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

[Zigabel]

As is stance now, Victor Osimhen 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.

This is really disheartening that  the eagles makes it obvious that they have that much dependence on Osimhen. this is going to serv as a disadvantage on the eagles in that when other teams gets to understand that is the fate of the eagles, they could capitalize on it as an advantage, they can aske several players to specifically make sure to always tackle osimhen enough for him not to be able to do anything since they have known him to be the stronghold of the eagles and that alone will keep the eagles destabilized, but when they don't have a particular player to clamp down on in Oder to destabilize the eagles, it becomes a challenge for them but nevertheless we still need osimhen there regardless and we believe and trust that is presence will yield the results we expect of them and not having them struggle so terribly.

[knowngunman]

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.

We lost hope initially and regain our hope when South Africa was penalised and got their point deducted. Unfortunately, the super eagle couldn't make it to top to get automatic ticket but we were lucky to at least made it to play off to decide our fate. The question now is how sure are we going to make it through the play off? There's Cameron, Congo and Gabon alongside Nigeria in the play off. Did you noticed Gabon performance in the group stage game? Gabon almost made it impossible for Ivory Coast to top their group because they were mean and dedicated. None of these teams don't actually come close to Nigeria squad but are our brothers ready to give all as they did in our last match against Benin Republic?

[Ronsbit]

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.

We lost hope initially and regain our hope when South Africa was penalised and got their point deducted. Unfortunately, the super eagle couldn't make it to top to get automatic ticket but we were lucky to at least made it to play off to decide our fate. The question now is how sure are we going to make it through the play off? There's Cameron, Congo and Gabon alongside Nigeria in the play off. Did you noticed Gabon performance in the group stage game? Gabon almost made it impossible for Ivory Coast to top their group because they were mean and dedicated. None of these teams don't actually come close to Nigeria squad but are our brothers ready to give all as they did in our last match against Benin Republic?

All I can say is that the super eagles should do much better than they did the last match with Benin Republic. They were much united and cooperative to win that match. The team spirit was there and they did perfectly well in their performance. They should not take their opponents for granted neither should they underestimate them or feel relaxed because that was what affected them that they could not even win matches that they could have had as walkover for them. Although Gabon is a no match for the super eagles looking at the squad advantage but these players are so eager and desperately want to go for the world cup hence their impressive performance all through the qualifiers. We just hope they play much better than the way they performed their last match with Benin Republic.

[Callido]

This is really disheartening that  the eagles makes it obvious that they have that much dependence on Osimhen. this is going to serv as a disadvantage on the eagles in that when other teams gets to understand that is the fate of the eagles, they could capitalize on it as an advantage, they can aske several players to specifically make sure to always tackle osimhen enough for him not to be able to do anything since they have known him to be the stronghold of the eagles and that alone will keep the eagles destabilized, but when they don't have a particular player to clamp down on in Oder to destabilize the eagles, it becomes a challenge for them but nevertheless we still need osimhen there regardless and we believe and trust that is presence will yield the results we expect of them and not having them struggle so terribly.

Is it not the same as Norwegian depending on Haaland, when you have a good player, a striker like Osimhen that is a threat it gives us advantage even if he isn't the one going to make the goals. The trick there is that Osimhen having more players on him gives space to other team mates to push the attack, we have good wingers and attackers, two or three players on Osimhen alone creates opening for our two wingers and one supporting striker including our attacking midfielder to join the attack. Our only prayer is for Osimhen to not get injured before then, we also saw that in the air, two players sometimes are not enough to pull him down from scoring, Osimhen is versatile in terms of being in the 18 yard box in search for a goal.

[uche6215]

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This has happened to the Super Eagles in one of the previous World Cup, when Musa was the targeted Player of the team, and they played with Argentina, Argentina team used two players to clapped down Musa and since the best was clapped down, Messi became the Lion on the field and scored goals and win the game. Why I emphasizing on that because if a team put more emphases on one player, it affects the general performance because anything happens to that player, they might loss the game.
Super Eagles should have more players like Osimhen.

[Youngrebel]

FIFA deducts South Africa Points

South Africa Points has been deducted and the Coach said the deduction came late. Right now Benin has taken over the top position in the group and South Africa is on the second position. Nigeria will participate on the playoffs.

[Fiatless]

FIFA deducts South Africa Points

South Africa Points has been deducted and the Coach said the deduction came late. Right now Benin has taken over the top position in the group and South Africa is on the second position. Nigeria will participate on the playoffs.

This is old news, Young. The point deduction have been done. South Africa got the automatic ticket to the world cup. Nigeria got the second position and will be participating in the playoff and Benin finished third without qualifying for any. Are you missing something?

[Mate2237]

FIFA deducts South Africa Points

South Africa Points has been deducted and the Coach said the deduction came late. Right now Benin has taken over the top position in the group and South Africa is on the second position. Nigeria will participate on the playoffs.

The world cup qualifiers in the African continent is over for the group stages, we are now in the playoffs where only four teams will be playing this must be a old news because,this statement came after Nigeria won Benin Republic Lost to Nigeria at the last game of the world cup qualifiers in the group Benin Republic found themselves.


But coach Garnot Rohr was one person that was boasting of qualifying for his team to the world cup. So why the change by his word if any team is to qualify for a major tournament like the world cup. Then such team should be ready and play we the truth is that from the beginning south Africa was the best team on the group and it will have been an injustice to south Africa if they did not qualify for the world cup.but thank God they put aside the mistake that was done which lead to points been deducted from them.

[Spaceman1000$]

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This has happened to the Super Eagles in one of the previous World Cup, when Musa was the targeted Player of the team, and they played with Argentina, Argentina team used two players to clapped down Musa and since the best was clapped down, Messi became the Lion on the field and scored goals and win the game. Why I emphasizing on that because if a team put more emphases on one player, it affects the general performance because anything happens to that player, they might loss the game.
Super Eagles should have more players like Osimhen.

The Nigerian team would have planned the same approach towards tackling messi in that encounter, I remember that game very well because Ahmed Musa scored two goals. If the Argentine side have clamped down on Musa we too we would have arranged ourselves in a way we could clapped down on their talisman, that's what we call aura for aura.  Every team has an exceptional player and at the moment Victor osimhen is our talisman just the way Ronaldo was during his prime when playing for Portugal, if Ronaldo gets injured during a tournament it automatically affects the entire team.

[snipie]

Every team has an exceptional player and at the moment Victor osimhen is our talisman just the way Ronaldo was during his prime when playing for Portugal, if Ronaldo gets injured during a tournament it automatically affects the entire team.

That is a true statement for most countries and teams but at the same time it is a weakness for these clubs. A good team should never rely on a single player to make the difference. Super Eagles have enough professional players who are way better than their counterparts in the other African nations and playing in several top tier leagues. Besides Nigeria population is one of the highest in Africa and it supposes to be able to grab as many talents as Brazil or Argentina, yet the level between Super Eagles and these nations is far.

[EL MOHA]

We lost hope initially and regain our hope when South Africa was penalised and got their point deducted. Unfortunately, the super eagle couldn't make it to top to get automatic ticket but we were lucky to at least made it to play off to decide our fate. The question now is how sure are we going to make it through the play off? There's Cameron, Congo and Gabon alongside Nigeria in the play off. Did you noticed Gabon performance in the group stage game? Gabon almost made it impossible for Ivory Coast to top their group because they were mean and dedicated. None of these teams don't actually come close to Nigeria squad but are our brothers ready to give all as they did in our last match against Benin Republic?

We all know this penalty was coming because they were obviously guilty and it was just a matter of time what Nigerians needed then was to actually narrowed down those points then but Nigeria never took advantage of the situation and were even lucky to get this playoffs due to some mathematical reasons, all this odds are just a way y to give us a second chance and we underservedly have it. Yes the opponents have been superb most especially Gabon but people need to look at this records very well, Gabon won points against weaker teams and weren’t taking points off the top clubs which simply means that they are not exceptional good as it is claimed. One thing I actually know is that this African playoff is the major obstacle if we get passed it then we will get passed the intercontinental own too

[Hewlet]

Every team has an exceptional player and at the moment Victor osimhen is our talisman just the way Ronaldo was during his prime when playing for Portugal, if Ronaldo gets injured during a tournament it automatically affects the entire team.

That is a true statement for most countries and teams but at the same time it is a weakness for these clubs. A good team should never rely on a single player to make the difference. Super Eagles have enough professional players who are way better than their counterparts in the other African nations and playing in several top tier leagues. Besides Nigeria population is one of the highest in Africa and it supposes to be able to grab as many talents as Brazil or Argentina, yet the level between Super Eagles and these nations is far.

It takes more than individual brilliance to get result in the game of football and that's where we are always found wanting when we are doing our analysis of games expecially that of the super eagles. In terms of individual brilliance, we have a lot of good players no doubt but if they are not playing well together, an average team that lacks such quality of player will beat us hands down as long as they are able to play well as a team.

The main thing that's missing in that our Nigerian team is that the players are not synching well enough as a unit. Osimehn or no osimehn, if we learn to play team football, qualification will be certain.

[uche6215]

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The Nigerian team would have planned the same approach towards tackling messi in that encounter, I remember that game very well because Ahmed Musa scored two goals. If the Argentine side have clamped down on Musa we too we would have arranged ourselves in a way we could clapped down on their talisman, that's what we call aura for aura.  Every team has an exceptional player and at the moment Victor osimhen is our talisman just the way Ronaldo was during his prime when playing for Portugal, if Ronaldo gets injured during a tournament it automatically affects the entire team.

That should be one of the best tactics for Nigeria football team (Super Eagles). Whenever they are playing match, they have to look onto the opposition team and know the best player, use two players that are not smart to pinned him down. Then those who are smart like Osimhen, Lukeman, Boniface face others. And if they use this tactics, they will succeed in many games. Football is all about strategy and skills. Nigeria has a good team but they lack tactics and methods to do well in the field.

[Agbe]

I saw from the local news that Morocco won the U-20 World Cup. Morocco beat Argentina 2-0 to win the Cup and that was impressive from their end. Morocco is strong in all sides from the top to the lowest National Teams. We will see their National Team in the 2026 World Cup again.

Saudi Arabia Awards $1 Million Bonus to Each Player for World Cup Qualification
This is one of the strongest motivation for the players and they will do well on the pitch.

[Cityhunter34]

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.

Honestly, the Super Eagles are not impressing us at all. Though, why did they have time that they normally perform? Why can they perform like Victor Osimhe? We know that all players can not be the same but like it be that a team have two or three that would covered up when the key player is not around because this is exactly what draw Super Eagles back in this qualifying stage. Of course, that is also what I felt about Lookman after gotten the award, but still no effort has been shown from him till now. Yeah Bassey is a very nice player despite the fact that he's a defender he is even more forceful than our so called strikers that doesn't know what they are doing.

[Nightwatchmare]

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.

We lost hope initially and regain our hope when South Africa was penalised and got their point deducted. Unfortunately, the super eagle couldn't make it to top to get automatic ticket but we were lucky to at least made it to play off to decide our fate. The question now is how sure are we going to make it through the play off? There's Cameron, Congo and Gabon alongside Nigeria in the play off. Did you noticed Gabon performance in the group stage game? Gabon almost made it impossible for Ivory Coast to top their group because they were mean and dedicated. None of these teams don't actually come close to Nigeria squad but are our brothers ready to give all as they did in our last match against Benin Republic?

I thought the super eagles would get automatic ticket to the World Cup when South Africa was penalised for featuring ineligible player against Lesotho, which make FIFA deduct South African points, but it didn't stop South Africa from getting the automatic ticket in their group. Exclusive of the super eagles, the 3 teams in the playoffs are strong teams, but if the super eagles can maintain the determination and hunger they played with in the Benin Republic game, they can win Gabon to play the playoff finals with either Cameroon or Congo. The super eagles should make sure they get a ticket to the World Cup through the playoffs since it is the only chance left for us now.

[Oluwa-btc]

Tougher names to pick in the image above, yes? My picks are viz;
Mohamed Salah
Achraf  Hakimi
Serhou Guirassy
Victor Osimhen.

What are you thoughts?! Finally,  Congratulations to Morocco, any win to any African country is a win for us all representing the continent.
Victor Osimhen our brother did good but he comes last due to personal reasons.

[Salahmu]

I thought the super eagles would get automatic ticket to the World Cup when South Africa was penalised for featuring ineligible player against Lesotho, which make FIFA deduct South African points, but it didn't stop South Africa from getting the automatic ticket in their group. Exclusive of the super eagles, the 3 teams in the playoffs are strong teams, but if the super eagles can maintain the determination and hunger they played with in the Benin Republic game, they can win Gabon to play the playoff finals with either Cameroon or Congo. The super eagles should make sure they get a ticket to the World Cup through the playoffs since it is the only chance left for us now.

The point they penalized them with was a match point so it wasn't that much to fall them as you think, initially they were the highest so they already got big point so when they minus the one match they still stop at the second with a close to the country that got the favour of going to were they come from, so if it was two match point that was removed from there initial they would have gone home while Benin would have been on the place super eagles is soon to start. South Africa is a determination country because they still return after everything. Featuring unallowed player next time will not be repeated as they have witnessed what there actions could have caused.

[uche6215]

Tougher names to pick in the image above, yes? My picks are viz;
Mohamed Salah
Achraf  Hakimi
Serhou Guirassy
Victor Osimhen.

What are you thoughts?! Finally,  Congratulations to Morocco, any win to any African country is a win for us all representing the continent.
Victor Osimhen our brother did good but he comes last due to personal reasons.

Your arrangement is not too bad but I will add Victor Osimhen after Mohamed Salah and that should be,
Mohamed Salah
Victor Osimhen
Achraf Hakimi
Serhou Guirassy.
I arranged it like this because Victor Osimhen performance in both the international and National level is incredible. In most time the pick comes from the international games. And this days, Mohamed Salah performance is not encouraging and if it persistence he will drastically reduce from the ranking.

[Zanab247]

I saw from the local news that Morocco won the U-20 World Cup. Morocco beat Argentina 2-0 to win the Cup and that was impressive from their end. Morocco is strong in all sides from the top to the lowest National Teams. We will see their National Team in the 2026 World Cup again.

Saudi Arabia Awards $1 Million Bonus to Each Player for World Cup Qualification
This is one of the strongest motivation for the players and they will do well on the pitch.

I knew it from the beginning of the tournament that Morocco U-20 club will beat Argentina in the final battle to lift the trophy, because the young players are good both in the defensive, midfield and attack. Congratulations to Morocco U-20 players and they deserve those gifts given to them to appreciate them for the effort to lift the trophy, because they make their coach, government and African generally proud in this season to break  record of world cup U-20 tournament.

I don't know it will be possible for those players to be promote to senior club in Morocco, because they are young potential players that have long strength and energy to contribute to the growth of Morocco football club in their country.