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

[SatoPrincess]

Some of the clubs I don't know about but I'm familiar with River's United and Sundown and they'll be having my support. I don't see Enyimba on the list which means they didn't qualify which is a suprise to me because they're the only Nigerian club that I know have won the tournament.

This tournament is always dominated by North African clubs and I won't be shocked to see them win again because they're the ones playing the best football in Africa right now. I just hope the tournament is going to be a successful one and one filled with less controversy and corruption claims as that's spoiling the sport in the continent right now.

The Nigeria domestic league is unpredictable or should I say the clubs are inconsistent in performance - Emyimba won the league in the previous season and failed to finish in the CAF champions league position or the CAF federation cup position last season. Emyimba finished below top 6 last season. Defending champions lol

The gap between the North African clubs and West African clubs are too wide, we can't compete against them. They have the resources, the facilities, we don't.

I doubt anyone will debate that with you. It is obvious that football in Nigeria is not as developed compared to North African countries. Nobody pays attention to the Nigerian Premier League talk more about grassroot football. The NPFL is very poorly managed, and sometimes the team that wins is not necessarily the best team.

[Rockson1]

Mate, I just like that you went straight to the point and stated the fact, the real issue that's hindering West African domestic leagues from being widely recognised is corruption, it has eaten deep across major countries in west Africa and it's now affecting our football sector cause the officials are now after their personal gains, greed has made them (the football bodies) overlook the importance of developing our football sector. I think a change needs to be welcomed else it would get worst in the near future.

Corruption has always been the problem in Africa just as you noted out but how can be a thing of the past here, I think that is still a problem of it's own, when I do go to our local peach to watch people play football in our local communities I feel bad because no sponsor, no one to grow those talents and it does not end there, we have good footballers in Africa boy you must know another man that knows somebody who knows another person before you can be picked to be part of the team, so how will such nations grow in football, this is mostly found in West African countries, it is unfortunate that we are still where we are.

[Lida93]

Snip.

The Nigeria domestic league is unpredictable or should I say the clubs are inconsistent in performance - Emyimba won the league in the previous season and failed to finish in the CAF champions league position or the CAF federation cup position last season. Emyimba finished below top 6 last season. Defending champions lol

The gap between the North African clubs and West African clubs are too wide, we can't compete against them. They have the resources, the facilities, we don't.

I doubt anyone will debate that with you. It is obvious that football in Nigeria is not as developed compared to North African countries. Nobody pays attention to the Nigerian Premier League talk more about grassroot football. The NPFL is very poorly managed, and sometimes the team that wins is not necessarily the best team.

Well, it seems a lot have changed in African football over the years, several years ago it was Eyimba football club of Aba that used to be the leading club from Nigeria, winning the CAF champions league twice, and later Tp Mazembe also dominated but for some time now they haven't been able to dominate the continent as they used to, rather it is the clubs from north Africa that now holds sway in the tournament, you have the likes of Al ahly of Egypt, Pyramids of Egypt, Ismaily of Egypt, Esperance of Tunisia etc, and this could be attributed to how well they are investing in football and other sports in their region.

[Ndabagi01]

Corruption has always been the problem in Africa just as you noted out but how can be a thing of the past here, I think that is still a problem of it's own, when I do go to our local peach to watch people play football in our local communities I feel bad because no sponsor, no one to grow those talents and it does not end there, we have good footballers in Africa boy you must know another man that knows somebody who knows another person before you can be picked to be part of the team, so how will such nations grow in football, this is mostly found in West African countries, it is unfortunate that we are still where we are.

Football in Nigeria is different form the way it is in other parts of the world even in other parts of Africa. It is only in Nigeria that you’ll see people don’t even know that a team is in their state representing them in the NPFL, that’s because football is not a thing to be discussed often by the environs because they don’t see it as a potential means of career since those that are eligible for it don’t really get the sponsors. Corruption has indeed made everything very difficult, but I hope we bridge that gap soon.

I doubt anyone will debate that with you. It is obvious that football in Nigeria is not as developed compared to North African countries. Nobody pays attention to the Nigerian Premier League talk more about grassroot football. The NPFL is very poorly managed, and sometimes the team that wins is not necessarily the best team.

In Nigeria, we tend to watch other leagues football from other continents more than ours because of the less priority even our government is given to it. The Nigeria Premier League is not duly praised as that of other countries and that’s why most of them are always looking for ways to travel out and make a better career out there. The sponsorship is poor and until the government gives it more attention and more welfarism to the players, it may remain like this for years to come from now.

[Agbe]

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Well, it seems a lot have changed in African football over the years, several years ago it was Eyimba football club of Aba that used to be the leading club from Nigeria, winning the CAF champions league twice, and later Tp Mazembe also dominated but for some time now they haven't been able to dominate the continent as they used to, rather it is the clubs from north Africa that now holds sway in the tournament, you have the likes of Al ahly of Egypt, Pyramids of Egypt, Ismaily of Egypt, Esperance of Tunisia etc, and this could be attributed to how well they are investing in football and other sports in their region.

You're right in terms of investment we can't compare any region in African football to the teams from North Africa these teams have invested so much in their league, most of the players from Northern African countries like Egypt, morroco, Algeria, Tunisia prefers to play at home this is because in terms of players well fair they are the best when it comes to Africa football. They have a good salary structure which is almost similar to that of Europe, in terms of infrastructures in the leagues of all North African countries they are second to none even in the world as it's on record that North African countries have some of the best stadiums in the world. Again football is run like a business in North African leagues so the North Africans will continue to dominate African football until other parts of the continent Wake up leagues like the Nigeria professional league is still very far from what is happening on ground.

[igebotz]

I was just about to mention this, that the difference and why they seem better than west African clubs is just the investment that they have made in technical facilities and the support they have, because if it is on the basis of talent, I know that they are not more talented than we are.

We have the players, but because of lack of technical support and facilities, we are still lagging.

Somehow the corruption in our government has found its way to sports.

Yes, We have the talents, but no development environment, and there is basically no chance of making it to the local leagues without a prominent background.  Some of the facilities in North African countries are FIFA-funded initiatives; we had the same opportunity, but our politicians took it to enrich themselves.

Hakimi may miss AFCON now which will severely affect Morocco’s chance of a good tournament.

Hard luck for Morocco and PSG - that was needless and unnecessary tackle from Diaz; 3 games ban is sometimes not enough for situations like this one.

[Zaguru12]

Yes, We have the talents, but no development environment, and there is basically no chance of making it to the local leagues without a prominent background.  Some of the facilities in North African countries are FIFA-funded initiatives; we had the same opportunity, but our politicians took it to enrich themselves.

It all bows to those at the affairs of the country, the other day I saw a stadium built for around $1.2m or is it more in Kebbi state and also there is one in Delta, the image I saw was a like a place that even some of us can contribute money and erect, I also heard that this was specifically done by FIFA themselves if it is so which I know it’s a lie isn’t it a very big embarrassment on our faces that FIFA build standards elsewhere but we are getting that kind of project.

For me I think the whole situation actually revolves round how we start treating our own local leagues and it only when we put the NPFL to standard that things will actually take shape.

Hard luck for Morocco and PSG - that was needless and unnecessary tackle from Diaz; 3 games ban is sometimes not enough for situations like this one.

This is very sad most especially with him currently the favourite for the CAF award for men player of the year ahead of close rivals Mo Salah and Victor Osimhen, if the award isn’t done before the AFCON tournament I was actually looking at his performance in the tournament been a boost for him to clinch the award.

[igebotz]

It all bows to those at the affairs of the country, the other day I saw a stadium built for around $1.2m or is it more in Kebbi state and also there is one in Delta, the image I saw was a like a place that even some of us can contribute money and erect, I also heard that this was specifically done by FIFA themselves if it is so which I know it’s a lie isn’t it a very big embarrassment on our faces that FIFA build standards elsewhere but we are getting that kind of project.

FIFA Wil never erect something like that for a million dollars- they were FIFA funded projects managed and constructed by the NFF- the rate of corruption in this present administration runs deep from top to bottom. Everything is seem as a national cake to them.

FIFA said they were going to send some delegates to investigate the situation - I expected our government to also set internal committee but nothing has been done

[Fiatless]

Well, it seems a lot have changed in African football over the years, several years ago it was Eyimba football club of Aba that used to be the leading club from Nigeria, winning the CAF champions league twice, and later Tp Mazembe also dominated but for some time now they haven't been able to dominate the continent as they used to, rather it is the clubs from north Africa that now holds sway in the tournament, you have the likes of Al ahly of Egypt, Pyramids of Egypt, Ismaily of Egypt, Esperance of Tunisia etc, and this could be attributed to how well they are investing in football and other sports in their region.

North Africans have always dominated the CAF Champions League. Al Ahly have won the competition 12 times, Zamalek - 5, Raja Casablanca-3,  Esperance-4, and so on. The North African local league can be compared to some European leagues in terms of quality. They will keep dominating the African football space until other regions wake up. 

[BIT-BENDER]

Well, it seems a lot have changed in African football over the years, several years ago it was Eyimba football club of Aba that used to be the leading club from Nigeria, winning the CAF champions league twice, and later Tp Mazembe also dominated but for some time now they haven't been able to dominate the continent as they used to, rather it is the clubs from north Africa that now holds sway in the tournament, you have the likes of Al ahly of Egypt, Pyramids of Egypt, Ismaily of Egypt, Esperance of Tunisia etc, and this could be attributed to how well they are investing in football and other sports in their region.

North Africans have always dominated the CAF Champions League. Al Ahly have won the competition 12 times, Zamalek - 5, Raja Casablanca-3,  Esperance-4, and so on. The North African local league can be compared to some European leagues in terms of quality. They will keep dominating the African football space until other regions wake up. 

Al Ahly is the king of the CAF champions league, right from time they have been the pinnacle team. Al Ahly is to the CAF champions league what Real Madrid is to the Uefa champions league.
But the continent of Africa club football is fast improving back then if. Team was home they are most likely to win the game because the hike influence on game in Africa is very serious, the referee even fears to be fair. All that is now going away and fairness in the game is now fast becoming a reality.

[Roseline492]

Looking at Group A where Rivers United fall in, the group is considered one of the toughest groups of the tournament. I don't know if Rivers United can come out victorious from that group. Let's keep our hope alive anyway because in football anything is possible. This is the second time Rivers United is to participate in the CAF Champions League. They did that in the 2018/2019 season with Lobi Stars. This time around they are the only Nigerian club representing Nigeria as a nation. They won't disappoint us in a hurry without qualifying from the group stage

I also have eyes on the same group because what Rivers United is going to see it not what we can say is going to be likely small because those clubs with them are the strong of there kind because those countries they come from does not have weak football system as our country is because everything to inspire them are all there to give them the courage but in Nigeria Rivers United cannot say the same but there growth come from there courage so is going to take them more to have another chance after qualifying on this group, although is unfortunate our familiarity to all this clubs on the same group with them is small to see how they can perform over them.

[Mr Reporter]

Looking at Group A where Rivers United fall in, the group is considered one of the toughest groups of the tournament. I don't know if Rivers United can come out victorious from that group. Let's keep our hope alive anyway because in football anything is possible. This is the second time Rivers United is to participate in the CAF Champions League. They did that in the 2018/2019 season with Lobi Stars. This time around they are the only Nigerian club representing Nigeria as a nation. They won't disappoint us in a hurry without qualifying from the group stage

I also have eyes on the same group because what Rivers United is going to see it not what we can say is going to be likely small because those clubs with them are the strong of there kind because those countries they come from does not have weak football system as our country is because everything to inspire them are all there to give them the courage but in Nigeria Rivers United cannot say the same but there growth come from there courage so is going to take them more to have another chance after qualifying on this group, although is unfortunate our familiarity to all this clubs on the same group with them is small to see how they can perform over them.

I think from what I saw Rivers United will face in the group stage, given the strength of their opponents.

The experience and infrastructure in countries like Morocco and Egypt can make a big difference. However, Rivers United's progress so far is a testament to their courage and determination.

It'll be interesting to see how they adapt and perform against these tough opponents.

[Nightwatchmare]

The total energy CAF confederation cup 2025/2026 have been concluded and and drawn into 4 groups. Which of the groups would you suppose the champions would come from as we await the amazing talents of Africa?

Nice to see a Nigerian team make it to the group stages of the CAF champions League, it's been a while that a Nigerian team made it to the group stages. Rivers United was able to make it to the group stages and has the chance to slug it out with the big teams in Africa.let see how well that they can perform because at this stage their main aim and target should be making it out of the group stages of this competition. But having the likes of Pyramids and Barkane will be a tough one for them.

Rivers United's achievement is definitely something to celebrate! Making it to the group stages of the CAF Champions League is no small feat, and they should be proud of their accomplishment. It'll be exciting to see how they perform against strong teams like Pyramids and Wydad Casablanca.

Reaching the group stages is just the first step, and navigating the competition won't be easy. Nonetheless, this is a great opportunity for Rivers United to gain valuable experience and showcase Nigerian football talent on a bigger stage.

I do not even know that Rivers United could make it to the group stage of the CAF confederation cup, because i see Rivers United as a small team in Nigeria Premier League, but seeing them as the only Nigerian team in the CAF confederation cup is a thing to celebrate because it is not easy to qualify for the CAF confederation cup. There are quite some strong teams in the CAF confederation cup, but for Rivers United to make it to the CAF confederation cup this time, it seems they have built up a formidable team that can compete in the CAF confederation cup. My fingers are crossed, and i am waiting for the CAF confederation cup to start so that i can see how Rivers United will perform.

[Lida93]

Well, it seems a lot have changed in African football over the years, several years ago it was Eyimba football club of Aba that used to be the leading club from Nigeria, winning the CAF champions league twice, and later Tp Mazembe also dominated but for some time now they haven't been able to dominate the continent as they used to, rather it is the clubs from north Africa that now holds sway in the tournament, you have the likes of Al ahly of Egypt, Pyramids of Egypt, Ismaily of Egypt, Esperance of Tunisia etc, and this could be attributed to how well they are investing in football and other sports in their region.

You're right in terms of investment we can't compare any region in African football to the teams from North Africa these teams have invested so much in their league, most of the players from Northern African countries like Egypt, morroco, Algeria, Tunisia prefers to play at home this is because in terms of players well fair they are the best when it comes to Africa football. They have a good salary structure which is almost similar to that of Europe, in terms of infrastructures in the leagues of all North African countries they are second to none even in the world as it's on record that North African countries have some of the best stadiums in the world. Again football is run like a business in North African leagues so the North Africans will continue to dominate African football until other parts of the continent Wake up leagues like the Nigeria professional league is still very far from what is happening on ground.

Of course, they're intentional about building their sports rank globally and has being why they give that much investment into making sure they stand high among other African regions. In Africa it seems the North Africa countries are the ones that value grassroots sports development beyond any other part of Africa and that's what has made some of their players feeling convenient playing in their domestic leagues without desperation to leave for Europe as we do on this side.

[Rruchi man]

In Africa it seems the North Africa countries are the ones that value grassroots sports development beyond any other part of Africa and that's what has made some of their players feeling convenient playing in their domestic leagues without desperation to leave for Europe as we do on this side.

I am trying to stay positive and believe that things will change in time. Other regions in Africa will actually have leaders who will see the importance of grassroots sports development and invest in it.

This may just be the turn of North Africa; maybe the south or the west will follow.

If there is investment in our grassroots sport development and these players no longer see a need to go play in other countries, it will have a good effect on the National team.

[SatoPrincess]

If there is investment in our grassroots sport development and these players no longer see a need to go play in other countries, it will have a good effect on the National team.

That’s a big “IF” because we have seen how much investment they put into sport development in the grassroots. It’s more than building stadiums that don’t exist, there is a lot of problems in the NPFL and I’d like them to start by fixing those issues. Players are underpaid in the NPFL, some clubs don’t even offer real contracts to players they just exploit these lads. If all these problems in the NPFL is not fixed, our best players will leave to play for even African leagues that offer them a good contract.

[Mayor of ogba]

If there is investment in our grassroots sport development and these players no longer see a need to go play in other countries, it will have a good effect on the National team.

Europa clubs and countries take good care of their injured players very well and pay their players very well, and players lives are more secure in Europe than in Nigeria, so even if there's a grassroots investment in sport development in the Nigeria Premier League, Nigerian players will always prefer playing in Europe because they know they will earn a big amount of money and live a good life if they play for any European club.

[Mr Reporter]

The total energy CAF confederation cup 2025/2026 have been concluded and and drawn into 4 groups. Which of the groups would you suppose the champions would come from as we await the amazing talents of Africa?

Nice to see a Nigerian team make it to the group stages of the CAF champions League, it's been a while that a Nigerian team made it to the group stages. Rivers United was able to make it to the group stages and has the chance to slug it out with the big teams in Africa.let see how well that they can perform because at this stage their main aim and target should be making it out of the group stages of this competition. But having the likes of Pyramids and Barkane will be a tough one for them.

Rivers United's achievement is definitely something to celebrate! Making it to the group stages of the CAF Champions League is no small feat, and they should be proud of their accomplishment. It'll be exciting to see how they perform against strong teams like Pyramids and Wydad Casablanca.

Reaching the group stages is just the first step, and navigating the competition won't be easy. Nonetheless, this is a great opportunity for Rivers United to gain valuable experience and showcase Nigerian football talent on a bigger stage.

I do not even know that Rivers United could make it to the group stage of the CAF confederation cup, because i see Rivers United as a small team in Nigeria Premier League, but seeing them as the only Nigerian team in the CAF confederation cup is a thing to celebrate because it is not easy to qualify for the CAF confederation cup. There are quite some strong teams in the CAF confederation cup, but for Rivers United to make it to the CAF confederation cup this time, it seems they have built up a formidable team that can compete in the CAF confederation cup. My fingers are crossed, and i am waiting for the CAF confederation cup to start so that i can see how Rivers United will perform.

See I tell you qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup is no easy feat or task, most especially considering how the strength of teams in the competition. Honestly speaking I must really say It's great to see Nigerian teams representing on the continental stage. Now we can now have our high hopes for their performance next time, and it's clear that is a thing of excitement to see them in action.

[snipie]

You are talking about CAF Champions League I suppose, because Rivers United is set to be in Group A there along with Power Dynamos from Zambia, Pyramids from Egypt and Berkane from Morocco.
I have only a limited knowledge about the Zambian teams but the other two from Egypt and Morocco aren't that bad generally and have a level that is not far from the Nigerian team.
I suppose Rivers can end up in one of the first two spots in this group.

[Agbamoni]

image source


As we all know the Super Eagles of Nigeria will face Gabon on Thursday 13th November, in the continental playoff of the 2026 World Cup. The players are on their way to Morocco for training before the match day. They have just 2 days left to train. The deal-day will decide if Nigeria might stand a chance to qualify for World Cup. What is your prediction for that game? Let me know what you think of the game as well.