think south Africa would have qualified today and we are qualified for play off. We have to go back and do play off and hope that we succeed to win any team else we are going to stay at home and watch other teams play world cup without Nigerians been among.

I don't like the fact that we are going to this World cup. It's not like if they are there I wouldn't be happy but why should we qualify only to be praying they can do it. World cup is going to deal with them if we get to the next age because our players struggle in their games, that was how we did in the last Cup of nation, we struggle and got lucky in the end. World cup is not like other tournament that team can scored and leave just like that. You have to be ready for anything, you will be faced with tough players from different clubs that ready to do anything to win for their nation.

[Spaceman1000$]

What the Super Eagles displayed today is what i term a 'beautiful nonsense' game because since the qualifier matches started they couldn't win any of the teams in same group with a high score of 4:0 but today they did it against Benin when they know that they won't qualify since South Africa also won their opponent Rwanda and emerged group C winners leaving Nigeria in the second position and from the look of things, only the 4 teams with the most points in the second position will qualify for a play-off round and unfortunately Nigeria is at number 7 among the teams that came out second which implies that there is no hope for them anymore. That notwithstanding, i thank the person of Victor Osimhen for his love for Nigeria and the national team, he gave his all just to see that Nigeria qualifies for the world cup, but all his efforts has proved abortive since they couldn't make it to the world cup.

Let's not conclude yet, though I haven't seen the draws yet to ascertain the number of countries that will be qualifying for the playoff, however one of the major things that affected the super Eagles for this qualifying series is the switching of coaches in a short period of time, the super Eagles literally had three coaches taking them to this qualifying series, and the result is what we have today. Victor Osimhen will always stand out, having a hat-trick in a game that requires such numbers of goals show's that he is the man for the big occasion.

[GiftedMAN]

I was really amazed by super eagles performance today. I was actually doubting there performance , it was really a flawless victory. Oshimen performance in the match was really awesome by scoring the hat trick and onyeka scoring the last goal. The super eagles has really made Nigerian proud. If Nigeria is lucky we may be going for the play off and if super eagles should keep up with this performance we definitely qualify for the world cup.

I was totally against them winning today because in their previous games they weren't playing like a team that wants to play in the world cup but watching them perform today and carefully trash their visitors by 4:0 I had to support them because we have nothing to gain if we don't support our own.

Before we mention Victor Oshimen we need to respect the coach because he told them to allow their opponent to hold the ball but once they take advantage of it they should target their post which the players did, Victor Oshimen scored one of the fastest goals today 2 minutes 50 seconds that's shows you that the boys didn't come to joke in the game, good performance from the team, Stanley Nwabali was excellent today, Victor the master of hat trick did the needful, Frank Onyeka scored the last superb goal to take Naija to the playoff the players should be celebrated because they did so well today.

[Mayor of ogba]

Nigeria 4 Vs Benin Republic 0 FT
Incredible win by the super eagles and Victor Osimhen proved once more why his so important for the team with his hat trick. Before now, his scored only 3 goals but today, he added another 3 in just one match to increase his tally to 6 goals in the qualifiers. In as much as Nigeria needed this win, I think it was South Africa that benefited the most from the win against Benin Republic.

I was so impressed by the Super Eagles' performance because they played like a team that was in need of the three points against Benin Republic, but they couldn't achieve their aim of qualifying for the World Cup because South Africa defeat Rwandan by 3:0 to finish first in group C and qualify for the World Cup. If the Super Eagles fail to qualify for the World Cup through the playoff, I won't be happy because we need to play in this year's World Cup.

[EL MOHA]

Let's not conclude yet, though I haven't seen the draws yet to ascertain the number of countries that will be qualifying for the playoff, however one of the major things that affected the super Eagles for this qualifying series is the switching of coaches in a short period of time, the super Eagles literally had three coaches taking them to this qualifying series, and the result is what we have today. Victor Osimhen will always stand out, having a hat-trick in a game that requires such numbers of goals show's that he is the man for the big occasion.

For now I think the play off places are looking to be sealed already, Nigeria is third on the play off table with the likes of Gabon And Cameroon been on the first and second of the table for now, Burkina Faso completes the table but there would be a change tomorrow should DR Congo actually comes up with a win as they will go up to 16 points and Nigeria will drop to the fourth on the table while Burkina Faso will drop out, this was the main reason why it was actually necessary for them to win Four goals ahead.

So right now Nigeria is more likely to face the table toppers Gabon for the palyoff semifinal and then meet any of the finalist nations and only one win go for the confederation playoffs for the remaining two spots for that, it is still a very very long route but it better than not having hope at all

[Ndabagi01]

Sadly all the games we lost important points were the 4-5 games Osimhen didn't play in due to injuries. The last minute goals we conceded against Zimbabwe was what cost us this position.

We have the playoff coming up next month, hope we can show the same commitments and performance we shown today. We need to be in this World Cup.

I was amused by Nigeria’s performance today because they never played a well coordinated game as they did today and converted most of their opportunities into goals. I wish they played like this throughout the competition. The game against Zimbabwe that they conceded a late goal is actually the game many people don’t talk about that lead Nigeria into this very situation that they had to play in the playoffs before seeking a qualification into the World Cup.

In that match, we saw how Osimehn was very angry at his teammates after he was substituted in the match towards the end of the game. It was a goal they never should have conceded and would give them the qualification they needed today. They just need to replicate today’s performance into the playoffs game and I’m certain they’ll be amongst the two teams from five confederations to qualify amongst the total six teams to play in the playoffs.

[Anayochukwu]

Super Eagles played very well against Benin, but the question is would they be able to continue with this massive performance? Because the war is not yet over. Super Eagles qualifying for the World Cup is still 50/50 chance even though they are not always stable with their performance so there is still a very long way for them, but with what Victor Osimhe played today, Super Eagles qualifying from play off might likely come to reality. It's quite unfortunate that Super Eagles wake from their sleep today because had it been they started with this massive performance by now they would have been smiling in the World Cup.

[Berry2d]

According to a post by Fabrizio Romano, after the Super Eagles of Nigeria won Benin by a whooping 4:0 defeat today, they have qualified for the play-off round which is quite interesting but my question is that can the Super Eagles scale through the play-off round and qualify for the world cup proper? It will make no sense after all these struggles and they couldn't make it to the world cup at last, it will just be like a wasted effort and i don't want them to experience such. At least for the sake of Victor Osimhen who has made wonderful performance in the qualifier matches, i wish Nigeria will qualify so that he can play at the 2026 world cup because it will be so painful that a world class player like Victor Osimhen will be nowhere to be found at the world cup due to his country not being able to qualify.

The super eagles making it to the world cup is seen as an imponsible one, they have one of the best team at the die minutes of the qualifiers series but a ticket to the world cup is what I can't see coming so fast. They started the tournament with a weak performance underestimating all teams in their group after believing they where the best in the group without knowing the tournament could end the way it did at last. Although god could extend his miraculous hands for them during the playoff but there qualification is not certain with the way am seeing it but my  only consign is just for osimhen to appear at the world cup tournament

[Donneski]

Sadly all the games we lost important points were the 4-5 games Osimhen didn't play in due to injuries. The last minute goals we conceded against Zimbabwe was what cost us this position.

We have the playoff coming up next month, hope we can show the same commitments and performance we shown today. We need to be in this World Cup.

I was amused by Nigeria’s performance today because they never played a well coordinated game as they did today and converted most of their opportunities into goals. I wish they played like this throughout the competition. The game against Zimbabwe that they conceded a late goal is actually the game many people don’t talk about that lead Nigeria into this very situation that they had to play in the playoffs before seeking a qualification into the World Cup.

In that match, we saw how Osimehn was very angry at his teammates after he was substituted in the match towards the end of the game. It was a goal they never should have conceded and would give them the qualification they needed today. They just need to replicate today’s performance into the playoffs game and I’m certain they’ll be amongst the two teams from five confederations to qualify amongst the total six teams to play in the playoffs.

Victor Osimhen once again proved himself as one of the best attackers in the world when today in the Nigeria Benin game. Apart from scoring a hattrick to help Nigeria go 3 goals up before being subbed off after picking a knock, he showed strong mentality before and during the game. Osimhen was the one that was asking his teammates to give their all in the game with his motivations on the pitch. I love the fact that at the end of the day Nigeria achieved their aim as they'll now be playing in the CAF playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It's high time the footballing world starts to mention Osimhen's name among the best player in the world

[Davidvictorson]

Super Eagles played very well against Benin, but the question is would they be able to continue with this massive performance? Because the war is not yet over. Super Eagles qualifying for the World Cup is still 50/50 chance even though they are not always stable with their performance so there is still a very long way for them, but with what Victor Osimhe played today, Super Eagles qualifying from play off might likely come to reality. It's quite unfortunate that Super Eagles wake from their sleep today because had it been they started with this massive performance by now they would have been smiling in the World Cup.

Yes, I agree they played well, or should I say they played a team that was weaker and that is why it seems like they played well. The world Cup is still far from the boys sadly. In my estimation, let us all just look towards supporting the Ghanaian team for the world cup. At least we know they will not disappoint us woefully. Sorry to sound so pessimistic about our boys but it is what it is. Until I see a change in leadership from the NFF, my postion on the boys perfromance as well as my expectations of them will remain the same.  

[Jegileman]

Super Eagles played very well against Benin, but the question is would they be able to continue with this massive performance? Because the war is not yet over. Super Eagles qualifying for the World Cup is still 50/50 chance even though they are not always stable with their performance so there is still a very long way for them, but with what Victor Osimhe played today, Super Eagles qualifying from play off might likely come to reality. It's quite unfortunate that Super Eagles wake from their sleep today because had it been they started with this massive performance by now they would have been smiling in the World Cup.

Sometimes opportunities do come for a reason and Nigeria will be importunes to show their best form once again in order to secure a spot for the World Cup. The road may still be very vigorous for them but with maximum effort from them, they’re going to make it to the World Cup. With their performance today, they’re found ought to be in the World Cup with the likes of other top African teams, I just hope they can take advantage of this playoffs to book a spot in the World Cup next year. The teams I am already seeing that will play in the playoffs will not be a very tough one for them, but they still need to be at their best because anything can happen still in the game. Let’s see how they rock to book a spot in the World Cup.

[Agbe]

Some how the Nigerian never giving up spirit actually worked out today, this is a super eagles team that finds it difficult to score goals but today super eagles were able to score four goals despite their fans giving up hope on them.its really unfortunate that Nigeria is struggling to qualify from a group that has Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and south Africa respectively. I just hope that Nigeria will be taking this form into the playoffs because they will meet teams from other confederations.

[CryptSafe]

I was totally against them winning today because in their previous games they weren't playing like a team that wants to play in the world cup but watching them perform today and carefully trash their visitors by 4:0 I had to support them because we have nothing to gain if we don't support our own.

If they had started the qualifier match like this, they would have long led the group standings without any worries. You could imagine their performance today and wonder why they weren't putting such effort from the beginning of the WC qualifiers. The match was an interesting one to say, and the players were all at their best performances today.  I hope they maintain the team spirit they exhibited today till the tournament is over.

[Rgram]

According to a post by Fabrizio Romano, after the Super Eagles of Nigeria won Benin by a whooping 4:0 defeat today, they have qualified for the play-off round which is quite interesting but my question is that can the Super Eagles scale through the play-off round and qualify for the world cup proper?

They had their best chance in the group stages of the qualifiers, some how, the manager didn’t get to field the right players that could get the job done and have them motivated enough to play for the badge. Who would have thought Nigeria would ever come up with that scoreline, it’s unreal for even Nigeria but today, the Super Eagles surprised everyone, they put up a good fight, scored 4 goals while maintaining a clean sheet, it was wow!

[Rruchi man]

Sadly all the games we lost important points were the 4-5 games Osimhen didn't play in due to injuries. The last minute goals we conceded against Zimbabwe was what cost us this position.

Impressive performance from the Super Eagles; where has this sort of performance been all along?

Victor Osimhen's fitness is very important to the performance of the team, and unfortunately I feel, based on his style of play, he will not be able to maintain this same fitness level all through the playoffs and in the World Cup if we make it there.

The early goal was very important, it set the tone for the game.

[AmaGold70]

Sadly all the games we lost important points were the 4-5 games Osimhen didn't play in due to injuries. The last minute goals we conceded against Zimbabwe was what cost us this position.

We have the playoff coming up next month, hope we can show the same commitments and performance we shown today. We need to be in this World Cup.

I was amused by Nigeria’s performance today because they never played a well coordinated game as they did today and converted most of their opportunities into goals. I wish they played like this throughout the competition. The game against Zimbabwe that they conceded a late goal is actually the game many people don’t talk about that lead Nigeria into this very situation that they had to play in the playoffs before seeking a qualification into the World Cup.

In that match, we saw how Osimehn was very angry at his teammates after he was substituted in the match towards the end of the game. It was a goal they never should have conceded and would give them the qualification they needed today. They just need to replicate today’s performance into the playoffs game and I’m certain they’ll be amongst the two teams from five confederations to qualify amongst the total six teams to play in the playoffs.

Victor Osimhen once again proved himself as one of the best attackers in the world when today in the Nigeria Benin game. Apart from scoring a hattrick to help Nigeria go 3 goals up before being subbed off after picking a knock, he showed strong mentality before and during the game. Osimhen was the one that was asking his teammates to give their all in the game with his motivations on the pitch. I love the fact that at the end of the day Nigeria achieved their aim as they'll now be playing in the CAF playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It's high time the footballing world starts to mention Osimhen's name among the best player in the world

Yes that is what Victor Osimhe shown to Nigerians in this match. Though, till now is still like a dream to me because it was something that came as a surprise to the whole Nigerians even though with a 4 goals, to be honest this is how we normally play before because we have quality players that are well known to the world. It's great to see that the Super Eagles are beginning to realize themselves, hopefully victory would be on our side in this Play off.

[snipie]

Sadly all the games we lost important points were the 4-5 games Osimhen didn't play in due to injuries. The last minute goals we conceded against Zimbabwe was what cost us this position.

Impressive performance from the Super Eagles; where has this sort of performance been all along?

Indeed I was impressed by the performance of Super Eagles and wondered where this fitness was in the previous games. Osimhen is a good player indeed but the spirit of the Nigerian team was impressive in this match.
When I saw the odds in bookies for this game I was wondering why Benin odds were above 6 and that explains all.
Nigeria has to go through play-offs to qualify for the World Cup and their opponents aren't any bad. Teams like Cameroon and Burkina Faso are no joke when it comes to qualification.