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

[ajanwalker]

Firstly I want to say a big congratulations to the super eagles for winning yesterday's match against Benin republic, they have to some extent redeemed their image as a team to contend with in African football. Also Osimhem, showed us that he is a word class player and saved us from shame in African football. That said I think that it is a shame that we football fans in Nigeria, have been subjected to being mathematicians by calculating points and the chances of our qualification. I hope that they quality despite all the odds against them because it'll be a pride to see our flag flying in the finals of the world cup.

Osimhen was the true Nigerian hero, you could from his hunger and grit, over these last two matches, regardless of what the chances are for Nigeria qualify right, I'm extremely disappointed that we manage to put ourselves in this situation in the first place, a group from which should have qualified without any scratch, but playing draw as many as 5 times out 10 matches, mostly against teams that we should have won by huge margin left us at the mercy of others into order to secure a spot in the world cup, I like the fact all hope isn't lost yet, but it will be another disappointment we've only come this far just to fall short again.

Osimhen is playing with the mindset of patriotism and not any other things like they are not paying well or anger among themselves. He is very angry now that they didnt qualify in the first instant. But I believed they qualify from the second playoff stage. But the issue is not even the qualification, but the sustaining ability of the group stages and throughout the tournerment.

I think Osimhen loves playing football. Even in a casual match in Türkiye, he gives 100%.
He runs for every ball and fights.
I've never seen him walk the pitch in a match before.
I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said Osimhen is a complete footballer and a monument to fighting.
He's our biggest rival in Türkiye (as a Fenerbahçe fan), but I respect him because he's a quality opponent.
I've always had a fondness for Nigeria since the 1990s.
Because of Uche and Okocha (two legends who played for Fenerbahçe).

I hope Nigeria makes it to the World Cup.

[Fiatless]

Big congratulations everywhere for the Super Eagles. Let's not forget that the road to the World Cup for them is still on the hard way, not yet accomplished, as they will think of facing Gabon and Cameroon next for the World Cup qualification play-off.

On November 13, the Super Eagles would take on Gabon at home. The result of the game would decide our fate in the World Cup qualification for next year.

All the African Playoff games will be played in Morocco. It will be a semi-final format between four countries. Since Nigeria is the highest-ranked in FIFA ratings, it will take on the lowest-rated rated which is Gabon. While Cameroon will face the Congo DR. Winners of these semi-final games will meet each other at the finals. The Super Eagles will meet either Cameroon or DR Congo at the finals if they can beat Gabon.   

[Antotena]

I think Osimhen loves playing football. Even in a casual match in Türkiye, he gives 100%.
He runs for every ball and fights.
I've never seen him walk the pitch in a match before.
I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said Osimhen is a complete footballer and a monument to fighting.
He's our biggest rival in Türkiye (as a Fenerbahçe fan), but I respect him because he's a quality opponent.
I've always had a fondness for Nigeria since the 1990s.
Because of Uche and Okocha (two legends who played for Fenerbahçe).

I hope Nigeria makes it to the World Cup.

Somebody that had nothing to his name that his father has to sacrificed all he had to make him successfull, that's what any hungry person that want to be successful should do. His peak performance didn't start in Turkey, it all boom in Napoli, he was the one that single handedly deliver their Seria A trophy to them after the last one they won in the last 30+ years but what did he get? Racism and nepotism, Napoli even made it obvious and try to quenched his performance but he survived.

It's club like Galatasaray that knows his value, going their at first as loan was weird after winning their Turkey trophy, the club had to take him completely off the market. Even Napoli wanted selling him to Sauid Arabia but man wasn't having it, he stay neutral. I learnt Manchester United was opportune bring him but they claimed his salary demand was much, see who is now paying other players and can't even be at the top of the English Premier League.

[Richbased]

I think Osimhen loves playing football. Even in a casual match in Türkiye, he gives 100%.
He runs for every ball and fights.
I've never seen him walk the pitch in a match before.
I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said Osimhen is a complete footballer and a monument to fighting.
He's our biggest rival in Türkiye (as a Fenerbahçe fan), but I respect him because he's a quality opponent.
I've always had a fondness for Nigeria since the 1990s.
Because of Uche and Okocha (two legends who played for Fenerbahçe).

I hope Nigeria makes it to the World Cup.

Victor Osimhen possesses this fighting mentality that always motivate him whenever his team is struggling to win a match, i have observed many of his matches and saw how he devoted his energy towards the success of his team, he is a true legend who is just being underrated and if not that he is playing at the Turkish league where player's efforts are not much recognized, he should have made it to the top 10 Ballon d'Or list because of his performance for Galatasaray last season.

Those two players you mentioned (Uche and J J Okocha) were really great legends and am happy that you acknowledged their impact when they were playing for Fenerbahce. We Nigerians also wish the Nigerian National team to make it to the world cup in order to crown the efforts of Victor Osimhen with the benefit of playing alongside world champions at the FIFA world cup comes 2026.

[yenerbatmaz]

I think Osimhen loves playing football. Even in a casual match in Türkiye, he gives 100%.
He runs for every ball and fights.
I've never seen him walk the pitch in a match before.
I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said Osimhen is a complete footballer and a monument to fighting.
He's our biggest rival in Türkiye (as a Fenerbahçe fan), but I respect him because he's a quality opponent.
I've always had a fondness for Nigeria since the 1990s.
Because of Uche and Okocha (two legends who played for Fenerbahçe).

I hope Nigeria makes it to the World Cup.

Somebody that had nothing to his name that his father has to sacrificed all he had to make him successfull, that's what any hungry person that want to be successful should do. His peak performance didn't start in Turkey, it all boom in Napoli, he was the one that single handedly deliver their Seria A trophy to them after the last one they won in the last 30+ years but what did he get? Racism and nepotism, Napoli even made it obvious and try to quenched his performance but he survived.

It's club like Galatasaray that knows his value, going their at first as loan was weird after winning their Turkey trophy, the club had to take him completely off the market. Even Napoli wanted selling him to Sauid Arabia but man wasn't having it, he stay neutral. I learnt Manchester United was opportune bring him but they claimed his salary demand was much, see who is now paying other players and can't even be at the top of the English Premier League.

I believe Osimhen earned much more in Türkiye than the amount mentioned.
He's getting at least €25 million, perhaps even more. These amounts are sometimes mentioned on social media, but I don't know how accurate they are.

I have no proof.

I think he's a very good footballer. Manchester United made a big mistake not signing him. If they had signed Osimhen, Manchester United would be higher in the league right now.

He didn't go to Saudi Arabia, and he wouldn't. Because the lifestyle in Saudi Arabia isn't suitable for Osimhen.

[Frankolala]

It's club like Galatasaray that knows his value, going their at first as loan was weird after winning their Turkey trophy, the club had to take him completely off the market. Even Napoli wanted selling him to Sauid Arabia but man wasn't having it, he stay neutral. I learnt Manchester United was opportune bring him but they claimed his salary demand was much, see who is now paying other players and can't even be at the top of the English Premier League.

I don't know why Manchester United is scared of going for top strikers. They will use huge amount of money to buy average strikers and neglect the outstanding ones. Look at Osimhen performance, it shows that he can perform very well in any league that he goes to. I don't know inside United and Galatasaray who is richer than the other for United to say that Osimhen is expensive and Galatasaray signed him.

[Umulala-alala]

I think Osimhen loves playing football. Even in a casual match in Türkiye, he gives 100%.
He runs for every ball and fights.
I've never seen him walk the pitch in a match before.
I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said Osimhen is a complete footballer and a monument to fighting.
He's our biggest rival in Türkiye (as a Fenerbahçe fan), but I respect him because he's a quality opponent.
I've always had a fondness for Nigeria since the 1990s.
Because of Uche and Okocha (two legends who played for Fenerbahçe).

I hope Nigeria makes it to the World Cup.

With Osimhen Nigeria will make it to the world cup, he is the only hope the Super Eagles the qualify for next year world cup, Victor Osimhen is following Cristiano Ronaldo footstep in football Cristiano Ronaldo is always serious when they have enter the pitch he will be angry when his club or country side losses match, he feels bad when he misses a goal that is how Osimhen is Osimhen is serious with his career both with club and country side, he feels bad when we loss match. Nigeria and Galatasaray is lucky to have Victor Osimhen.

[Fiatless]

I think Osimhen loves playing football. Even in a casual match in Türkiye, he gives 100%.
He runs for every ball and fights.
I've never seen him walk the pitch in a match before.
I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said Osimhen is a complete footballer and a monument to fighting.
He's our biggest rival in Türkiye (as a Fenerbahçe fan), but I respect him because he's a quality opponent.
I've always had a fondness for Nigeria since the 1990s.
Because of Uche and Okocha (two legends who played for Fenerbahçe).

I hope Nigeria makes it to the World Cup.

Thank you for your support and I am also happy that your country, Türkiye, is also doing well in the World Cup qualifiers. They have been able to secure nine points in four games. The only threat they have in Group E is Spain. The Crescent-Stars have been able to beat top teams like Georgia and Bulgaria. I also hope they will make it to the World Cup. And if hope is on our sides, Türkiye and Nigeria might play in the finals  .   

[sokani]

I initially thought that it was two teams that would qualify, I don't know that it's just one,  but if our super eagles can put in a performance like they did against Benin republic, I don't think any of these opponent can stop them from not making it to the world cup next year.

I also thought that it was two teams that would qualify in each group of the World Cup qualifier, but when the Super Eagles were in a difficult situation, I did some research and I found out it was only one team that would qualify to the World Cup in each group. The teams in the continental playoff are tough teams, and we shouldn't underestimate the teams because they all have what it takes to win the continental playoff.

It's not all the teams that finished second in the group that will play the next round. It's only four and they are Gabon, DR Congo, Cameroon and Nigeria, and whoever emerges as winner will represent CAF in the inter-confederation playoffs. I know it's a long shot, but if Nigeria can make it to the inter-confederation playoffs, we might have a chance of getting a ticket to the worldcup.

[Youngrebel]

I initially thought that it was two teams that would qualify, I don't know that it's just one,  but if our super eagles can put in a performance like they did against Benin republic, I don't think any of these opponent can stop them from not making it to the world cup next year.

I also thought that it was two teams that would qualify in each group of the World Cup qualifier, but when the Super Eagles were in a difficult situation, I did some research and I found out it was only one team that would qualify to the World Cup in each group. The teams in the continental playoff are tough teams, and we shouldn't underestimate the teams because they all have what it takes to win the continental playoff.

It's not all the teams that finished second in the group that will play the next round. It's only four and they are Gabon, DR Congo, Cameroon and Nigeria, and whoever emerges as winner will represent CAF in the inter-confederation playoffs. I know it's a long shot, but if Nigeria can make it to the inter-confederation playoffs, we might have a chance of getting a ticket to the worldcup.

Oboy the process is getting longer. I thought they will qualify once they win the playoffs. The Group C was the best place for the Super Eagles to qualify this World Cup without stress. Now see what Finidi has put them into. They have to pass through this long process now to qualify. And I don't think Nigeria can scale through. Except Cameroon, other teams are strong teams and we don't know the teams they will play with in the Inter-Confederation playoffs. God is their strength.

[Baki202]

Are we all not tired yet of all these unending calculations the Super Eagles have subjected we all to, because am sick and tired of how the giant of Africa and the team with some of the best performing players playing in Europe clubs would be downgraded to struggling to qualify in the WC qualifiers. Tonight against Benin, they played with beast performance but sadly such outstanding performance was coming late only landing them to playoffs. Now what's next?

Firstly I want to say a big congratulations to the super eagles for winning yesterday's match against Benin republic, they have to some extent redeemed their image as a team to contend with in African football. Also Osimhem, showed us that he is a word class player and saved us from shame in African football. That said I think that it is a shame that we football fans in Nigeria, have been subjected to being mathematicians by calculating points and the chances of our qualification. I hope that they quality despite all the odds against them because it'll be a pride to see our flag flying in the finals of the world cup.

aI will also say a big congratulations to the boys for defeating Benin republic yesterday, they really played very well yesterday and I was impressed, if only they can keep up the good work of yesterday we there fan's will for ever be happy and support them to the end without been heart broken, because the super eagles performance this season is very poor and not encouraging at all, and there poor performance of the boy's made a lot of Nigerians to start supporting others countries in this world cup. And as for victor osimhen he has really proven that his a world class player, he was able to carry the Super eagles team all though out that match and gave them victory kodus to him the hero of yesterday match a man who love his country and it's good to see Nigeria emerging victorious all ways.

And everyone is happy that Nigeria won against the Benin Republic, and it's a way forward. And another thing was how Victor took it upon himself to play a good game, and I love how, when it comes to playing for his country, Osimhen gave his best. just imagine, just 3 minutes into the game, Osimhen was already doing wonders. And scoring three goals all by himself—just imagine the level of commitment. And I love Osimhen so much because he was the man of the match. I don't see anyone who will be able to take that, just before halftime, two goals were already recorded.  And Nigeria was putting a lot of pressure on Benin, and with how Osimhen has been active, he will open more doors for him because Osimhen  is an excellent player, and I wish more doors

[Harkorede]

It's not all the teams that finished second in the group that will play the next round. It's only four and they are Gabon, DR Congo, Cameroon and Nigeria, and whoever emerges as winner will represent CAF in the inter-confederation playoffs. I know it's a long shot, but if Nigeria can make it to the inter-confederation playoffs, we might have a chance of getting a ticket to the worldcup.

It is a long shot indeed and to be sincere I really don’t want to have my hopes up just yet, I’m sure that Nigeria could make it out of the playoffs amongst the four countries that are left as the best 2nd placed teams, but the toughest task might be the inter-confederations playoffs as we don’t which team or continent our opponent would be from provided we win the next two matches and advance to that stage.

[Agbe]

Nigeria super eagles should not be too over confident due to their fine performance against Benin because Nigeria super eagles always tends to be overconfident and fumble when results were needed badly from them.There are two stages in the playoffs round first they will meet Gabon and if they get over them they will meet another teams from other teams.so the super eagles should concentrate and take this games seriously.

[Abdulzuruku01]

 will also say a big congratulations to the boys for defeating Benin republic yesterday, they really played very well yesterday and I was impressed, if only they can keep up the good work of yesterday we there fan's will for ever be happy and support them to the end without been heart broken, because the super eagles performance this season is very poor and not encouraging at all, and there poor performance of the boy's made a lot of Nigerians to start supporting others countries in this world cup. And as for victor osimhen he has really proven that his a world class player, he was able to carry the Super eagles team all though out that match and gave them victory kodus to him the hero of yesterday match a man who love his country and it's good to see Nigeria emerging victorious all ways.

After this game yesterday, I keep asking myself that where was this top class performance all this while?
Because we would have won our group convincingly if we had perform in such a manner from the beginning of this world cup qualifiers.
All the players did very well, but the two people that really caught my attention was victor osimhen and bassey, they were the mover of the ship yesterday in their encounter against Benin republic, and to be honest, we are blessed for having a striker like victor osimhen in our ranks, so if we can maintain such a performance in this upcoming playoff matches coming up, we are going to qualify without much stress.

I was happy with the Super Eagles performance yesterday, but I was also disappointed with how they started this qualification matches, because it was completely embarrassing. We have been anticipating that the Super Eagles will perform in their group in the same way that they did against the Benin Republic because, in my opinion, if they can work together as a team, I don't see any African nation that will challenge them. Given their form before the match against Benin Republic, I had doubts about their World Cup qualification opportunities, fearing they'd embarrass Nigerians if they qualify. But their impressive performance in the last match has boosted my confidence. If they continue to improve, I believe they'll succeed the playoffs smoothly. Cameroon seems like a strong opponent, but I still have hope that Super Eagles will defeat them.

[Dzwaafu11]

~snip~

What a great performance from Nigeria against Benin! This shows that Nigeria is ready to qualify for the World Cup with how their performance goes against Benin. Because what surprised me in that match is that if we look at the statistics of that game, Benin was dominating the entire ball possession, but Nigeria only had 9% ball possession, and their performance was extremely impressive, as they put in much effort and won the match with amazing goals.

Osihmen is so good; if they had two people like Osihmen in that match, I think they may have scored more than that. I hope Nigeria continues in that way so that they are able to achieve their goals in the World Cup this season.

Nigeria's performance was very great in that match against Benin; they did well, and it is like they are fully ready for any clubs that come for them in this competition. However, Nigeria are looking up to see that they qualify for the World Cup competition; can’t wait for that to happen. They dominated the match to the extent they were playing Benin like a small club.

I want to see more of this performance from Nigeria; we will be able to go higher in this competition. As Osimhen is one of the key players in the squad, what do you expect? We are proud to have him; he is very good and has the energy to do everything for the country.

Nigeria super eagles should not be too over confident due to their fine performance against Benin because Nigeria super eagles always tends to be overconfident and fumble when results were needed badly from them.There are two stages in the playoffs round first they will meet Gabon and if they get over them they will meet another teams from other teams.so the super eagles should concentrate and take this games seriously.

The Super Eagles will continue to be great. Because with the way things are going, they won’t do such right now because they are on a mission, and we are looking forward to seeing them at the top, so definitely they will do everything to see that they do well and be great this season. They will not fumble this time around because even with Gabon and other teams you mention, we have the strength to conquer them.

[Jegileman]

All the African Playoff games will be played in Morocco. It will be a semi-final format between four countries. Since Nigeria is the highest-ranked in FIFA ratings, it will take on the lowest-rated rated which is Gabon. While Cameroon will face the Congo DR. Winners of these semi-final games will meet each other at the finals. The Super Eagles will meet either Cameroon or DR Congo at the finals if they can beat Gabon.   

No, Nigeria is going to play against Gabon because they’re the least runner up after compiling their points at the end of the group stage games. According to FIFA, the team on the first position as best runner up will play against the team on fourth position on best runner up. The second best runner up team will now play against the third best runner up team. This is how the format will be in the semifinals and the final two teams will play to pick out one team to go for the inter-confederation playoffs which consist of six teams again from five continents.

It is in this inter-confederation playoffs which consist of six teams will FIFA ranking be used as you’ve explained earlier. The two best team in FIFA ranking will play only one game while the remaining four will play against themselves to meet the final two already that have booked their spot for the semifinals to decide their ticket. Only two teams are to qualify from the inter-confederation playoffs which consist of the six teams from five continents.

[AYOBA]

What a great performance from Nigeria against Benin! This shows that Nigeria is ready to qualify for the World Cup with how their performance goes against Benin. Because what surprised me in that match is that if we look at the statistics of that game, Benin was dominating the entire ball possession, but Nigeria only had 9% ball possession, and their performance was extremely impressive, as they put in much effort and won the match with amazing goals.

Osihmen is so good; if they had two people like Osihmen in that match, I think they may have scored more than that. I hope Nigeria continues in that way so that they are able to achieve their goals in the World Cup this season.

I want to see more of this performance from Nigeria; we will be able to go higher in this competition. As Osimhen is one of the key players in the squad, what do you expect? We are proud to have him; he is very good and has the energy to do everything for the country.

There’s a high possibility for Nigeria that they can do more than they did yesterday against Benin. Because their performances prove to us that Nigeria are well prepared to make sure they make all the fans proud of them, we all know they were disappointed with how they performed in some of their previous matches. But that is all about football; he has the logic of surprise. Their confidence yesterday was really impressive. I’m so proud of them; honestly, having Osimhen has been the best move for Nigeria. He shows that he is a current Nigeria player that has the ability and capability of bringing amazing goals for Nigeria.

[Issa56]

I was happy with the Super Eagles performance yesterday, but I was also disappointed with how they started this qualification matches, because it was completely embarrassing.

Everyone were happy with the way the super eagles played against Benin, but the question which I keep on asking is that, what happened to their performance since the beginning of the tournament, why didn’t they put up a good performance since the beginning, if their performance has been good, then they won’t even be struggling to qualify for the World Cup, but the super eagles started poorly, and they ended up playing well in their last match. It’s really annoying, I never expected super eagles to be in the position which they are currently, they couldn’t even comfortably qualify for the World Cup, now we hoping they going to win the playoff.

[Agbamoni]

I'm not even sure if the Super Eagles will win the continental stage of the play-off to qualify for the intercontinental stage of the play-off because the three teams they will play against are strong teams. If the Super Eagles want to have a chance of winning the continental stage of the play-off, they need to show more seriousness because they will face stronger teams in the continental stage of the play-off than the ones they faced during the group stage of the World Cup qualifiers.

No one knows what will happen, but they have to work with faith that has brought them this far. Hope you know, the performance of the Super Eagles clearly shows that they are not ready for the World Cup, they could have not make it but thanks to God who made them able to score 4 goals to take them to the playoff stage. It can still be possible that they will make it to the intercontinental playoff. if they put in the same effort the did on the last match day of the group stage. Let's keep our hopes high.

[Stepstowealth]

No one knows what will happen, but they have to work with faith that has brought them this far. Hope you know, the performance of the Super Eagles clearly shows that they are not ready for the World Cup, they could have not make it but thanks to God who made them able to score 4 goals to take them to the playoff stage. It can still be possible that they will make it to the intercontinental playoff. if they put in the same effort the did on the last match day of the group stage. Let's keep our hopes high.

The first hurdle for the Super Eagles will be Gabon, and we have to maintain hopes that maybe they can show the same level of seriousness that they showed in the game against Benin to win that game and be ready to face the winner between Cameroon and DR Congo.

I feel the winner of the the game between Cameroon and DR Congo will be Cameroon, so Nigeria has to be ready to play Cameroon who are a formidable opponent than most of the teams we have faced in this qualifiers that is hoping we beat Gabon.

With same level of commitment, maybe we will make it through.