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

[Spaceman1000$]

In recent times, it was Stephen Keshi who gave the highest slot to home-based players. He included six home-based players in the twenty-three-man squad that went to the African Cup of Nations in 2013. Players like Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars), Gabriel Reuben (Kano Pillars), Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers) and Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers). Sunday Mba had a good outing and scored an important goal.

Source

I pray may his soul rest in peace...Stephen Keshi was an amazing coach that had a good performance during his time with the super eagles and he was able to make an outstanding achievements compared to most of the coaches the Nigerian football association had hired since then. I am sure that if it was Stephen keshi that handle the super eagles for this world cup qualifier, they would have scaled through without bruises.

The NFF would have removed the coaching job from Keshi if he was still alive. if not, tell me why they didn't allow Austin Eguavon to just continue his good work. Whenever it comes to a home based coach, they will not like to give him a lasting contract. truth is, I don't see what Eric Chelle is doing that Austin Eguavon wouldn't have done better, because he would certainly known a lot of homebase Guys he could easily put into the team, unlike Chelle that is entirely interested in Europe based players, and it's not his fault because he doesn't know much about the local League.

[SatoPrincess]

I agree with you Rruchi man. Everything the NFF does is for their own benefit so I won’t be surprised if there is an ulterior motive for specifically looking for players abroad.

 I believe we have had this discussion about foreign players or home based players before on the other thread that was locked and I still stand on the opinion that what the Super Eagles needs right now is a overhaul of the current squad and bring in players from the NPFL. Those boys may lack the “exposure” but they will listen to the coach and give their very best to the team because for them it is the biggest stage of their career.

We don't need a totally home-based side. Check out the players of some African countries that are doing well; it's a combination of both home-based and abroad-based players. The Congolese have some players who switch from European countries to Congo. Other teams also have foreign-based players in their squad.  Super Eagles need a good coach who will not be under any form of control. Let him be allowed to choose the best players based on his discretion.

I guess we can agree to disagree. It doesn’t matter what other African teams are doing, Nigeria is a complex case and needs unique solutions to the problems we face. As for coach, it’s my opinion that Nigeria wouldn’t know a good manager even if they had one. I remember when Stephen Keshi was Super Eagles manager, the NFF, fans and media turned on him every time we lost a match, we didn’t really appreciate Keshi until he died.

[Callido]

The NFF would have removed the coaching job from Keshi if he was still alive. if not, tell me why they didn't allow Austin Eguavon to just continue his good work. Whenever it comes to a home based coach, they will not like to give him a lasting contract. truth is, I don't see what Eric Chelle is doing that Austin Eguavon wouldn't have done better, because he would certainly known a lot of homebase Guys he could easily put into the team, unlike Chelle that is entirely interested in Europe based players, and it's not his fault because he doesn't know much about the local League.

Complaining about manipulation in the NFF, if NFF should use a local based coach there will be much compromise, the local players in the team will also be by relationship and we won't get the best players from the Nigerian League. BUt how is it suppose to work when we have a complete Europe based players that are doing well, in the line of attack, who are they going to bench, the problem in the Nigerian team is far more than we can reason, home based players are not the solution and having a mix is the best which we already have.

[Mr Reporter]

In recent times, it was Stephen Keshi who gave the highest slot to home-based players. He included six home-based players in the twenty-three-man squad that went to the African Cup of Nations in 2013. Players like Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars), Gabriel Reuben (Kano Pillars), Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers) and Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers). Sunday Mba had a good outing and scored an important goal.

Source

I pray may his soul rest in peace...Stephen Keshi was an amazing coach that had a good performance during his time with the super eagles and he was able to make an outstanding achievements compared to most of the coaches the Nigerian football association had hired since then. I am sure that if it was Stephen keshi that handle the super eagles for this world cup qualifier, they would have scaled through without bruises.

The NFF would have removed the coaching job from Keshi if he was still alive. if not, tell me why they didn't allow Austin Eguavon to just continue his good work. Whenever it comes to a home based coach, they will not like to give him a lasting contract. truth is, I don't see what Eric Chelle is doing that Austin Eguavon wouldn't have done better, because he would certainly known a lot of homebase Guys he could easily put into the team, unlike Chelle that is entirely interested in Europe based players, and it's not his fault because he doesn't know much about the local League.

Well from my own side of view I think if Keshi were still around, the NFF might’ve shown him the door quicker than they did with Austin Eguavon. The federation tends to favour coaches with a European résumé, which is why Eric Chelle got the nod even though a home‑based guy like Eguavon could’ve tapped into the local talent pool.

[DiMarxist]

The NFF would have removed the coaching job from Keshi if he was still alive. if not, tell me why they didn't allow Austin Eguavon to just continue his good work. Whenever it comes to a home based coach, they will not like to give him a lasting contract. truth is, I don't see what Eric Chelle is doing that Austin Eguavon wouldn't have done better, because he would certainly known a lot of homebase Guys he could easily put into the team, unlike Chelle that is entirely interested in Europe based players, and it's not his fault because he doesn't know much about the local League.

Complaining about manipulation in the NFF, if NFF should use a local based coach there will be much compromise, the local players in the team will also be by relationship and we won't get the best players from the Nigerian League. BUt how is it suppose to work when we have a complete Europe based players that are doing well, in the line of attack, who are they going to bench, the problem in the Nigerian team is far more than we can reason, home based players are not the solution and having a mix is the best which we already have.

The major issue in the NFF is the personnels in that organization, they are corrupt and for the commission to do well, they have to restructure the commission and once that is done with a good leadership then restructuring the team should take place and that should be from the coach. Because the coach should know his players. For now the NFF is the problem before even the coach. Eric Chelle is not a bad Coach. He took over the team when it was already dying and he sustained the team to play the playoff stage which means he tried and if he coached the team from beginning he would have done well or better than this. NFF play politics with the team so the result is clear for them now.

Augustine Eguavoen was also a good interim coach before Eric Chelle came. And if Nigeria is going to select a home base coach, he is also good to select.

[Emjay24]

The NFF would have removed the coaching job from Keshi if he was still alive. if not, tell me why they didn't allow Austin Eguavon to just continue his good work. Whenever it comes to a home based coach, they will not like to give him a lasting contract. truth is, I don't see what Eric Chelle is doing that Austin Eguavon wouldn't have done better, because he would certainly known a lot of homebase Guys he could easily put into the team, unlike Chelle that is entirely interested in Europe based players, and it's not his fault because he doesn't know much about the local League.

Complaining about manipulation in the NFF, if NFF should use a local based coach there will be much compromise, the local players in the team will also be by relationship and we won't get the best players from the Nigerian League. BUt how is it suppose to work when we have a complete Europe based players that are doing well, in the line of attack, who are they going to bench, the problem in the Nigerian team is far more than we can reason, home based players are not the solution and having a mix is the best which we already have.

The major issue in the NFF is the personnels in that organization, they are corrupt and for the commission to do well, they have to restructure the commission and once that is done with a good leadership then restructuring the team should take place and that should be from the coach. Because the coach should know his players. For now the NFF is the problem before even the coach. Eric Chelle is not a bad Coach. He took over the team when it was already dying and he sustained the team to play the playoff stage which means he tried and if he coached the team from beginning he would have done well or better than this. NFF play politics with the team so the result is clear for them now.

Augustine Eguavoen was also a good interim coach before Eric Chelle came. And if Nigeria is going to select a home base coach, he is also good to select.

NFF is already more than compromised and if something could be done about it, then they would have to wait for the next administration and not with this president that is only concerned on how to tax the citizens more and how to win the next election. NFF has been the problem from the onset, dating back to when the boys won the AFCON, even when they went for their last world cup, they were denied their bonuses and I'm not sure they were later paid.  The football body continues deteriorating and I'm not surprised these players don't really give their best since they are not adequately compensated, the bad thing is that it's always the coach who bears the blame for bad performance

[7juju]

We don't need a totally home-based side. Check out the players of some African countries that are doing well; it's a combination of both home-based and abroad-based players. The Congolese have some players who switch from European countries to Congo. Other teams also have foreign-based players in their squad.  Super Eagles need a good coach who will not be under any form of control. Let him be allowed to choose the best players based on his discretion.

I guess we can agree to disagree. It doesn’t matter what other African teams are doing, Nigeria is a complex case and needs unique solutions to the problems we face. As for coach, it’s my opinion that Nigeria wouldn’t know a good manager even if they had one. I remember when Stephen Keshi was Super Eagles manager, the NFF, fans and media turned on him every time we lost a match, we didn’t really appreciate Keshi until he died.

Don't say we didn't appreciate the late Stephen Keshi, he still remains one of the best coaches that Nigeria ever had. We appreciated everything he done for the super eagles. One thing is just that as fans we always want more but that doesn't mean we don't appreciate. Stephen Keshi won us the 2013 AFCON. If fans can turn on coaches like Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and others who has won trophies for their clubs, I don't see any coach that will be immune from fans turning against them. Even though some will perceive such criticism as turning against the coach, but it is not entirely true. Deep down we fans know the coach that has done well for us. Till tomorrow late Stephen Keshi is one of the best we ever had.

[Nightwatchmare]

The NFF would have removed the coaching job from Keshi if he was still alive. if not, tell me why they didn't allow Austin Eguavon to just continue his good work. Whenever it comes to a home based coach, they will not like to give him a lasting contract. truth is, I don't see what Eric Chelle is doing that Austin Eguavon wouldn't have done better, because he would certainly known a lot of homebase Guys he could easily put into the team, unlike Chelle that is entirely interested in Europe based players, and it's not his fault because he doesn't know much about the local League.

Complaining about manipulation in the NFF, if NFF should use a local based coach there will be much compromise, the local players in the team will also be by relationship and we won't get the best players from the Nigerian League. BUt how is it suppose to work when we have a complete Europe based players that are doing well, in the line of attack, who are they going to bench, the problem in the Nigerian team is far more than we can reason, home based players are not the solution and having a mix is the best which we already have.

The major issue in the NFF is the personnels in that organization, they are corrupt and for the commission to do well, they have to restructure the commission and once that is done with a good leadership then restructuring the team should take place and that should be from the coach. Because the coach should know his players. For now the NFF is the problem before even the coach. Eric Chelle is not a bad Coach. He took over the team when it was already dying and he sustained the team to play the playoff stage which means he tried and if he coached the team from beginning he would have done well or better than this. NFF play politics with the team so the result is clear for them now.

Augustine Eguavoen was also a good interim coach before Eric Chelle came. And if Nigeria is going to select a home base coach, he is also good to select.

NFF is already more than compromised and if something could be done about it, then they would have to wait for the next administration and not with this president that is only concerned on how to tax the citizens more and how to win the next election. NFF has been the problem from the onset, dating back to when the boys won the AFCON, even when they went for their last world cup, they were denied their bonuses and I'm not sure they were later paid.  The football body continues deteriorating and I'm not surprised these players don't really give their best since they are not adequately compensated, the bad thing is that it's always the coach who bears the blame for bad performance

I do not even think changing of the NFF officials will bring a change in how the NFF treats the Nigeria players if Nigeria doesn't have a good president that has his people at heart, because if a good man is voted in as the NFF president and he refuses to dance to the tone of Nigeria's politicians, they might remove him and install a care taking president that will dance to their tone. I think if the NFF had not paid the super eagles players the bonuses they denied them when they represented Nigeria in the 2018 fifa world cup in Russia, the super eagles players could have not continued playing for Nigeria.

[SatoPrincess]

Well from my own side of view I think if Keshi were still around, the NFF might’ve shown him the door quicker than they did with Austin Eguavon. The federation tends to favour coaches with a European résumé, which is why Eric Chelle got the nod even though a home‑based guy like Eguavon could’ve tapped into the local talent pool.

It’s not just about European resume, the NFF likes managers that they can boss around. Stephen Keshi was a good manager but he didn’t have it smooth with the NFF during his campaign as Super Eagles manager. Keshi was sacked in 2015, mainly because the NFF turned on him and also used the media to turn the fans against him. It wasn’t long before we realized we needed Keshi and the NFF had to beg him to return.

[Tonimez]

Well from my own side of view I think if Keshi were still around, the NFF might’ve shown him the door quicker than they did with Austin Eguavon. The federation tends to favour coaches with a European résumé, which is why Eric Chelle got the nod even though a home‑based guy like Eguavon could’ve tapped into the local talent pool.

It’s not just about European resume, the NFF likes managers that they can boss around. Stephen Keshi was a good manager but he didn’t have it smooth with the NFF during his campaign as Super Eagles manager. Keshi was sacked in 2015, mainly because the NFF turned on him and also used the media to turn the fans against him. It wasn’t long before we realized we needed Keshi and the NFF had to beg him to return.

Truth be told, the NFF that we know would never allow any coach stay that long. The Nigerian factor is that every post is politicised and anyone that gets into the system has a given number of days they would allow you. Fans all understood how good keshi was and being the only local coach to win the AFCON he deserved more. I believe he didn't have enough recommendations after his death and he is long forgotten. The way the NFF sacks coaches and make their appointments are not very transparent. The way Genot Rhor was sacked to me was very uncalled for. Super eagles were not doing bad and I think he didn't perform badly because I believe he was doing a good job with the super eagles. He qualified Nigeria for 2 AFCON tournament and secured a bronze in 2019.

Sometimes it's not about sacking coaches, it's about handling the internal issues. When players welfare is not well taken care of, then they will hardly deliver at the pitch. Keshi that won a trophy even faced several treatments that was not called for.

[Roseline492]

I think if the NFF had not paid the super eagles players the bonuses they denied them when they represented Nigeria in the 2018 fifa world cup in Russia, the super eagles players could have not continued playing for Nigeria.

That would have been the last time you could have seen any of those players in any of the super eagles matches because they will just stop playing for Nigeria, perhaps it could have lead to building another team from scratch and that may have been the end of our good name in Africa because what those players could have been performing might be very poor compare to how it is now, although there is no how they wouldn't have paid them because it will create a serious tension on the NFF and questioning so that's why they responded and even on this last one that they demanded this season.

[Callido]

I do not even think changing of the NFF officials will bring a change in how the NFF treats the Nigeria players if Nigeria doesn't have a good president that has his people at heart, because if a good man is voted in as the NFF president and he refuses to dance to the tone of Nigeria's politicians, they might remove him and install a care taking president that will dance to their tone. I think if the NFF had not paid the super eagles players the bonuses they denied them when they represented Nigeria in the 2018 fifa world cup in Russia, the super eagles players could have not continued playing for Nigeria.

The president of Nigeria has nothing to do directly with the affairs of the NFF, that is the reason why the NFF have its own president to regulate how the federation functions. Government is divided into branches, issues concerning football should be dealt with the NFF, if there is any failure on their end then it should be resolved by the federation.

The problem we are facing right now, is coming from the federation failing to control the system appropriately, if they do things right we will succeed, allocation of funds isn't a problem either, NFF tries to manipulate the system to earn from it.

[Mr Reporter]

Well from my own side of view I think if Keshi were still around, the NFF might’ve shown him the door quicker than they did with Austin Eguavon. The federation tends to favour coaches with a European résumé, which is why Eric Chelle got the nod even though a home‑based guy like Eguavon could’ve tapped into the local talent pool.

It’s not just about European resume, the NFF likes managers that they can boss around. Stephen Keshi was a good manager but he didn’t have it smooth with the NFF during his campaign as Super Eagles manager. Keshi was sacked in 2015, mainly because the NFF turned on him and also used the media to turn the fans against him. It wasn’t long before we realized we needed Keshi and the NFF had to beg him to return.

I have come to totally agree that the NFF does seem to gravitate toward coaches they can keep on a tight leash, and Keshi’s roller‑coaster tenure is a prime infact like for example. He delivered results when given space, but the constant media push and boardroom politics made it hard for him to thrive and this was kind so good like that, so to me I feel like there’s no need of having him to get back to the team now.

[snipie]

Anyone following FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar? There are some african teams playing there like Morocco, Algeria and Egypt. The timing of this competition is so bad because many professional players cannot join their national teams without the permission of their clubs. Thus the performance of many teams are lower than usual especially Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt.
I followed the second half of Algeria - Sudan match and I am shocked about the Algerian team. They wouldn't pass any step toward the World Cup without its main squad. The players there were barely holding the ball and Sudanese kept pushing. We forgot at some point that there is a goalkeeper in the other side!

[Mate2237]

Anyone following FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar? There are some african teams playing there like Morocco, Algeria and Egypt. The timing of this competition is so bad because many professional players cannot join their national teams without the permission of their clubs. Thus the performance of many teams are lower than usual especially Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt.
I followed the second half of Algeria - Sudan match and I am shocked about the Algerian team. They wouldn't pass any step toward the World Cup without its main squad. The players there were barely holding the ball and Sudanese kept pushing. We forgot at some point that there is a goalkeeper in the other side!

I have been seen this competition on the live score anytime am checking my game but I have not given much attention to it. I was thinking that the competition was meant for clubs sides but if it's meant for national teams you don't expect clubs to release their players for this types of competition with all due respect to the competition. Because the fact is the international window is always busy with qualifiers and friendly so releasing players for this types of competition will be too burdensome in the part of the players.



Since this competition is for Arad nations it's more of a friendly game's that are been played by these Arab countries, there is nothing much serious about it so no need of bringing the players that are playing in Europe and other parts of the world the home based players should be okay for this competition.

[Mayor of ogba]

I agree with you Rruchi man. Everything the NFF does is for their own benefit so I won’t be surprised if there is an ulterior motive for specifically looking for players abroad.

 I believe we have had this discussion about foreign players or home based players before on the other thread that was locked and I still stand on the opinion that what the Super Eagles needs right now is a overhaul of the current squad and bring in players from the NPFL. Those boys may lack the “exposure” but they will listen to the coach and give their very best to the team because for them it is the biggest stage of their career.

We don't need a totally home-based side. Check out the players of some African countries that are doing well; it's a combination of both home-based and abroad-based players. The Congolese have some players who switch from European countries to Congo. Other teams also have foreign-based players in their squad.  Super Eagles need a good coach who will not be under any form of control. Let him be allowed to choose the best players based on his discretion.

Do you think this will be possible for the Super Eagles to get a coach that the NFF wouldn't manipulate. I don't know why the country cares less about good reputation and prefer to do things in the wrong way that will affect the country’s stand in football. I feel everything about the NFF is sick until, they flush out the entire system in Nigeria leaders and NFF leaders before the Super Eagles will fly higher.

I think it won't be possible for the Super Eagles to get a coach that the NFF wouldn't manipulate because any coach that will coach the Super Eagles will have to sign a contract, and the NFF can make the contract in such a way that it will be suitable for them to manipulate any coach who will coach the Super Eagles.

[IceLincoln]

We don't need a totally home-based side. Check out the players of some African countries that are doing well; it's a combination of both home-based and abroad-based players. The Congolese have some players who switch from European countries to Congo. Other teams also have foreign-based players in their squad.  Super Eagles need a good coach who will not be under any form of control. Let him be allowed to choose the best players based on his discretion.

I guess we can agree to disagree. It doesn’t matter what other African teams are doing, Nigeria is a complex case and needs unique solutions to the problems we face. As for coach, it’s my opinion that Nigeria wouldn’t know a good manager even if they had one. I remember when Stephen Keshi was Super Eagles manager, the NFF, fans and media turned on him every time we lost a match, we didn’t really appreciate Keshi until he died.

Don't say we didn't appreciate the late Stephen Keshi, he still remains one of the best coaches that Nigeria ever had. We appreciated everything he done for the super eagles. One thing is just that as fans we always want more but that doesn't mean we don't appreciate. Stephen Keshi won us the 2013 AFCON. If fans can turn on coaches like Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and others who has won trophies for their clubs, I don't see any coach that will be immune from fans turning against them. Even though some will perceive such criticism as turning against the coach, but it is not entirely true. Deep down we fans know the coach that has done well for us. Till tomorrow late Stephen Keshi is one of the best we ever had.

Well said &7Juju, it’s not for lack of appreciation unless it’s from the NFF and Nigerian government. I know for a fact the streets will never forget what Stephen Keshi did for us as a country not only did he win the 2013 AFCON he also won bronze medal in the CHAN competition in 2014. The man is a legend for Nigeria.

We can’t dispute what he’s done but we fans always demand more and that’s the truth but after when the heat has cooled off once you mention Stephen Keshi’s name anywhere it commands respect.
The only African Coach to qualify two different teams to the World Cup and 2 times best Coach in the continent.

[Ronsbit]

I agree with you Rruchi man. Everything the NFF does is for their own benefit so I won’t be surprised if there is an ulterior motive for specifically looking for players abroad.

 I believe we have had this discussion about foreign players or home based players before on the other thread that was locked and I still stand on the opinion that what the Super Eagles needs right now is a overhaul of the current squad and bring in players from the NPFL. Those boys may lack the “exposure” but they will listen to the coach and give their very best to the team because for them it is the biggest stage of their career.

We don't need a totally home-based side. Check out the players of some African countries that are doing well; it's a combination of both home-based and abroad-based players. The Congolese have some players who switch from European countries to Congo. Other teams also have foreign-based players in their squad.  Super Eagles need a good coach who will not be under any form of control. Let him be allowed to choose the best players based on his discretion.

I guess we can agree to disagree. It doesn’t matter what other African teams are doing, Nigeria is a complex case and needs unique solutions to the problems we face. As for coach, it’s my opinion that Nigeria wouldn’t know a good manager even if they had one. I remember when Stephen Keshi was Super Eagles manager, the NFF, fans and media turned on him every time we lost a match, we didn’t really appreciate Keshi until he died.

A parable says, "You will not know the value of what you have till you lose it." That was the case between Keshi and the NFF. It was after his death that was when they realised that they had lost a rare gem who meant well for the football association of Nigeria. He put his best into making sure that during his time as a coach, his team won a trophy, which he achieved. Although he lost matches and won as well, that was just how the system works. However, his legacy still Lves on!

[Agbamoni]

SportsSuper Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong retires from international football at 32



William Ekong has decided to retire from international football at 32. He is no longer the Super Eagles captain, and he won't be playing the AFCON.
Who will be the next Super Eagle captain? I nominate Iwobi?

https://hallmarknews.com/super-eagles-captain-william-troost-ekong-retires-from-international-football-at-32/

[Adbitco]

A parable says, "You will not know the value of what you have till you lose it." That was the case between Keshi and the NFF. It was after his death that was when they realised that they had lost a rare gem who meant well for the football association of Nigeria. He put his best into making sure that during his time as a coach, his team won a trophy, which he achieved. Although he lost matches and won as well, that was just how the system works. However, his legacy still Lves on!

Steven Keshi, oh I remember him a little bit though. He was once the coach of Togo and was even the person to help qualify Togo to their first ever world cup and till now they haven't qualified for it. He took over the Nigerian national team aged NFF sacked Samson Siasia, I think around 2011 or so. Keshi still remains the only Nigerian to have won the Nations cup as a player and as a coach. At his time with the national team, there was some stability and a sense of believing in the national team again. Yes, as at then I was more comfortable with the team than of today.