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

[Futurexxx]

The South Africa points deduction could have made South Africa miss a place in the world cup, but the super eagles defeating Benin Republic cleared the road for South Africa to automatically qualify for the World Cup. Yeah, South Africa were determined to qualify for the world cup because they didn't allow their points deduction to break them. After South Africa have seen what their actions could have cost them in the world cup qualification, i believe they will not try to cheat in any tournament since they know the end result if they are caught in the act.

I don't necessarily think that it's about them cheating here, in my own opinion the south Africans knows that the system is transparent, so any act of cheating will be figured out and they will be punished accordingly, what I think that happened is that they were just careless or a higher level of incompetence from whosoever that is taking records of the players booked, and those that are closed to suspension if booked in their next game, so it's not about cheating, but more on incompetence in this case of the south Africans, and they were very lucky that that single actions of theirs didn't stop them from participating in next year fifa world cup.

[Salahmu]

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.

The South Africa points deduction could have made South Africa miss a place in the world cup, but the super eagles defeating Benin Republic cleared the road for South Africa to automatically qualify for the World Cup. Yeah, South Africa were determined to qualify for the world cup because they didn't allow their points deduction to break them. After South Africa have seen what their actions could have cost them in the world cup qualification, i believe they will not try to cheat in any tournament since they know the end result if they are caught in the act.

Before I thought that point deducted will do something for the eagles but it clearly didn't do anything for them because it was only turnaround and return back again it did, so the only change in everything was the time Benin entered the first position and it didn't give any favour for eagles because it was the countries they were still hoping to use they met so there wasn't something of losing a match or draw a match to qualify from this but some have not realized that what they are thinking is the reason of eagles hope wasn't the incident that did it for them. We didn't also think about how Benin is taking this qualification failure because they had everything we lack.

[Hyphen(-)]

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.

I believe that this vote will be based on last season’s performance for all players, their respective performances this season might not count because it will be used to rank player of the year next year.

These above name listed are tough contenders to win the award because they all did well last season and some of them are already doing really well for themselves so far this season in all competitions.

However, I think based on Champions League performance last season and Ballon rating, I think Achraf Hakimi will have the most votes based on his team performance last season and how Morocco performed this n the World Cup qualifiers, he stand a better chance.

[Fiatless]

It’s up to the Ghanaian national team to decide whether or not to accept Nketiah and I’m happy with their decision because if it was a Nigerian I would say the Super Eagles should outrightly reject them. We can’t be your second choice when there are thousands of local talents to choose from.

It's not just Eddie Nketiah who is showing interest in playing for the Black Stars. Nottingham Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi and Francis Amuzu also want to switch allegiance to Ghana. These players are just opportunists and should be ignored.

They should be used as a scapegoat for other players who want to use Africa as a spare tyre or their Plan B. Who do they want to replace in the squad? They want the coach to remove players who have laboured hard for the country's qualification. I will advise these foreign players to keep waiting for an England and Belgium call-up.   

[Callido]

Before I thought that point deducted will do something for the eagles but it clearly didn't do anything for them because it was only turnaround and return back again it did, so the only change in everything was the time Benin entered the first position and it didn't give any favour for eagles because it was the countries they were still hoping to use they met so there wasn't something of losing a match or draw a match to qualify from this but some have not realized that what they are thinking is the reason of eagles hope wasn't the incident that did it for them. We didn't also think about how Benin is taking this qualification failure because they had everything we lack.

Haha, you were not good with the calculator. Even when the points was deducted, i didn't see our chance of qualifying in the first place, our only opportunity was if South Africa were going to have their remaining games to be the worse, and obviously for a team that led the table with how many points even with their deduction can't possibly lose those essential points, any team they played against was kind of a revenge to get back to their first place which they did, how we are struggling to qualify is a result of our own terrible performance.

[Mayor of ogba]

Lately there have been issues between players and their country on playing for the World Cup.

Eddie Nketiah has two nationality, England and Ghana.  At the same time he rejected Ghana thinking he will be called by England. Now Ghana has qualified for the World Cup he has sent a message across saying he wants to play for them now. Ghana has refused to accept him, as well as other players who rejected them.

Across other countries we see this happening. What do you think should be done? Should the country accept a player who reject them but chooses to play now, just because they qualified for the World Cup?

I don't know why some African players always reject playing for African countries just because they want to play for England or another European country, but if they are rejected, that is when they will want to play for the African country they rejected playing for. Well, since Eddie Nketiah refused to play for Ghana when they wanted his service, Ghana should also reject him now that he is willing to play for them.

[9ja Amaka]

Lately there have been issues between players and their country on playing for the World Cup.

Eddie Nketiah has two nationality, England and Ghana.  At the same time he rejected Ghana thinking he will be called by England. Now Ghana has qualified for the World Cup he has sent a message across saying he wants to play for them now. Ghana has refused to accept him, as well as other players who rejected them.

Across other countries we see this happening. What do you think should be done? Should the country accept a player who reject them but chooses to play now, just because they qualified for the World Cup?

I don't know why some African players always reject playing for African countries just because they want to play for England or another European country, but if they are rejected, that is when they will want to play for the African country they rejected playing for. Well, since Eddie Nketiah refused to play for Ghana when they wanted his service, Ghana should also reject him now that he is willing to play for them.

Because they want world recognition. The ideology is that Western or Europeans countries are cherished more than African countries in the world level. Some players also want to play with big names, along side popular players. Another reason is, they think no African country can win the World Cup. Pushing to them to try their luck with the other country.

The choice they make isn't an issue. One good turn deserves another. As they decided to not to play for their African country before now. Now they are ready, the country should reject them. We are on the same page on this one.

[Tonimez]

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.

I believe that this vote will be based on last season’s performance for all players, their respective performances this season might not count because it will be used to rank player of the year next year.

These above name listed are tough contenders to win the award because they all did well last season and some of them are already doing really well for themselves so far this season in all competitions.

However, I think based on Champions League performance last season and Ballon rating, I think Achraf Hakimi will have the most votes based on his team performance last season and how Morocco performed this n the World Cup qualifiers, he stand a better chance.

Well I wouldn't say much about who the final result would favour but the truth is that Victor Osimhen may have a higher chance of winning the vote based on his number of goals and titles for last season. He deserves to win the award ahead of Hakimi even though he played well too. Mohammed Salah may not have a place in that vote as I would see him as the third in the list with my own ranking as, ...

VO9
Hakimi
Salah
....
Winning the champions League was a good chance but individual contributions would rule Hakimi out.

[Mayor of ogba]

I don't know why some African players always reject playing for African countries just because they want to play for England or another European country, but if they are rejected, that is when they will want to play for the African country they rejected playing for. Well, since Eddie Nketiah refused to play for Ghana when they wanted his service, Ghana should also reject him now that he is willing to play for them.

Because they want world recognition. The ideology is that Western or Europeans countries are cherished more than African countries in the world level. Some players also want to play with big names, along side popular players. Another reason is, they think no African country can win the World Cup. Pushing to them to try their luck with the other country.

The choice they make isn't an issue. One good turn deserves another. As they decided to not to play for their African country before now. Now they are ready, the country should reject them. We are on the same page on this one.

Playing for any European country when you don't have anything to offer won't guarantee world recognition. It is what a player has to offer that will make him to be recognised in the world. Victor Osimhen is playing for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, but since he's doing well, helping his country and club win matches, he's being recognised in the world. If Eddie Nketiah can pledge his allegiance to Ghana after the World Cup, he will be accepted to play for Ghana.

[CryptSafe]

Well I wouldn't say much about who the final result would favour but the truth is that Victor Osimhen may have a higher chance of winning the vote based on his number of goals and titles for last season. He deserves to win the award ahead of Hakimi even though he played well too. Mohammed Salah may not have a place in that vote as I would see him as the third in the list with my own ranking as, ...

VO9
Hakimi
Salah
....
Winning the champions League was a good chance but individual contributions would rule Hakimi out.

Victor Osimhen has a better chance of clinching the award looking at his performances this season,  he contributed immensely to his club and also to his national team. He's been in a good performance since the beginning of this season except for the fact that the national team was kind of being too naive and slow, they weren't serious with their matches hence their poor performance and this aspect if viewed or considered might likely affect or reduce the chances of him clinching the award but I believe he would be widely supported for his performances so far.

[Africolo]

What's with the latest NFF scandal? Used $1.7m from FIFA, money meant to build a good standard stadium was used to build 50 sitters open space stadium in Kebbi while other African countries are building a standard stadium with the same money. Why is the NFF this corrupt.

Why does corruption runs through every sector of the country and nobody is being held accountable. The EFCC is a joke. The NFF has killed our football.

[CryptopreneurBrainboss]

Why does corruption runs through every sector of the country and nobody is being held accountable. The EFCC is a joke. The NFF has killed our football.

Was just coming to discuss this because saw the update on X and noticed the mockery from FIFA with uploading th stadium that the NFF claimed to use the millions sent to them to build. We're the cause of our problems in this country and the reason football isn't moving forward but looks like it's downgrading every day.

Other African countries are doing better because those at the front organising our football are criminals that want to use the opportunity they have to escape property instead of improving the state of the game in the country. This goes to show how bad the politics is at the top because if they can steal now imagine what they do to choose players that'll play.

This is the reason we couldn't qualify from the group we were in for the world cup. I hope FIFA follow up and give the NFF officials some punishments.

[SatoPrincess]

What's with the latest NFF scandal? Used $1.7m from FIFA, money meant to build a good standard stadium was used to build 50 sitters open space stadium in Kebbi while other African countries are building a standard stadium with the same money. Why is the NFF this corrupt.

Why does corruption runs through every sector of the country and nobody is being held accountable. The EFCC is a joke. The NFF has killed our football.

I have been following the drama on c.mobike Instagram page for days now. It’s really sad to see that the NFF are a organization of criminals that are bent on destroying the talents of promising athletes in Nigeria. Ideally this matter should have been investigated by EFCC but obviously their job is to intimidate and steal from young people who are doing okay. The system is rigged against the people.

[Mr Reporter]

What's with the latest NFF scandal? Used $1.7m from FIFA, money meant to build a good standard stadium was used to build 50 sitters open space stadium in Kebbi while other African countries are building a standard stadium with the same money. Why is the NFF this corrupt.

Why does corruption runs through every sector of the country and nobody is being held accountable. The EFCC is a joke. The NFF has killed our football.

I have been following the drama on c.mobike Instagram page for days now. It’s really sad to see that the NFF are a organization of criminals that are bent on destroying the talents of promising athletes in Nigeria. Ideally this matter should have been investigated by EFCC but obviously their job is to intimidate and steal from young people who are doing okay. The system is rigged against the people.

However, many Nigerians are skeptical, and rightly so. Corruption seems to be deeply ingrained in the country's systems, and it's frustrating to see no one held accountable. The EFCC's effectiveness is also being questioned, with some viewing it as toothless.

The impact on Nigerian football is devastating. Talented athletes are being let down by a corrupt system, and it's heartbreaking to see their dreams destroyed. The NFF's actions (or lack thereof) are perpetuating a cycle of mediocrity in Nigerian football

[Ronsbit]

What's with the latest NFF scandal? Used $1.7m from FIFA, money meant to build a good standard stadium was used to build 50 sitters open space stadium in Kebbi while other African countries are building a standard stadium with the same money. Why is the NFF this corrupt.

Why does corruption runs through every sector of the country and nobody is being held accountable. The EFCC is a joke. The NFF has killed our football.

Corruption everywhere and nothing anybody can do about it. Little wonder the national team too is misbehaving as a result of the effect of the corruption that is bedevling the team.

The antigraft agency are also crooks that wouldn't be visible to such incidence because the oga at the top hasn't said anything so they will mind their business because they have not been briefed.

What a shame to the NFF. Such a disgusting set's of leaders and executive they have. FIFA should petition them to the international organisations to account for the money they were given.

[Salahmu]

What's with the latest NFF scandal? Used $1.7m from FIFA, money meant to build a good standard stadium was used to build 50 sitters open space stadium in Kebbi while other African countries are building a standard stadium with the same money. Why is the NFF this corrupt.

Why does corruption runs through every sector of the country and nobody is being held accountable. The EFCC is a joke. The NFF has killed our football.

Is a shame our own things are usually different because for other African countries the money will be use for something quality that when people go there they would no that money was spent here, what can 50 sitters do if the numbers are much, by now the country should have gotten a lot of standard stadium so that all the matches eagles will have on there home wouldn't have to be played in one stadium all the time. If they only built a stadium with this few numbers what then can they say happen to the money because that amount can built several kind of stadium if is to be built separately with the same standard, this would have been the time to build the stadium that could have been superior than the current one the country has.

[Joy- maker]

I don't know why some African players always reject playing for African countries just because they want to play for England or another European country, but if they are rejected, that is when they will want to play for the African country they rejected playing for. Well, since Eddie Nketiah refused to play for Ghana when they wanted his service, Ghana should also reject him now that he is willing to play for them.

sincerely speaking something we don't have to blame those African players who are refusing or rejecting to play in their own country team, Africa countries are not treating the African players well and they even pay them peanuts, and if we also go deep down those African players who have rejected to play in their countries never hard any support from their governments from their little beginnings, they struggle all by themselves to get to where they are today. So buddy try and reason from every angles before you start judging or blaming them those African players who have rejected their countries and choose to play for another country. And as for Eddie Nketiah wether Ghana reject him or not it doesn't stop him getting to the level he want he want to be period.

[Odusko]

What's with the latest NFF scandal? Used $1.7m from FIFA, money meant to build a good standard stadium was used to build 50 sitters open space stadium in Kebbi while other African countries are building a standard stadium with the same money. Why is the NFF this corrupt.

Why does corruption runs through every sector of the country and nobody is being held accountable. The EFCC is a joke. The NFF has killed our football.

Is a shame our own things are usually different because for other African countries the money will be use for something quality that when people go there they would no that money was spent here, what can 50 sitters do if the numbers are much, by now the country should have gotten a lot of standard stadium so that all the matches eagles will have on there home wouldn't have to be played in one stadium all the time. If they only built a stadium with this few numbers what then can they say happen to the money because that amount can built several kind of stadium if is to be built separately with the same standard, this would have been the time to build the stadium that could have been superior than the current one the country has.

I wish the person that shared that news could add a picture to it so that we can understand the level of the project better, that $1.7 millions is quite big enough to put up something standards that should be beyond just an open rough project.  What happens when there is rain while games are ongoing?
Corruption is indeed a bad vises that affects the thinking faculty of some Nigerians, they travel and play on other stadium but when the returns to Nigeria their will act as if their are born to suffer us all the time.

[Salahmu]

Is a shame our own things are usually different because for other African countries the money will be use for something quality that when people go there they would no that money was spent here, what can 50 sitters do if the numbers are much, by now the country should have gotten a lot of standard stadium so that all the matches eagles will have on there home wouldn't have to be played in one stadium all the time. If they only built a stadium with this few numbers what then can they say happen to the money because that amount can built several kind of stadium if is to be built separately with the same standard, this would have been the time to build the stadium that could have been superior than the current one the country has.

I wish the person that shared that news could add a picture to it so that we can understand the level of the project better, that $1.7 millions is quite big enough to put up something standards that should be beyond just an open rough project.  What happens when there is rain while games are ongoing?
Corruption is indeed a bad vises that affects the thinking faculty of some Nigerians, they travel and play on other stadium but when the returns to Nigeria their will act as if their are born to suffer us all the time.

Yeah it would have make sense if the finish picture of the stadium was brought along this information so that everybody will see why our sports system is becoming a place for personal interest on the hands of those that was supposed to make it better, even the most lowest average country in this Africa will not allow there sports department misuse such money. Even if the amount cannot afford a complete Open and close roof stadium but they could have done a standard average one of it so that during raining time all the fans could have a complete shield from the rain as they watch the match instead of building the one everybody will be running to look for shelter because of how local the stadium is.

[SatoPrincess]

What's with the latest NFF scandal? Used $1.7m from FIFA, money meant to build a good standard stadium was used to build 50 sitters open space stadium in Kebbi while other African countries are building a standard stadium with the same money. Why is the NFF this corrupt.

Why does corruption runs through every sector of the country and nobody is being held accountable. The EFCC is a joke. The NFF has killed our football.

I have been following the drama on c.mobike Instagram page for days now. It’s really sad to see that the NFF are a organization of criminals that are bent on destroying the talents of promising athletes in Nigeria. Ideally this matter should have been investigated by EFCC but obviously their job is to intimidate and steal from young people who are doing okay. The system is rigged against the people.

However, many Nigerians are skeptical, and rightly so. Corruption seems to be deeply ingrained in the country's systems, and it's frustrating to see no one held accountable. The EFCC's effectiveness is also being questioned, with some viewing it as toothless.

The impact on Nigerian football is devastating. Talented athletes are being let down by a corrupt system, and it's heartbreaking to see their dreams destroyed. The NFF's actions (or lack thereof) are perpetuating a cycle of mediocrity in Nigerian football

NFF thought they could shut Mobike up, they didn’t know that responding to the allegations without any evidence would lead to more inquiries from the public. Now hashtag SaveNigeriaFootball is trending so much so that FIFA is now aware of the corruption allegations against the NFF. FIFA official Twitter page header has been changed to a picture of the so called $1.2m modern stadium built by Amaju Pinnick.