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

[Princess Leah]

The too much dependence on victor osimhen was one of the reasons we are in the play off now because we hardly get a goal when he is absent.
Furthermore, the first two coaches that managed our super eagles team especially finidi George, was the ones that killed our chances of qualiifying directly because they drew games we should have won, and the draw against Zimbabwe especially was the real killer blow of our chances to qualify directly, but all hope is not lost even though their are more tougher games ahead in the playoff than even in the group stage.
Let's first of all come out on top as the best among this four teams first, then we can fight our way to the world cup against the south, north American and Asian teams that we are going to come against in the playoff matches, if we can make it that far.

Barikui1 you are correct if not for the poor performance we had before we would have qualified so easily, our former coach finidi George caused everything he was not a good coach Nigeria where able to win just 1 match when he was coaching and it was him that was coaching when Nigeria started this world cup qualifiers journey and he didn't give us good result, this our present coach is doing very well I really like the way he's coaching the Nigeria super eagles right now I believe we may qualify for the world cup Nigeria super eagles should just put in their best and leave the rest for God.
Victor osimhen is a very good player and we have seen that without him in the team Nigeria super eagles will find it very difficult to win matches his absence in some matches was the reason why we could not win one match in our home if he was around we would have won at least one match in our home.

Atleast the NFF have learnt from this experience so next time they won't employ someone that's not very qualified for the job, I thought Chelle wasn't fit for the job based on his previous records but he's suprised me, well not only Finidi George, several other things lead to our poor performance through the qualifiers journey, like Osimhen's injury, lack of confidence in some players, etc.

 I think we need to scout another player as good as Victor Osimhen in our national league, someone we can confidently rely on when Osimhen is not available, we saw how his absence really affected our performance so it's something the NFF should really look into since Osimhen won't be around forever.

[Adiljutt156]

I’m not impressed by the Nigerian team even though they won the game, why do they have to wait till this point before they could at least show a good performance, all through the qualifying round they’ve not even won a game 3 nil and today they are expecting people to be happy with their performance, well other people can be happy with their performances but for me, Super Eagles is a mess, and I can’t be supporting a team that doesn’t show any seriousness until when it’s hard, my question would be what makes them think they will qualify from the playoffs, it’s a more tougher phase than the one they allowed South Africa to take from them, Nigeria had everything they need to qualify for the world cup in an easy way, We have more European based players, but they couldn’t show themselves, I can only compare Nigeria with Senegal in terms of quality players in their team, but it was hard for Nigeria and that is shameful and a disgrace to the fans, we have more quality players than Ghana, Egypt, Cape Verde, Morocco, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Algeria.

I see people talking about Victor Osimhen performance in a single game, my question is where was this performance all through the qualifying series, well I’m disappointed at Osimhen I’m not impressed with him, he should have done more, well I pity anyone who thinks Nigerian will be at the World Cup, because you will eventually get your heart broken by the None Super Eagles,

Nigeria national football team played very excellent against Benin national football team because that team did 4 goals in this match and Benin national team could not do any goal in this match. Osimhen was a prominent person in this match because he did back to back goals in this match and and he did 3 goals in this match which was impressive performance by that player. He did his first goal at 3 minutes, mean that was at the start of the match and we saw second goal by that player which was at 37 minutes and we saw one sided game because opponent team was not in good position and Onyeka was the only person who did last goal of the match and he did this goal at 90 minutes of the match when match was bent to their sides.

[Son Of Blockchain (SOB)]

Nigeria national football team played very excellent against Benin national football team because that team did 4 goals in this match and Benin national team could not do any goal in this match. Osimhen was a prominent person in this match because he did back to back goals in this match and and he did 3 goals in this match which was impressive performance by that player. He did his first goal at 3 minutes, mean that was at the start of the match and we saw second goal by that player which was at 37 minutes and we saw one sided game because opponent team was not in good position and Onyeka was the only person who did last goal of the match and he did this goal at 90 minutes of the match when match was bent to their sides.

I wished they played like that against Lesotho and the previous match before Lesotho, by now we would've been thinking about the FIFA World Cup and not playoffs anyways I'm proud of the super eagles and how they defeated Benin Republic, they gave their opponent chance to express themselves but defended excellently and scored with ease.
 Talking about being proud, I'm more proud of Victor Osimhen, he stole the show by putting smiles on our face with that hattrick, his first goal was fantastic and the second one was more amazing, he really made his country proud, I won't forget to recognise Onyeka who came in a nd sealed the victory with a wonderful goal.

[Doan9269]

Nigeria national football team played very excellent against Benin national football team because that team did 4 goals in this match and Benin national team could not do any goal in this match.

This is what they would have achieved right from the start and not the last minutes when all hope is gone and the whole thing is very tense that they now mount pressure on Benin scoring four goals that is no more useful again, had it been that we have been having scores like this right form the start, maybe things couldn't have gotten this bad to an extent, its a pity the Nigeria Super Eagles could not meet up for World Cup.

[Oluwa-btc]

It is on record that it was Victor Osimhen who single-handedly took Nigeria to the World Cup Playoff. In the last game against South Africa, Nigeria had just one shot on target because Victor was absent due to injury. The attack was totally blunt without him.

Nigeria was not favoured; they were just lucky. Since Eritrea withdrew from the competition, for fairness, there is a need to deduct points earned against the bottom-ranked teams. Nigeria was fortunate that it got just two points against the bottom-placed Zimbabwe

Is he?! Those three goals from him were obviously essential but that last assist and goal from Simon Moses and Onyeka more important. Nothing to drama about, I'm honestly glad we could pull that. Only if we have won the games we drew, we wouldn't have followed such a difficult part.
I would agree that it was all about luck. And I can also agree that, Victor Osimhen absence cost us a whole lot. He's hot temperance aside,  he's a top quality striker.

[Stable090]

Nigeria national football team played very excellent against Benin national football team because that team did 4 goals in this match and Benin national team could not do any goal in this match. Osimhen was a prominent person in this match because he did back to back goals in this match and and he did 3 goals in this match which was impressive performance by that player.

The super eagles played well against Benin republic, if they had put up this kind of performance since the beginning of the tournament, then they wouldn’t have been struggling to play the playoff off. I don’t know what’s really wrong with the super eagles, matches which they were suppose to win easily, they ended up playing draw, super eagle missed lots of chances, I just hope they will be able to win their playoff match, and they will be able to qualify for the World Cup.

If they can qualify for the World Cup, I just hope they will improve their performance, if they don’t work on their performance, they just going to end up disappointing us at the end, because with the performance which they put up in the world club qualifier, if they try that in World Cup, they will be humiliated in most of their matches, because they played so poorly in the World Cup qualifier.

[Abdulzuruku01]

Nigeria national football team played very excellent against Benin national football team because that team did 4 goals in this match and Benin national team could not do any goal in this match.

This is what they would have achieved right from the start and not the last minutes when all hope is gone and the whole thing is very tense that they now mount pressure on Benin scoring four goals that is no more useful again, had it been that we have been having scores like this right form the start, maybe things couldn't have gotten this bad to an extent, its a pity the Nigeria Super Eagles could not meet up for World Cup.

You're right, we expected this performance from them from the beginning, which they didn't play as we expected, but what's happened has already happened. I'm just excited they will get a chance to play the playoffs, which I see as an opportunity for them to qualify, if they can improve their performance, they might still qualify for the World Cup.

This playoffs will definitely be difficult, but I am confident that the Super Eagles will make every effort to advance, especially now that the Nigerians are watching them closely. The Eagles won't let them down by playing like they used to, because they know how Nigerians can be ruthless on social media if they don't deliver an impressive performance.

[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.

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.  

Lol, although you are right because Benin seems quite weak, that is why the Super Eagles trashed them like that. But the truth is that they played an impressive game because even though sometimes they always find it difficult to win a weaker team that is why we are happy for them. Of course they are not yet qualify for the World Cup so there is a lot of work for them to accomplish, so let's watch and see if they can be able to make it before we go for Ghanaian.

[Ronsbit]

Nigeria national football team played very excellent against Benin national football team because that team did 4 goals in this match and Benin national team could not do any goal in this match.

This is what they would have achieved right from the start and not the last minutes when all hope is gone and the whole thing is very tense that they now mount pressure on Benin scoring four goals that is no more useful again, had it been that we have been having scores like this right form the start, maybe things couldn't have gotten this bad to an extent, its a pity the Nigeria Super Eagles could not meet up for World Cup.

To be frank, if they had started this qualifiers match the way they played Benin Republic, qualifying would not have been an issue because I believe we would have taken the group stage lead and not needing to play this playoff match against Gabon. It is quite unfortunate that they didn't take the match seriously from the beginning otherwise it would not have been a hard time for the super eagles to the point of struggling to qualify at the last stage.
Well, I will call it a knockout stage they are currently in now and if they mistakenly loose their match with Gabon then I will say their efforts were all in vain because they should not have put much effort the last match. Maybe they could have just allowed Benin Republic do the winning while they return home. All I want is that they should put in efforts to making sure that they win their next match with Gabon.

[HajiBagi]

Nigeria national football team played very excellent against Benin national football team because that team did 4 goals in this match and Benin national team could not do any goal in this match. Osimhen was a prominent person in this match because he did back to back goals in this match and and he did 3 goals in this match which was impressive performance by that player.

The super eagles played well against Benin republic, if they had put up this kind of performance since the beginning of the tournament, then they wouldn’t have been struggling to play the playoff off. I don’t know what’s really wrong with the super eagles, matches which they were suppose to win easily, they ended up playing draw, super eagle missed lots of chances, I just hope they will be able to win their playoff match, and they will be able to qualify for the World Cup.

If they can qualify for the World Cup, I just hope they will improve their performance, if they don’t work on their performance, they just going to end up disappointing us at the end, because with the performance which they put up in the world club qualifier, if they try that in World Cup, they will be humiliated in most of their matches, because they played so poorly in the World Cup qualifier.

The performance against Benin Republic shows that Nigeria players can play well and qualify for the World Cup, I was surprised seeing Super Eagles putting that kind of performance against Benin Republic; our super Eagles need to keep that kind of performance to qualify for the World Cup, Nigeria will play against Gabon, and if Nigeria wins the match, they will face Cameroon or Congo, the match against Gabon will not be as easy as we think, but I hope the super eagles will win the match.

The Super Eagles must do everything possible to qualify for the World Cup because Nigerians have not qualified for the World Cup in a long time. Beating Cameroon and Congo will be a difficult task for our players because those countries are not small and have very good players, and our players must give their all to defeat those teams.

[Callido]

Lol, although you are right because Benin seems quite weak, that is why the Super Eagles trashed them like that. But the truth is that they played an impressive game because even though sometimes they always find it difficult to win a weaker team that is why we are happy for them. Of course they are not yet qualify for the World Cup so there is a lot of work for them to accomplish, so let's watch and see if they can be able to make it before we go for Ghanaian.

Benin wasn't weak, we have played very weaker opponents that Benin and we didn't win any of them. Nigeria performance in the last game against Benin was incredibile, it was what we haven't witnessed in a long time, if we played like this in every of our matches, only South Africa would have given us a hard time, the rest team was below the kind of performance we used during the match against Benin.

We will be playing Gabon next, i hope we can do something similar or even better than we did to Benin, i think we are the strongest out of the four teams to compete in the playoff.

[MorganaX]

Lol, although you are right because Benin seems quite weak, that is why the Super Eagles trashed them like that. But the truth is that they played an impressive game because even though sometimes they always find it difficult to win a weaker team that is why we are happy for them. Of course they are not yet qualify for the World Cup so there is a lot of work for them to accomplish, so let's watch and see if they can be able to make it before we go for Ghanaian.

Benin wasn't weak, we have played very weaker opponents that Benin and we didn't win any of them. Nigeria performance in the last game against Benin was incredibile, it was what we haven't witnessed in a long time, if we played like this in every of our matches, only South Africa would have given us a hard time, the rest team was below the kind of performance we used during the match against Benin.

We will be playing Gabon next, i hope we can do something similar or even better than we did to Benin, i think we are the strongest out of the four teams to compete in the playoff.

I don't know why anyone would feel that Benin is a weak team, I mean Benin showed their pure class during this stage of qualification but Nigeria on the last game was just an entirely different class sighting from the way they played and handled the ball and most especially when hit on counter attacks and as for osimein the man showed that he is indeed world class when it comes to player rating and standards.

[Victorybit1]

That last game against Benin is the first time I have seen Nigeria played as a country that actually loves and knows how to handle football, I mean for God sake Nigeria is one of the few nations that have exceptional talents when it comes to their squad capabilities but yet we have failed to produce beautiful results and also good football but the game against Benin was entirely different and a game of pure standard.

[Oshio-man]

Nigeria national football team played very excellent against Benin national football team because that team did 4 goals in this match and Benin national team could not do any goal in this match.

This is what they would have achieved right from the start and not the last minutes when all hope is gone and the whole thing is very tense that they now mount pressure on Benin scoring four goals that is no more useful again, had it been that we have been having scores like this right form the start, maybe things couldn't have gotten this bad to an extent, its a pity the Nigeria Super Eagles could not meet up for World Cup.

If you think it is too late for super eagle to get to where they are today to play another match next month, what of those teams that have been dropped out from the world cup competition, super eagle will surprise many countries teams with some goals they will achieve through their strikers because there are some promises made towards their remaining matches, which it will boost their performance not to accept defeat from any team till they get to final match, I have confidence on super eagle in their next match to defeat their opponent 2-0 to move to another level.

[Anayochukwu]

Lol, although you are right because Benin seems quite weak, that is why the Super Eagles trashed them like that. But the truth is that they played an impressive game because even though sometimes they always find it difficult to win a weaker team that is why we are happy for them. Of course they are not yet qualify for the World Cup so there is a lot of work for them to accomplish, so let's watch and see if they can be able to make it before we go for Ghanaian.

Benin wasn't weak, we have played very weaker opponents that Benin and we didn't win any of them. Nigeria performance in the last game against Benin was incredibile, it was what we haven't witnessed in a long time, if we played like this in every of our matches, only South Africa would have given us a hard time, the rest team was below the kind of performance we used during the match against Benin.

We will be playing Gabon next, i hope we can do something similar or even better than we did to Benin, i think we are the strongest out of the four teams to compete in the playoff.

Benin might not be weak for you, but for me they are. This simple truth is that Nigerian national team came in with a full force because they knew that winning Benin would qualify them to play off that is why the performance was like that, although Victor Osimhe was absolutely the man of the match because for him to score three goals against Benin shows that the injury was a big reason why Super Eagles was losing lacking scoring.
Though, don't conclude yet that super Eagles are the strongest in their play off group because football is unpredictable but I think they are aware now that they need to play in the 2026 World Cup. So let's watch and see how they would play their first game.

[Abu-Naim]

That last game against Benin is the first time I have seen Nigeria played as a country that actually loves and knows how to handle football, I mean for God sake Nigeria is one of the few nations that have exceptional talents when it comes to their squad capabilities but yet we have failed to produce beautiful results and also good football but the game against Benin was entirely different and a game of pure standard.

The previous coaches were the problem, they caused all these especially Finindi Jorge; he used to have personal problem with most players which do stop them from performing well, and that was how we lost some matches we are supposed to win in this qualifiers if not we are the best team in this group.

Now this new coach has tried his best, since he was appointed, the Super Eagles never lost any official match he managed, therefore he did well and helped the team by inviting the right players and motivating them to play to the best of their abilities.

Victor Osimhen is a hero, he prove to the world that he is a great striker and a leader with motivation, he managed to score three goals to help Nigeria secure the playoffs stage, and if that same momentum is maintained, I am very sure the Super Eagles of Nigeria will qualify to the World Cup.

[Asiska02]

Nigeria national football team played very excellent against Benin national football team because that team did 4 goals in this match and Benin national team could not do any goal in this match.

This is what they would have achieved right from the start and not the last minutes when all hope is gone and the whole thing is very tense that they now mount pressure on Benin scoring four goals that is no more useful again, had it been that we have been having scores like this right form the start, maybe things couldn't have gotten this bad to an extent, its a pity the Nigeria Super Eagles could not meet up for World Cup.

The four goals scored by the Nigerian super eagles was not a waste because they were able to make it to the playoffs with that win. If they’d  lost that match or drew the match, there will be no hope left at all for the World Cup. They really messed up their earlier opportunities, but we can’t deny that they were very spectacular in the end and will most likely finish good in the playoffs and make it to the World Cup.

From here right on, the stages won’t be an easy one for them, but seeing their matchups for the playoffs in CAF, they can make it to the inter-confederation playoffs where they’ll meet other teams from other continents. This is where the real taste of strength will happen for Super Eagles and see if they’re strong enough to make it to the World Cup to joined the other qualified African teams. This is another opportunity for them after misusing the first one, I hope they can utilize it.

[Mr Reporter]

Lol, although you are right because Benin seems quite weak, that is why the Super Eagles trashed them like that. But the truth is that they played an impressive game because even though sometimes they always find it difficult to win a weaker team that is why we are happy for them. Of course they are not yet qualify for the World Cup so there is a lot of work for them to accomplish, so let's watch and see if they can be able to make it before we go for Ghanaian.

Benin wasn't weak, we have played very weaker opponents that Benin and we didn't win any of them. Nigeria performance in the last game against Benin was incredibile, it was what we haven't witnessed in a long time, if we played like this in every of our matches, only South Africa would have given us a hard time, the rest team was below the kind of performance we used during the match against Benin.

We will be playing Gabon next, i hope we can do something similar or even better than we did to Benin, i think we are the strongest out of the four teams to compete in the playoff.

I don't know why anyone would feel that Benin is a weak team, I mean Benin showed their pure class during this stage of qualification but Nigeria on the last game was just an entirely different class sighting from the way they played and handled the ball and most especially when hit on counter attacks and as for osimein the man showed that he is indeed world class when it comes to player rating and standards.

I must say that the Benin has indeed shown impressive form, and their performance in the qualification stage was notable.

Nigeria, on the other hand, faced some challenges, particularly against Benin's counter-attacks.

Osimhen's impact on the game was significant, showcasing his world-class skills. His ability to create scoring opportunities and capitalize on them is exceptional.

Well to me I think on the other hands it shown that they exploited Nigeria's defensive vulnerabilities effectively.

[Jaycoinz]

That last game against Benin is the first time I have seen Nigeria played as a country that actually loves and knows how to handle football, I mean for God sake Nigeria is one of the few nations that have exceptional talents when it comes to their squad capabilities but yet we have failed to produce beautiful results and also good football but the game against Benin was entirely different and a game of pure standard.

The previous coaches were the problem, they caused all these especially Finindi Jorge; he used to have personal problem with most players which do stop them from performing well, and that was how we lost some matches we are supposed to win in this qualifiers if not we are the best team in this group.

Now this new coach has tried his best, since he was appointed, the Super Eagles never lost any official match he managed, therefore he did well and helped the team by inviting the right players and motivating them to play to the best of their abilities.

Victor Osimhen is a hero, he prove to the world that he is a great striker and a leader with motivation, he managed to score three goals to help Nigeria secure the playoffs stage, and if that same momentum is maintained, I am very sure the Super Eagles of Nigeria will qualify to the World Cup.

Osimein is always world class and most of the clubs who failed to sign him will be regretting because the man has shown times without number that he is purely on a different class with most strikers in this competition. Nigeria really surprised me because for some time now I didn't think I have seen Nigeria play the kind of football and scored the number of goals they did against any side be It Zimbabwe or any other lesser nation in that qualifying group.

[Issa56]

I must say that the Benin has indeed shown impressive form, and their performance in the qualification stage was notable.

I was surprised with the way Benin performed in the World Cup qualification group stage, their performance was impressive, but unfortunately they couldn’t qualify for the World Cup. They played well in most of their matches, and after South Africa 3 points deduction, I was thinking maybe Benin will be taking over the first position from South Africa, and South Africa won’t be able to take over the position from them.

Benin were not just lucky in their last match, the super eagles which their performance hasn’t been so good humiliated them in the match, super eagles scored 4 goals in the match, I never expected so much goals in the match, if they had won the super eagle, then they will have qualified for the World Cup.

Super eagles has the best squad, so it’s surprising that super eagles couldn’t win most of their matches easily, as we can see now, the super eagles will be playing the playoffs, it’s annoying and shameful to me.