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

[Nightwatchmare]

See Victor Osimhen is that Player that when he plays for you there’s no competition, he’s our Messi(unless he’s injured) there might be other available strikers but he overshadows them with his performance, we have a lot of strikers in his position but none is able to take up the mantle when he’s not there. But good a thing we have Akor Adams now, his stats is impressive for the Eagles, and there’s Cyriel Dessers I don’t know why he’s not been called up for serious matches.
We have so many strikers who do so well in their clubs but deem when it comes to Super Eagles…..

Messi and Osimhen doesn't play the same place but I full understand the context of your post. Messi the hope of Argentina like Osimhen is the hope of Nigerian but we can't do anything without good wings, center back left back right Bach and many other teams. If you are going to score a goal which we already have Osimhen, we should have another Osimhen that should do the rest of the job otherwise, we are not winning any game, it's going to be the same story.

I have heard rumors that Nigeria is going to qualify for world cup is Dr Congo is disqualify. Alright let assume this people disqualified, what will Nigeria go and do in this world cup. If we pass the group stage I tell you it's going to be by the grace of God. I don't like it when we have false hope unless the fans want to use the opportunity to go and flex and also have some fun.

Victor Osimhen is capable of helping the super eagles of Nigeria win a lot of matches, but if the super eagles of Nigeria must win the Afcon, other players needs to up their game so that the pressure will not only be on Victor Osimhen, and if Victor Osimhen does not help the super eagles of Nigeria win matches, other players can help the super eagles of Nigeria win matches, and it will help to improve the performance of the super eagles of Nigeria. I know the super eagles fans will be busy firing prayers so the D.R. Congo will be disqualified for them to take the place of D.R. Congo and qualify for the world cup.

[Spaceman1000$]

The Super Eagles are now in Morocco in readiness for the competition. In your opinion, do you think the Super Eagles are ready? Because I like to hope they are.

One major tip for our coach is that he should manage Osimhen's time in the games since the team looks up to him and he may not have had the time with the team to correct that mentality. He should not be kept to play full time, and there should be another striker to support him so he does not have to be running around so hard. If he is fit all through the competition, as much as I don't like to say it because I don't like the idea of a team depending on one man, but we will have a better chance.

Depending only on Osimhen is not good because if he gets injured, it will affect their performance badly. Does it mean that there are no committed players that are eager to support the team and make sure that they have a good advantage over their opponents on the pitch. Does it mean that there are no players hungry for goals.

If it so, it means that all the Super Eagle players should be flushed out of the team because they're the worst ever since history. Maybe, we should start depending on our home based players who are still very eager to advertise themselves to the world.

In football sometimes the absence of the talisman create avenue for others to strive, I've watched football for long time and I've noticed this, I remember when Ronaldo was injured and was brought out in crucial Portugal game, the rest of the players took on and later won that game. There is no doubt that Osimhen's presence will definitely be an additional advantage, but if it comes to a situation where he is not available, the available guys will become the desirable because we still have topnotch strikers too in that team.

[Btcdeybodi]

There is no doubt that Osimhen's presence will definitely be an additional advantage, but if it comes to a situation where he is not available, the available guys will become the desirable because we still have topnotch strikers too in that team.

The Super Eagles can do without Osimhen if he gets injured but i just like the influence of the striker because he has an aura that is very distinctive from the rest of the squad. I pray he doesn't get injured to that he can showcase his best performance all through the tournament but the only doubt am having is that Victor Osimhen may not be lively for the Super Eagles again because his morale reduced after the World Cup qualifier matches when Nigeria couldn't make it to the 2026 FIFA world cup.

[yixichloro2xx]

See Victor Osimhen is that Player that when he plays for you there’s no competition, he’s our Messi(unless he’s injured) there might be other available strikers but he overshadows them with his performance, we have a lot of strikers in his position but none is able to take up the mantle when he’s not there. But good a thing we have Akor Adams now, his stats is impressive for the Eagles, and there’s Cyriel Dessers I don’t know why he’s not been called up for serious matches.
We have so many strikers who do so well in their clubs but deem when it comes to Super Eagles…..

Messi and Osimhen doesn't play the same place but I full understand the context of your post. Messi the hope of Argentina like Osimhen is the hope of Nigerian but we can't do anything without good wings, center back left back right Bach and many other teams. If you are going to score a goal which we already have Osimhen, we should have another Osimhen that should do the rest of the job otherwise, we are not winning any game, it's going to be the same story.

I have heard rumors that Nigeria is going to qualify for world cup is Dr Congo is disqualify. Alright let assume this people disqualified, what will Nigeria go and do in this world cup. If we pass the group stage I tell you it's going to be by the grace of God. I don't like it when we have false hope unless the fans want to use the opportunity to go and flex and also have some fun.

Victor Osimhen is capable of helping the super eagles of Nigeria win a lot of matches, but if the super eagles of Nigeria must win the Afcon, other players needs to up their game so that the pressure will not only be on Victor Osimhen, and if Victor Osimhen does not help the super eagles of Nigeria win matches, other players can help the super eagles of Nigeria win matches, and it will help to improve the performance of the super eagles of Nigeria. I know the super eagles fans will be busy firing prayers so the D.R. Congo will be disqualified for them to take the place of D.R. Congo and qualify for the world cup.

What you just said is main reason we lost that world cup qualifer to Dr congo. We were playing good but immediately Oshimen was subbed out it was like the rest players switch button was turned off. Eric Chelle has lot of work to do before the Afcon starts, that dependency on oshimen must be reduced, so that they can Play well Incase Oshimen get injured. Then I hope FIFA do their investigation on that Dr Congo properly, if they were found guilty they should removed asap so that we take that spot. The Nff must fight this case to the very end.

[Cookdata]

Victor Osimhen is capable of helping the super eagles of Nigeria win a lot of matches, but if the super eagles of Nigeria must win the Afcon, other players needs to up their game so that the pressure will not only be on Victor Osimhen, and if Victor Osimhen does not help the super eagles of Nigeria win matches, other players can help the super eagles of Nigeria win matches, and it will help to improve the performance of the super eagles of Nigeria. I know the super eagles fans will be busy firing prayers so the D.R. Congo will be disqualified for them to take the place of D.R. Congo and qualify for the world cup.

Osimhen can't wine every tournament for the team alone, he needs to be with the team to be able to achieve that. I can remember how he has lifted some trophies from his clubs but when he comes to super eagles, there is this connection that is not there within the team and that shows Osimhen isn't can't do alone, he isn't like some versatile wings that can makes goal on their own, he need an assist to be able to make a finish and this super eagles don't have that energy.

Prayers don't win leagues, it's the actions of players that make them to win the trophies, there is nothing they can do if they don't do the actions. If you put in good action, there is going to be a reaction definitely but if you put less action you are going to get bad result. They should leave Dr.congo and focus on Afcon, that's the only thing they have now.

[Mr Reporter]

Ahmed Musa has announced his retirement from international football this morning via his social media accounts. I feel nostalgic thinking about Musa’s time in the Super Eagles, his era was one of pure joy. Musa’s goal against Argentina in 2014 is GOATed and lives rent-free in my head

I still vividly remember our number 7, Musa himself, there was a time I once considered him best player in our team and that was when I was still supporting the Super Eagles and watching most of their matches. I didn't really get to wat Nigeria during Kanu, Okacha, West, Victor, Yobo etc, these guys were the people I mostly only watched their replays and not the real action. But I remember watching Musa very well. Congratulations to him on his retirement, his one of the players that played for team with his whole heart.

Well from a fact I think Mr Musa was one of the greatest players Nigeria super eagle had back then which in truth he try he possibly best to help see the super eagles grow well on their stand, he has really done a wonderful job congratulations to he, well just as you have made mention of back then when the Nigeria super eagle’s were the know for the super eagles their where know of having this good vibe of playing well and they brought home many wards back home then, infact I was still young but when we hear the old super eagles are having match it was really a show then and people do leave their work place to come and see them play and honestly speaking they made us very proud back then I saw the engine in their back then, not now that most of their funds taken them alway.

[Asiska02]

I still vividly remember our number 7, Musa himself, there was a time I once considered him best player in our team and that was when I was still supporting the Super Eagles and watching most of their matches. I didn't really get to wat Nigeria during Kanu, Okacha, West, Victor, Yobo etc, these guys were the people I mostly only watched their replays and not the real action. But I remember watching Musa very well. Congratulations to him on his retirement, his one of the players that played for team with his whole heart.

Ahmed Musa has contributed really well to the national team and I would say during his time, he gave it all to the national team and needs to be well presided for a job well done. I was able to watch him from playing with the under-17 teams to when he rose to the national team.

One of the matches I would praise him well was in the World Cup against Argentina when we played in the same group. He scored brace in that match. Anytime Messi’s scores for Argentina, we had Ahmed Musa equalize the game for us again that was one of the best time prime in his career. Unfortunately we lose the match 3-2 times them but the entertainment he gave us that day was worth it and we all were happy to watch such a young talent then in the World Cup representing our team.

Also in the last AFCON, he showed some character that was worth emulating. He didn’t get to play any of the matches even though he’s among the players in the squad. He stood in the touch line and hail his teammates very well during matches, and we were able to make it to the finals even though we didn’t win the title and lost in the finals. Ahmed Musa gave his all to the national team and one of the best players to have played for the national team he is. I wish his the best as he retires from the national team.

[Mate2237]

Congratulations to former super eagles Captain Ahmed Musa for calling it a day with football to me he is one of the greatest players that the super eagles has produced so far. I can still remember the Nigeria vs Argentina game in the world cup were he dazzled scoring against Argentina. Popularly known in Nigeria as Okada due to his fast speed which always made in to stand out, Musa greatest asset as a player was his speed and that really worked for him as he tormented the defense line of teams with his speed.



Calling it a day after so many years in the game is a welcome development, one thing I liked about Musa was him coming back to the Nigerian league were he started this shows that he really respects and value his home country football. Another good thing about this player is his big heart to help others which he has done when ever the need arise, good luck to him as he ventures into other aspects of life.

[Abu-Naim]

Ahmed Musa has announced his retirement from international football this morning via his social media accounts. I feel nostalgic thinking about Musa’s time in the Super Eagles, his era was one of pure joy. Musa’s goal against Argentina in 2014 is GOATed and lives rent-free in my head

I don’t know what qualifies a player to be a legend, but he is a good player that has done good for Nigeria especially in special matches when we needed exceptional performance. Argentina game was one of the matches we will forever keep remembering him because he keeps our gos alive when Messi was scoring in the game; he was there for the country until some time when decides to leave the national team when he didn’t get called up and maybe he is not useful because the coaches do keep off the bench mostly that’s why he decided to go back to his childhood team Kano Pillers and he has now decided to leave professional football all forever. Congratulations to him, I wish him all the best, and favorable life after his retirement.

[nelson4lov]

I don’t know what qualifies a player to be a legend, but he is a good player that has done good for Nigeria especially in special matches when we needed exceptional performance. Argentina game was one of the matches we will forever keep remembering him because he keeps our gos alive when Messi was scoring in the game; he was there for the country until some time when decides to leave the national team when he didn’t get called up and maybe he is not useful because the coaches do keep off the bench mostly that’s why he decided to go back to his childhood team Kano Pillers and he has now decided to leave professional football all forever. Congratulations to him, I wish him all the best, and favorable life after his retirement.

Qualifications for legend title is actually subjective and herd mentality often applies afterward (when a couple of people believes a player is a legend, others tend to agrees). In my books, as long as a player gave everything he had to the team, club and the badge, he or she is a legend. I know there are passionate players but not all give everything for the badge. See players like Ronaldo >Real Madrid, Messi > Barcelona, Steven Gerrard > Liverpool, Drogba > Chelsea. Admed Musa > Super Eagles.

Many of such cases. That's why Admed Musa is a legend in my books. A lot of players play passionate football but only few would give it all for the badge and Musa was one of them as evident in the last AFCON.

[IjawMan]

Ahmed Musa has announced his retirement from international football this morning via his social media accounts. I feel nostalgic thinking about Musa’s time in the Super Eagles, his era was one of pure joy. Musa’s goal against Argentina in 2014 is GOATed and lives rent-free in my head

What really made me fall in love with this A. Musa was his dedication to the national team, though he was not as skillful as a winger should be but he was very good at what he does in the pitch,

Nowadays it is very hard to find such level of dedication and zeal amongst the super eagles players which is what you see the Super Eagles finding it difficult to qualify for important tournaments like the world cup for the second consecutive time.

Honestly I'm pained Nigeria could not qualify for the world cup the second time in a row with the stars we have playing in the elite clubs in Europe.

[Joy- maker]

Osimhen can't wine every tournament for the team alone, he needs to be with the team to be able to achieve that. I can remember how he has lifted some trophies from his clubs but when he comes to super eagles, there is this connection that is not there within the team and that shows Osimhen isn't can't do alone, he isn't like some versatile wings that can makes goal on their own, he need an assist to be able to make a finish and this super eagles don't have that energy.

Prayers don't win leagues, it's the actions of players that make them to win the trophies, there is nothing they can do if they don't do the actions. If you put in good action, there is going to be a reaction definitely but if you put less action you are going to get bad result. They should leave Dr.congo and focus on Afcon, that's the only thing they have now.

You really made a very good observations, I have been watching super Eagles play, but I haven't observed this. And Sincerely speaking there is no connection between Victor osimhen and the team, and this need to be corrected, the team are always leaving Victor osimhen to finish up everything and score goal, but I don't think he has that capacity, he need assistance from the team and the team have faid to understand that.

It's not longer hiding that super Eagles and Nigerians are praying serious for DR Congo to be disqualify from participating in the coming 2026 FIFA world cup, although I'm not really up to date to know if super Eagles and Nigerians prayers has been answered or not. But if their prayers final get answered, if the super Eagles are not still organised, they won't make any impact the coming 2026 FIFA world cup.

[SatoPrincess]

In football sometimes the absence of the talisman create avenue for others to strive, I've watched football for long time and I've noticed this, I remember when Ronaldo was injured and was brought out in crucial Portugal game, the rest of the players took on and later won that game. There is no doubt that Osimhen's presence will definitely be an additional advantage, but if it comes to a situation where he is not available, the available guys will become the desirable because we still have topnotch strikers too in that team.

You can’t use one-case scenario to judge football. I remember the match you’re talking about quite well. It was the 2016 Euro Final Portugal vs France. At the time, the rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo was fierce and it was an opportunity for Ronaldo to win his first international trophy (a feat Messi had not yet achieved at the time). The players gave their all and won the trophy for Ronaldo. Even when he was subbed, he was standing in the sidelines encouraging the players as if he was the coach. It was a beautiful moment in football. I would say that match was more about Ronaldo than Portugal.

[MainIbem]

In football sometimes the absence of the talisman create avenue for others to strive, I've watched football for long time and I've noticed this, I remember when Ronaldo was injured and was brought out in crucial Portugal game, the rest of the players took on and later won that game. There is no doubt that Osimhen's presence will definitely be an additional advantage, but if it comes to a situation where he is not available, the available guys will become the desirable because we still have topnotch strikers too in that team.

You can’t use one-case scenario to judge football. I remember the match you’re talking about quite well. It was the 2016 Euro Final Portugal vs France. At the time, the rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo was fierce and it was an opportunity for Ronaldo to win his first international trophy (a feat Messi had not yet achieved at the time). The players gave their all and won the trophy for Ronaldo. Even when he was subbed, he was standing in the sidelines encouraging the players as if he was the coach. It was a beautiful moment in football. I would say that match was more about Ronaldo than Portugal.

In other words, are you trying to say that other players should rely on Osimhen and when he's not available they should relent and lose a match? Make me understand you cause I don't seem to understand your point. I totally agree with Spaceman1000$ that where Osimhen is not available, "the available players becomes the desired" and those players should be motivated to try win the match for their talisman and give him hope that the team would survive when he's not available, just like the Portuguese players did it for Ronaldo in the 2016 Euro Final.

[Nightwatchmare]

There is no doubt that Osimhen's presence will definitely be an additional advantage, but if it comes to a situation where he is not available, the available guys will become the desirable because we still have topnotch strikers too in that team.

The Super Eagles can do without Osimhen if he gets injured but i just like the influence of the striker because he has an aura that is very distinctive from the rest of the squad. I pray he doesn't get injured to that he can showcase his best performance all through the tournament but the only doubt am having is that Victor Osimhen may not be lively for the Super Eagles again because his morale reduced after the World Cup qualifier matches when Nigeria couldn't make it to the 2026 FIFA world cup.

If the super eagles of Nigeria can get a player that can replace Victor Osimhen if he gets injured, the super eagles of Nigeria can do without Victor Osimhen, but it is always good for a team to have a player that can perform magic in difficult situations, so even if the super eagles of Nigeria can do without Victor Osimhen, Victor Osimhen should not be injured in the Afcon because at some point the super eagles of Nigeria could need his help to move forward in the Afcon. For the fact that Victor Osimhen is still scoring goals for Galatasaray, i believe that the super eagles of Nigeria failure's to qualify for the world cup will not affect Victor Osimhen's performance in the Afcon.

[Agbe]

Will Nigeria Super Eagles Qualify in the 2026 World Cup?

Things are about to turn around for good for Super Eagles to join the World. I was watching Arise TV this morning and the National Chairman of Sports Commission was answering Some questions from the Journalists and one of them was saying it is very bad that Nigeria is trying to join the World Cup in a Corner Corner way, instead of beating Dr. Congo black blue to qualify. And the Chairman said, they are not joining the World Cup in a corner corner way but it is part of the law in FIFA.

I first saw the information on ads. And later watched it on Arise TV. Nigeria is paying her way in to the World Cup.

[Kelward]

There is no doubt that Osimhen's presence will definitely be an additional advantage, but if it comes to a situation where he is not available, the available guys will become the desirable because we still have topnotch strikers too in that team.

The Super Eagles can do without Osimhen if he gets injured but i just like the influence of the striker because he has an aura that is very distinctive from the rest of the squad. I pray he doesn't get injured to that he can showcase his best performance all through the tournament but the only doubt am having is that Victor Osimhen may not be lively for the Super Eagles again because his morale reduced after the World Cup qualifier matches when Nigeria couldn't make it to the 2026 FIFA world cup.

If the super eagles of Nigeria can get a player that can replace Victor Osimhen if he gets injured, the super eagles of Nigeria can do without Victor Osimhen, but it is always good for a team to have a player that can perform magic in difficult situations, so even if the super eagles of Nigeria can do without Victor Osimhen, Victor Osimhen should not be injured in the Afcon because at some point the super eagles of Nigeria could need his help to move forward in the Afcon. For the fact that Victor Osimhen is still scoring goals for Galatasaray, i believe that the super eagles of Nigeria failure's to qualify for the world cup will not affect Victor Osimhen's performance in the Afcon.

The truth remain a good team the is ready and prepared for task ahead don't need to wait until they see the personality like Victor osimhen injured or bench before getting someone that can perform like him, most challenges face by super eagle in this world cup qualifiers is resulted to osimhen injury and absence in few match hard it been we have someone who can perform like him they would have been of better chances than what they faces on this qualifier issues. Beside that when person like osimhen has been known for team last hope it makes the team more weaken because any of his absence may cause many hard, but getting some one like him his absence can't be felt that deep. Thirdly when the opposition team have mark out such player as the wave direction in every game it becomes difficult for the the team to succeed in their game , the best is to work out measure of getting some one like osimhen in case if necessity.

Victor Osimhem, is a utility player anyday and if a player of his exceptional talent is not on the starting lineup of his team whether club or country, the fans will not be very confident because they know that something vital is missing on the lineup. I hope that Osimhem, will not be missing in action in this AFCON because he is one of our biggest hope to go far in the tournament but if for any reasons like injury that will sideline him there's nothing we can do but move on. We have other talented players in the super eagles and if for any reasons which we don't hope for Osimhem, doesn't player I'm sure that his teammates will give us good reasons to believe that the team doesn't center only on Osimhem.

[Agbe]

Victor Osimhem, is a utility player anyday and if a player of his exceptional talent is not on the starting lineup of his team whether club or country, the fans will not be very confident because they know that something vital is missing on the lineup. I hope that Osimhem, will not be missing in action in this AFCON because he is one of our biggest hope to go far in the tournament but if for any reasons like injury that will sideline him there's nothing we can do but move on. We have other talented players in the super eagles and if for any reasons which we don't hope for Osimhem, doesn't player I'm sure that his teammates will give us good reasons to believe that the team doesn't center only on Osimhem.

It is only when there is no talented players are not much in the team but just one then that will affect the team and fans will not happy when the player is off stage. But there are more fans will still be happy because what they normally need is for the team to win. Though some fans like the player and if he is not in the lineup, they are happy. By now Super Eagles would have gotten more players like Victor Osimhen. NFF can have players like him more in the National Team or train the existing ones to that standard.
Kelward check the highlighted words. You can correct the spelling of the player.

[Salahmu]

Will Nigeria Super Eagles Qualify in the 2026 World Cup?

Things are about to turn around for good for Super Eagles to join the World. I was watching Arise TV this morning and the National Chairman of Sports Commission was answering Some questions from the Journalists and one of them was saying it is very bad that Nigeria is trying to join the World Cup in a Corner Corner way, instead of beating Dr. Congo black blue to qualify. And the Chairman said, they are not joining the World Cup in a corner corner way but it is part of the law in FIFA.

I first saw the information on ads. And later watched it on Arise TV. Nigeria is paying her way in to the World Cup.

Do you have the information that actually explains how they are going to qualify?, because to me I see this news as old news that was said maybe during or before super eagles last match, the answer to this is no because they are left with no longer opportunity to go there, you can put me through if you believe they will join the world Cup because when I see this I was asking people around me if they have seen any news that said super eagles is going to join the world Cup next year but all of them said is not possible that they remained unqualified as they are except for next time they will compete again.

[Rockson1]

In other words, are you trying to say that other players should rely on Osimhen and when he's not available they should relent and lose a match? Make me understand you cause I don't seem to understand your point. I totally agree with Spaceman1000$ that where Osimhen is not available, "the available players becomes the desired" and those players should be motivated to try win the match for their talisman and give him hope that the team would survive when he's not available, just like the Portuguese players did it for Ronaldo in the 2016 Euro Final.

Rely on only Osimhen as the only player and the goal keeper or what, we know that Osimhen is a very good player whose influence in the pitch is highly needed when the super eagles are playing but what about he is not fit to play so Nigeria super eagles should cancel there matches and wait until he is fit to play, if any think like this, then it means we should be considering to get more persons that plays exactly like Osimhen instead of relying on him alone, what is the work of other players, or are they there for nothing, there is no need to make case of our nothing, in the absence of Osimhen other players should perform in that capacity.