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

[Fiatless]

In my opinion is not something to be excited about. The Super Eagles hasn’t improved in their performance, a boost in “Africa’s rankings” does not change the fact that our boys are not dependable and trusted to win important matches. I think Osimhen is able to score goals in this team because he is well rounded striker and can be a one man show. If you take Osimhen out of the team and we have nothing. Just a bunch of good players who can’t play together as a team.

Why wouldn't Nigerians be excited that the Super Eagles moved four places up in the recent rankings?  It is s source of pride that the team is gradually improving.  We might not be perfect now, but the recent performances have given us hope that there are better days ahead.  Coach Eric Chelle has been able to identify and bring in some new players who are doing very well. Young players like Benjamin Fredrick  and Akor Adams are good discoveries.

[Ronsbit]

The latest news coming in from FIFA is that Nigeria ranked up back to 4th position in Africa and 41 in the world football rankings after a rough and tough time during the qualifiers match. The last match in which they won Benin Republic Gav them a boost by increasing their points in the world rankings criteria used to rank national teams and their performance.  If Nigeria really had performed well from the beginning of this qualifiers series, they would have climbed up the list to top Africa as the best team but it is unfortunate that Nigeria dropped in rank both in world ranking and continental ranking as well.

Ranking means nothing to me and many other Nigerians if the ranking cannot be reflected in how they perform in real life. Rankings do not win games or competitions; they can even give the players a false sense of achievement that they are doing well when in fact they are performing poorly.

The Super Eagles should not celebrate or let this new ranking get into their heads; they need to pull together and get to the World Cup.

The ranking is done with point calculations on approved matches as I noticed that anytime a team wins a match approved by FIFA, their points increases and they climb up the list. However, as you have said, the team should not look at the new ranking and get carried away by it, they should put in more efforts to making sure that they win their matches because this can likely be a distraction to them to loose focus thinking that they have achieved something and while having that thought, the morale might likely drop.

They should just concentrate on winning their matches, the team should play in one accord like they did their last match with Benin Republic, let them play together with the aim of winning the match because that is the only way forward now that the group stage qualifiers is over.

[SatoPrincess]

In my opinion is not something to be excited about. The Super Eagles hasn’t improved in their performance, a boost in “Africa’s rankings” does not change the fact that our boys are not dependable and trusted to win important matches. I think Osimhen is able to score goals in this team because he is well rounded striker and can be a one man show. If you take Osimhen out of the team and we have nothing. Just a bunch of good players who can’t play together as a team.

Why wouldn't Nigerians be excited that the Super Eagles moved four places up in the recent rankings?  It is s source of pride that the team is gradually improving.  We might not be perfect now, but the recent performances have given us hope that there are better days ahead.  Coach Eric Chelle has been able to identify and bring in some new players who are doing very well. Young players like Benjamin Fredrick  and Akor Adams are good discoveries.

Please tell me in what areas have the Super Eagles improved so far? Because as far as I can see nothing has changed. I can’t deny that Benjamin Fredrick and Akor Adams are good additions to the team but the overall performance of the Super Eagles is still mid.

[Frankolala]

In my opinion is not something to be excited about. The Super Eagles hasn’t improved in their performance, a boost in “Africa’s rankings” does not change the fact that our boys are not dependable and trusted to win important matches. I think Osimhen is able to score goals in this team because he is well rounded striker and can be a one man show. If you take Osimhen out of the team and we have nothing. Just a bunch of good players who can’t play together as a team.

Why wouldn't Nigerians be excited that the Super Eagles moved four places up in the recent rankings?  It is s source of pride that the team is gradually improving.  We might not be perfect now, but the recent performances have given us hope that there are better days ahead.  Coach Eric Chelle has been able to identify and bring in some new players who are doing very well. Young players like Benjamin Fredrick  and Akor Adams are good discoveries.

Please tell me in what areas have the Super Eagles improved so far? Because as far as I can see nothing has changed. I can’t deny that Benjamin Fredrick and Akor Adams are good additions to the team but the overall performance of the Super Eagles is still mid.

I haven't also seen any improvement in their performance despite the additional players added to them. If they have improved they should have been able to win majority of the qualifiers match and should have qualified to the world cup by now. Nigeria players are very good outside Nigeria but when it comes to playing for Nigeria, their performance is like shit.

[Promocodeudo]

haven't also seen any improvement in their performance despite the additional players added to them. If they have improved they should have been able to win majority of the qualifiers match and should have qualified to the world cup by now. Nigeria players are very good outside Nigeria but when it comes to playing for Nigeria, their performance is like shit.

Very good observation and I think this our problem, they prefer doing it better outside their national team not the national team itself, although they won't have to be blamed much on this, the government if the country they came from doesn't care much about them, so they rather be smart not to be injured so that they can return to leagues safely, mate the truth is our national team players are also paying caution, although in sole cases theres no excuse for failure because I also think if what I just said was to be the case here, why did they have to win some matches now that they know that we really need to qualify so it means they were doing exactly what they can do nothing else.

[SatoPrincess]

I haven't also seen any improvement in their performance despite the additional players added to them. If they have improved they should have been able to win majority of the qualifiers match and should have qualified to the world cup by now. Nigeria players are very good outside Nigeria but when it comes to playing for Nigeria, their performance is like shit.

Exactly! The rankings does not translate to Nigeria’s performance in tournaments. We haven’t dominated African football in a long long time. We have the talents but can’t seem to get them to work, I used to believe it was the management problems but now I’m not so sure. I’d like to be wrong and that the Super Eagles has finally found their rhythm.

[Fiatless]

I haven't also seen any improvement in their performance despite the additional players added to them. If they have improved they should have been able to win majority of the qualifiers match and should have qualified to the world cup by now. Nigeria players are very good outside Nigeria but when it comes to playing for Nigeria, their performance is like shit.

If you didn't see any improvement, but I am happy FIFA recognised that saw it am upgraded the ranking of the Super Eagles. A four step increase in rank shows that there was a significant difference in the quality of the team. If not for the blunders of William Troost-Ekong and Stanley Nwabali Nigeria would have gotten clean sheets I about three games. The team has had a relatively strong defence since the coach Eric Chelle restructured squad.

[Btcdeybodi]

I haven't also seen any improvement in their performance despite the additional players added to them. If they have improved they should have been able to win majority of the qualifiers match and should have qualified to the world cup by now. Nigeria players are very good outside Nigeria but when it comes to playing for Nigeria, their performance is like shit.

If you didn't see any improvement, but I am happy FIFA recognised that saw it am upgraded the ranking of the Super Eagles. A four step increase in rank shows that there was a significant difference in the quality of the team. If not for the blunders of William Troost-Ekong and Stanley Nwabali Nigeria would have gotten clean sheets I about three games. The team has had a relatively strong defence since the coach Eric Chelle restructured squad.

Since Eric Chelle was appointed Super Eagles head coach on 7th January 2025, Nigeria hasn't lost any game which is to tell the quality and experience of Eric Chelle. His managerial skill helped Nigeria to get an increment in their ranking by FIFA so i commend him so much and hope he charge the boys to qualify for the world cup which is their major target right now. Had it been that Eric Chelle was Super Eagles coach before the world cup qualifier games started they wouldn't have been facing these challenges now but i believe in the coach's ability to reform the team and bring out the best in the players. No need to blame Nwabali and William Troost-Ekong for the mistakes they made that projected the Super Eagles to the tight corner they are now, after all these players were once the talk of fans and the media at a certain time especially Nwabali.

[Agbe]

Eric Chelle has not done anything spectacular so far ever resuming as the Nigerian national team coach. Nigeria has continued to struggle under his reign as coach the last two games that we have won were do or die games and were very weak oppositions so we can't use that to determine the quality of a coach. One thing is clear there is lack of quality of quality in the Nigerian national team and he should do something about it. The goal now is to make sure that Nigeria wins her three matches that is lined up for her in the playoffs that is coming. If Nigeria can make it to the world cup that is when the talk about whether he is a good coach should ever come in but for now it's too early.

[Youngrebel]

I haven't also seen any improvement in their performance despite the additional players added to them. If they have improved they should have been able to win majority of the qualifiers match and should have qualified to the world cup by now. Nigeria players are very good outside Nigeria but when it comes to playing for Nigeria, their performance is like shit.

If you didn't see any improvement, but I am happy FIFA recognised that saw it am upgraded the ranking of the Super Eagles. A four step increase in rank shows that there was a significant difference in the quality of the team. If not for the blunders of William Troost-Ekong and Stanley Nwabali Nigeria would have gotten clean sheets I about three games. The team has had a relatively strong defence since the coach Eric Chelle restructured squad.

Since Eric Chelle was appointed Super Eagles head coach on 7th January 2025, Nigeria hasn't lost any game which is to tell the quality and experience of Eric Chelle. His managerial skill helped Nigeria to get an increment in their ranking by FIFA so i commend him so much and hope he charge the boys to qualify for the world cup which is their major target right now. Had it been that Eric Chelle was Super Eagles coach before the world cup qualifier games started they wouldn't have been facing these challenges now but i believe in the coach's ability to reform the team and bring out the best in the players. No need to blame Nwabali and William Troost-Ekong for the mistakes they made that projected the Super Eagles to the tight corner they are now, after all these players were once the talk of fans and the media at a certain time especially Nwabali.

Yes he has not loss any match since he was appointed as the head coach of the Super Eagles. Winning is the best coach and not drawing. If they draw again in the playoffs, they won't qualify in the world cup and once they won't qualify. Good credit will not go to Eric Chelle though he is better off compared to the first and second coaches on the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Stage.
And I agree with you that id he was the coach from the beginning things would have been better for the team. Good result would have showcase. Let him win the playoffs to qualify.

[CryptopreneurBrainboss]

The goal now is to make sure that Nigeria wins her three matches that is lined up for her in the playoffs that is coming. If Nigeria can make it to the world cup that is when the talk about whether he is a good coach should ever come in but for now it's too early.

The prayer is for Osimhen to be fit throughout those games because the super egales can't do anything without him playing. We don't have a quality second striker that can live up to the tasks when needed. Boniface isn't serious and as for Lookman although he isn't a striker but I expected much from him which he isn't producing.

We need to get newer players especially in the attacking position because we're lacking boys that're hungry for goals. The problem isn't about the coach because right from time, it has always been the players carrying the team and not the coach. We haven't had any decent coach that their style of play was reflected on the team for many years now.

[Smartvirus]

The goal now is to make sure that Nigeria wins her three matches that is lined up for her in the playoffs that is coming. If Nigeria can make it to the world cup that is when the talk about whether he is a good coach should ever come in but for now it's too early.

The prayer is for Osimhen to be fit throughout those games because the super egales can't do anything without him playing. We don't have a quality second striker that can live up to the tasks when needed. Boniface isn't serious and as for Lookman although he isn't a striker but I expected much from him which he isn't producing.

This is something I don’t personally like, for the entire team to be so dependent on a single player and that is the case for the Nigerian Super Eagles. Every time they step on the pitch, it’s always about the big 9 Victor Osimhen. What happens if the entire game for the opposition is built around him? Do the Super Eagles not get to score a goal, because that could easily be the reality of the case with this team and the mentality they’ve got. So far, VO9 seems to be the only one with the fighting spirit for the Super Eagles.

[Stepstowealth]

The goal now is to make sure that Nigeria wins her three matches that is lined up for her in the playoffs that is coming. If Nigeria can make it to the world cup that is when the talk about whether he is a good coach should ever come in but for now it's too early.

The prayer is for Osimhen to be fit throughout those games because the super egales can't do anything without him playing. We don't have a quality second striker that can live up to the tasks when needed. Boniface isn't serious and as for Lookman although he isn't a striker but I expected much from him which he isn't producing.

This is something I don’t personally like, for the entire team to be so dependent on a single player and that is the case for the Nigerian Super Eagles. Every time they step on the pitch, it’s always about the big 9 Victor Osimhen. What happens if the entire game for the opposition is built around him?

Another big question is what happens if he's unavailable due to fitness issues because we know that he's a player who is very prone to injuries and if we keep building the team around him in games that he does not play it will thoroughly affect the performance of the entire team which is something I think that the coach may not be considering. The coach has to build a team and as much as possible try to get the other strikers and players involved in the team, we need everyone to play with same passion as Osimhen has to actually successful.

[Fiatless]

Another big question is what happens if he's unavailable due to fitness issues because we know that he's a player who is very prone to injuries and if we keep building the team around him in games that he does not play it will thoroughly affect the performance of the entire team which is something I think that the coach may not be considering. The coach has to build a team and as much as possible try to get the other strikers and players involved in the team, we need everyone to play with same passion as Osimhen has to actually successful.

Sadly the team has already been built around him and it would take some time for Nigeria to get someone that is like him. I have always referred to the South Africa match where Nigeria had just on shot on target althrough the game because Victor Osimhen was not playing. Our prayer is let him be fit and help us qualify of the World Cup. Thank God we still have the African Cup of Nations in December. The competition would help the coach Eric Chelle to get ready for the world cup.  

[IceLincoln]

Another big question is what happens if he's unavailable due to fitness issues because we know that he's a player who is very prone to injuries and if we keep building the team around him in games that he does not play it will thoroughly affect the performance of the entire team which is something I think that the coach may not be considering. The coach has to build a team and as much as possible try to get the other strikers and players involved in the team, we need everyone to play with same passion as Osimhen has to actually successful.

Sadly the team has already been built around him and it would take some time for Nigeria to get someone that is like him. I have always referred to the South Africa match where Nigeria had just on shot on target althrough the game because Victor Osimhen was not playing. Our prayer is let him be fit and help us qualify of the World Cup. Thank God we still have the African Cup of Nations in December. The competition would help the coach Eric Chelle to get ready for the world cup.  

I don’t see the Super Eagles team as built around Victor Osimhen, it’s just that he has raised the bar so high for others that he’s become unmatched and indispensable in the team, that it looks like the team is built around him.
Without his efforts the team plays like a shark without teeth, they have become so dependant on him for goals which is causing them to lose or draw matches, in his absence should have been a good opportunity for the other strikers in the team to take Good advantage of and do wonders, it’s only Cyriel Dessers who has been able to atleast try to  utilise his opportunities well, he should be a regular call up by now, he’s the second best striker in terms of playing for Nigeria.

[Africolo]

The prayer is for Osimhen to be fit throughout those games because the super egales can't do anything without him playing. We don't have a quality second striker that can live up to the tasks when needed. Boniface isn't serious and as for Lookman although he isn't a striker but I expected much from him which he isn't producing.

I want Osimhen to be available for those games too but his injury records is disturbing and that's btw Lookman form is understandable this season after what's he's going through at his club but Boniface is something I can't even explain how he scores a lot of goals at the club level and fails to register goals and have a good games on the National level.

Never had any good game since he was invited to play for the national team.

[Mr Reporter]

Another big question is what happens if he's unavailable due to fitness issues because we know that he's a player who is very prone to injuries and if we keep building the team around him in games that he does not play it will thoroughly affect the performance of the entire team which is something I think that the coach may not be considering. The coach has to build a team and as much as possible try to get the other strikers and players involved in the team, we need everyone to play with same passion as Osimhen has to actually successful.

Sadly the team has already been built around him and it would take some time for Nigeria to get someone that is like him. I have always referred to the South Africa match where Nigeria had just on shot on target althrough the game because Victor Osimhen was not playing. Our prayer is let him be fit and help us qualify of the World Cup. Thank God we still have the African Cup of Nations in December. The competition would help the coach Eric Chelle to get ready for the world cup. 

I don’t see the Super Eagles team as built around Victor Osimhen, it’s just that he has raised the bar so high for others that he’s become unmatched and indispensable in the team, that it looks like the team is built around him.
Without his efforts the team plays like a shark without teeth, they have become so dependant on him for goals which is causing them to lose or draw matches, in his absence should have been a good opportunity for the other strikers in the team to take Good advantage of and do wonders, it’s only Cyriel Dessers who has been able to atleast try to  utilise his opportunities well, he should be a regular call up by now, he’s the second best striker in terms of playing for Nigeria.

You're saying that Victor Osimhen has become the focal point of the Super Eagles due to his exceptional performance, but you don't necessarily think the team is built around him. Rather, the team has become reliant on him for goals, which can be a concern I think that is how the fans are seeing it now.

Cyriel Dessers has been making a case for himself, and it will be interesting to see if he gets more opportunities with the national team.

The prayer is for Osimhen to be fit throughout those games because the super egales can't do anything without him playing. We don't have a quality second striker that can live up to the tasks when needed. Boniface isn't serious and as for Lookman although he isn't a striker but I expected much from him which he isn't producing.

I want Osimhen to be available for those games too but his injury records is disturbing and that's btw Lookman form is understandable this season after what's he's going through at his club but Boniface is something I can't even explain how he scores a lot of goals at the club level and fails to register goals and have a good games on the National level.

Never had any good game since he was invited to play for the national team.

I’m also concerned about Victor Osimhen's injury record and its potential impact on the team.

Pulse also wondering why players like Ademola Lookman and Victor Boniface aren't replicating their club form at the national level.

this question just pulled in my head right now do you think that the Super Eagles coaching staff could do to help players like Boniface and Lookman perform better at the national level? Because this is already causing some problems for the team.

[Cityhunter34]

Another big question is what happens if he's unavailable due to fitness issues because we know that he's a player who is very prone to injuries and if we keep building the team around him in games that he does not play it will thoroughly affect the performance of the entire team which is something I think that the coach may not be considering. The coach has to build a team and as much as possible try to get the other strikers and players involved in the team, we need everyone to play with same passion as Osimhen has to actually successful.

Sadly the team has already been built around him and it would take some time for Nigeria to get someone that is like him. I have always referred to the South Africa match where Nigeria had just on shot on target althrough the game because Victor Osimhen was not playing. Our prayer is let him be fit and help us qualify of the World Cup. Thank God we still have the African Cup of Nations in December. The competition would help the coach Eric Chelle to get ready for the world cup.  

As is stance now, Victor Osimhe is our only hope in this Play off. So let's keeping on praying for him to stay strong for us lol. Honestly, it doesn't make sense at all because any team that is relying on one player have not yet started, in fact, they don't know their stand at all because with the players that we have, we are not suppose to be worried about any Player going to injury, but since it have become a habit to them we have no option than to pray for his fitness.

[Salahmu]

As is stance now, Victor Osimhe is our only hope in this Play off. So let's keeping on praying for him to stay strong for us lol. Honestly, it doesn't make sense at all because any team that is relying on one player have not yet started, in fact, they don't know their stand at all because with the players that we have, we are not suppose to be worried about any Player going to injury, but since it have become a habit to them we have no option than to pray for his fitness.

At this time there is nobody but only him because others has time and until it comes they usually don't impress, the year Lookman won the award was the year I got happy that we have two Victor Osimhen in the super eagles but can we say we it now?, so that is why I think they have time of performance and it was unfortunate this year that was so important is not the time. For Victor Osimhen no year that has not been his best, he might make mistakes in a match but not because of a poor form. If Calvin Bassey was a striker I believe there are so many good his ability and skills could have done but unfortunately to this he is a defender, so actually we need the Victor Osimhen we saw on the Benin match against the country they will meet.

[Adbitco]

In my opinion is not something to be excited about. The Super Eagles hasn’t improved in their performance, a boost in “Africa’s rankings” does not change the fact that our boys are not dependable and trusted to win important matches. I think Osimhen is able to score goals in this team because he is well rounded striker and can be a one man show. If you take Osimhen out of the team and we have nothing. Just a bunch of good players who can’t play together as a team.

Why wouldn't Nigerians be excited that the Super Eagles moved four places up in the recent rankings?  It is s source of pride that the team is gradually improving.  We might not be perfect now, but the recent performances have given us hope that there are better days ahead.  Coach Eric Chelle has been able to identify and bring in some new players who are doing very well. Young players like Benjamin Fredrick  and Akor Adams are good discoveries.

I think I agree that the team didn't really improving, moving 4 spaces up shouldn't be a distraction. Normally, if Nigeria had done what was expected of them they would have had a better performance and at the same time it would have reflected well on their rankings. The group Nigeria was placed in was like a gift to them, to qualify without issues but they failed to get the automatic ticket and now has to rely heavily on qualifying via the playoffs. The only team that I feel was strong in a way was South Africa and Nigeria failed to beat South Africa on both occasions.