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

[Rruchi man]

The African Cup of Nations will now be played every four years. There have been discussions that Africa should synchronise its competition with other continents. CAF president Patrice Motsepe said harmonising the AFCON with other continental competitions is for the good of African football. AFCON has caused instability in some clubs because many African players would have to leave for the competition every two years. I think this is a good development.

It's good for players who will no longer have a break in season when they are on form for their club sides to come play in the AFCON and then return with injuries or return back to their clubs and start struggling for form again. The thought of that is what some players hold, and for that reason, they will not give their best to their national teams.

Kick off tomorrow (21st December)

Morocco vs. Comoros.


It should be an easy win for Morocco with more than two goals.

[Marykeller]

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.

I think you see the image I posted, so what make you to think that it is an old news, I said in the first post that I watched the news this morning in Arise TV and you are saying old news. I saw it first on social media yesterday night and Surprised to see it on the TV program this morning 19 of December 2025. The Journalist was asking the Chairman why they are trying to do corner corner way to join the world cup when they're free chances for them to join. Only that statement says it all. As a Nigerian, you know the meaning of corner corner. And the Chairman said it is part of the FIFA law. So they are going to use that clause of the law.

What's the FIFA law in this case that will make the Super Eagles qualify for the World Cup. I learned that the NFF
had filed a formal complaint to FIFA, letting them know that several DR Congo players were ineligible to play for the Congolese because of dual nationality under Congolese law. Read info here

You know this kind of case that the NFF is pursuing to deny DR Congo the World Cup, for the Super Eagles to qualify ahead of them won't turn out positive, as it is most likely to be swept under the carpet.

My advice is for the Super Eagles to focus on the 2025 AFCON in Morocco rather than giving themselves that hope of World Cup qualification that they missed

[KingsDen]

https://dailypost.ng/2025/12/20/afcon-now-to-be-played-every-four-years/

The African Cup of Nations will now be played every four years. There have been discussions that Africa should synchronise its competition with other continents. CAF president Patrice Motsepe said harmonising the AFCON with other continental competitions is for the good of African football. AFCON has caused instability in some clubs because many African players would have to leave for the competition every two years. I think this is a good development.

Is the problem of African Nations Cup playing it every 4 years are is it the time of the competition. African Nations Cup is always place when the English Premier League, Bundesliga, la Liga and other major leagues are in session. If the 4 years harmony will make it match with others calendar both in timing, then it is a good idea to be adopted
The idea of playing African Nations Cup while the season is still on has made ome clubs refuse to sign African footballers. So, the calendar should be harmonized.

[Sexylizzy2813]

Is the problem of African Nations Cup playing it every 4 years are is it the time of the competition. African Nations Cup is always place when the English Premier League, Bundesliga, la Liga and other major leagues are in session. If the 4 years harmony will make it match with others calendar both in timing, then it is a good idea to be adopted
The idea of playing African Nations Cup while the season is still on has made ome clubs refuse to sign African footballers. So, the calendar should be harmonized.

That's true, even at this point some African players who are the key players in some clubs will have to replan again and it makes the club to look poor in performance. And if you check in some clubs what you said is true that they hard sign African players but yet again, there are some coaches who love having these guys around just like Mourinho, if he noticed that the AFCON is getting close he'll change his plan so it won't affect him while the African player(s) are off for international duty but still we can't say same for other clubs or coaches.

[Oluwa-btc]

https://dailypost.ng/2025/12/20/afcon-now-to-be-played-every-four-years/

The African Cup of Nations will now be played every four years. There have been discussions that Africa should synchronise its competition with other continents. CAF president Patrice Motsepe said harmonising the AFCON with other continental competitions is for the good of African football. AFCON has caused instability in some clubs because many African players would have to leave for the competition every two years. I think this is a good development.

I would say that too but we all know why they wanted it to be every four years,  it was stealing away the important views and moments they want for their top European competitions. I mean the AFCON pulled such great views and number the last time they had it organised.
Yeah, important African players are not being allowed to play important matches for their respective clubs through this way but it's all fine and dandy after all. We have three players from Manchester United in the African Cup of Nations, I'm wishing them nothing but the best.

[Salahmu]

It's good for players who will no longer have a break in season when they are on form for their club sides to come play in the AFCON and then return with injuries or return back to their clubs and start struggling for form again. The thought of that is what some players hold, and for that reason, they will not give their best to their national teams.

Kick off tomorrow (21st December)

Morocco vs. Comoros.


It should be an easy win for Morocco with more than two goals.

If all the league they play on every continent will also increase there various leagues to the four years it would be nice but if is only in Africa this four years is done is not fair because it will give those who have never regarded African league's a chance to talk more things about them so if is general good but if not Africa should continue with the year they have been playing the AFCON. Morocco and Comoros on the first day of African cup of nation, Comoros and Mali have found themselves again on the same group after they were also in one group on the World cup qualifier.

[Fiatless]

If all the league they play on every continent will also increase there various leagues to the four years it would be nice but if is only in Africa this four years is done is not fair because it will give those who have never regarded African league's a chance to talk more things about them so if is general good but if not Africa should continue with the year they have been playing the AFCON. Morocco and Comoros on the first day of African cup of nation, Comoros and Mali have found themselves again on the same group after they were also in one group on the World cup qualifier.

Source: Google AI overview.

Only the North/Central American and Caribbean Gold Cup is a continental competition that is still played every two years. The rest a organised once in four years. CAF is not introducing a strange format, it has been the standard I other continents.

Comoros is ranked 108th by FIFA which is far below Morocco. My prediction is that Morocco will have an easy win considering the calibre of players they have. In sports, nothing is certain. Comoros could surprise everyone.

[Princess Leah]

The African Cup of Nations will now be played every four years. There have been discussions that Africa should synchronise its competition with other continents. CAF president Patrice Motsepe said harmonising the AFCON with other continental competitions is for the good of African football. AFCON has caused instability in some clubs because many African players would have to leave for the competition every two years. I think this is a good development.

It's good for players who will no longer have a break in season when they are on form for their club sides to come play in the AFCON and then return with injuries or return back to their clubs and start struggling for form again. The thought of that is what some players hold, and for that reason, they will not give their best to their national teams.

Kick off tomorrow (21st December)

Morocco vs. Comoros.


It should be an easy win for Morocco with more than two goals.

It makes lots of sense and I love that cause it won't create much of a problem for clubs who's got many of African players in their squad, for instance Manchester United that got key players like Amad, Mbeumo and Mazraoui in their won't be featuring them today when they meet Aston Villa and it could be a problem for them cause of fatigue.

 Atleast those African players won't be suffering from injuries every now and then due to player in numerous tournaments. Well Comoros is not a very tough country except maybe they've improved but I expect that Morocco would be victorious against them since they're one of the top nations in the AFCON tournament

[letteredhub]

It's good for players who will no longer have a break in season when they are on form for their club sides to come play in the AFCON and then return with injuries or return back to their clubs and start struggling for form again. The thought of that is what some players hold, and for that reason, they will not give their best to their national teams.

Kick off tomorrow (21st December)

Morocco vs. Comoros.


It should be an easy win for Morocco with more than two goals.

This mentality holds weight best among African football players that are playing in some of those European leagues clubs, you can hardly find such attitude among the European players when they go to represent their national team, they give same energy they give to the club side of not more, it shows patriotism to the country. I think this orientation among African players should be dissuaded, and also, the sports federation should in their own responsibility give the players what's best for them, financially and morally support as they get in their clubs. All this together would actually make the performance of the games better.

For the game between Morocco and Comoros, it's obvious Morocco seems to be the favourite but classifying the game as an easy one for Morocco really does undermines the opponent. However I keeping my fingers crossed on this game if Comoros can give us a surprise.

[SatoPrincess]

https://dailypost.ng/2025/12/20/afcon-now-to-be-played-every-four-years/

The African Cup of Nations will now be played every four years. There have been discussions that Africa should synchronise its competition with other continents. CAF president Patrice Motsepe said harmonising the AFCON with other continental competitions is for the good of African football. AFCON has caused instability in some clubs because many African players would have to leave for the competition every two years. I think this is a good development.

I don’t think it’s a bad idea at all as the AFCON will now match the Euros tournament, personally I think the change is long overdue, it’s no secret that the European clubs are unhappy letting their African players go for AFCON when the season is still on.
Update: I read FIFA has dismissed the case of NFF vs DR Congo due to lack of sufficient evidence. Can someone confirm this news?

[Futurexxx]

I don’t think it’s a bad idea at all as the AFCON will now match the Euros tournament, personally I think the change is long overdue, it’s no secret that the European clubs are unhappy letting their African players go for AFCON when the season is still on.

To be fair, no team would be happy by letting their key players leave for an international tournament when they are in the middle of the season, and it's even more painful when the player is the backbone of the team.
As for afcon now places at every four years, I support the idea because it reduces the work load of the players, because of recent footballer are subjected to higher volumes of games which is quite unhealthy, so I support the idea.

Update: I read FIFA has dismissed the case of NFF vs DR Congo due to lack of sufficient evidence. Seems Nigeria is not going to the World Cup after all.

The NFF should just f**k off, where was our super eagles when everyone was going through the front door?
So I 100% agree to the verdict of FIFA.

[Rruchi man]

The African Cup of Nations will now be played every four years. There have been discussions that Africa should synchronise its competition with other continents. CAF president Patrice Motsepe said harmonising the AFCON with other continental competitions is for the good of African football. AFCON has caused instability in some clubs because many African players would have to leave for the competition every two years. I think this is a good development.

It's good for players who will no longer have a break in season when they are on form for their club sides to come play in the AFCON and then return with injuries or return back to their clubs and start struggling for form again. The thought of that is what some players hold, and for that reason, they will not give their best to their national teams.

Kick off tomorrow (21st December)

Morocco vs. Comoros.


It should be an easy win for Morocco with more than two goals.

It makes lots of sense and I love that cause it won't create much of a problem for clubs who's got many of African players in their squad, for instance Manchester United that got key players like Amad, Mbeumo and Mazraoui in their won't be featuring them today when they meet Aston Villa and it could be a problem for them cause of fatigue.

Manchester United's chances of losing the game today is extremely high. Mbeumo and Amad are key players for Manchester United.

This mentality holds weight best among African football players that are playing in some of those European leagues clubs, you can hardly find such attitude among the European players when they go to represent their national team, they give same energy they give to the club side of not more, it shows patriotism to the country. I think this orientation among African players should be dissuaded, and also, the sports federation should in their own responsibility give the players what's best for them, financially and morally support as they get in their clubs. All this together would actually make the performance of the games better.

Corruption is the problem. If more African countries have less corrupt officials, the attitude of players will improve and the level of competition will improve in the AFCON. In the near future, perhaps.

[Promocodeudo]

Corruption is the problem. If more African countries have less corrupt officials, the attitude of players will improve and the level of competition will improve in the AFCON. In the near future, perhaps.

You're are very right because if players are been given all their entitlement, I don't think they'll have any reason to mess up again, even they will, it will not be too bad, just that the players are very much aware of the corruption in the system, and to some extent some African players are even trying, I know that some persons will say am I the one saying this, yes it is me, I have my reasons for this comment, playing under the management of those corrupt officials is something anyone shouldn't pray for although local players can be discovered and signed from the competition they play, we talk about improvement of competitions in Africa when will that be, is it when our leaders rule finish and enthrone their relatives that will continue exactly where they stopped.

[uche6215]

The Afcon has officially commerced tonight as the host country morroco is playing Comoros at the opening game of the tournament. This tournament promises to be interesting because we will be seeing the Best of African football in play, The Afcon has not failed to produce brilliance and plenty of goals coupled with surprises so I hope that this year edition will also live up to expectations. The countries that failed to qualify for the world cup should use this Afcon as an avenue to redeem their image countries like Nigeria, Cameroon should win this tournament as an appeasement to their fans.

[Adbitco]

It's official and the tournament has kicked off with the host playing against Comoros. They are currently at halftime and I'm surprised that the game is still at 0 - 0, this is not the kind of opener the host will be waiting for. Right now with the kind of team Morocco is up against against, theu should have been at least 2 up at this stage but it's still goalless. It's even funny that they missed a penalty, which was a chance for them to go up and even funnier that their only shot shot on target came as a result of that very penalty. Well lest see how it will go in the second half.

[Mr Reporter]

The Afcon has officially commerced tonight as the host country morroco is playing Comoros at the opening game of the tournament. This tournament promises to be interesting because we will be seeing the Best of African football in play, The Afcon has not failed to produce brilliance and plenty of goals coupled with surprises so I hope that this year edition will also live up to expectations. The countries that failed to qualify for the world cup should use this Afcon as an avenue to redeem their image countries like Nigeria, Cameroon should win this tournament as an appeasement to their fans.

Well I think you make sense with the AFCON and hitch finally here and we all are getting here to wait for the great to happened, well Morocco just started which they are playing with the Comoros at the prince Moulay which I read about as taking place at the Abdullah Stadium in Rabat which I might want to go and watch the match.


This tournament is shaping up to be a thrilling ride, with top African teams battling it out for continental supremacy. Morocco, the hosts, are looking strong, having recently clinched the Arab Cup title, and they'll be eager to start their campaign with a win.

[Lida93]

Well I think you make sense with the AFCON and hitch finally here and we all are getting here to wait for the great to happened, well Morocco just started which they are playing with the Comoros at the prince Moulay which I read about as taking place at the Abdullah Stadium in Rabat which I might want to go and watch the match.

The Morocco Vs  Comoros game is ongoing with a barren draw after first half and I think a lot of persons out there would be feeling disappointed with the 0:0 scores from the game because many people have speculated that it's gonna be an easy game for Morocco to win Comoros. Am still waiting for the second half to see what would be the end of this game because it's like the Comoros are not ready to hand all points to the opponent as their defense has really being impressive for now.

[Mr Reporter]

Well I think you make sense with the AFCON and hitch finally here and we all are getting here to wait for the great to happened, well Morocco just started which they are playing with the Comoros at the prince Moulay which I read about as taking place at the Abdullah Stadium in Rabat which I might want to go and watch the match.

The Morocco Vs  Comoros game is ongoing with a barren draw after first half and I think a lot of persons out there would be feeling disappointed with the 0:0 scores from the game because many people have speculated that it's gonna be an easy game for Morocco to win Comoros. Am still waiting for the second half to see what would be the end of this game because it's like the Comoros are not ready to hand all points to the opponent as their defense has really being impressive for now.

Well this is a lot because I have been watching on my live bet on them it just feel the game is ending on a 0:0 from the both teams because they both trying to get on each other’s positions well i feel the game is still going will never can tell what might happen in a few seconds this game is one of kind because more gamblers are hoping on this same game to play out, each team are both playing at their best and covering their positions for the ball not to roll in which I think can not be possible, well I think I head Morocco has lost it ground on their only hope by missing the GK which they got or was this a joke.

[Ndabagi01]

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.

It was not an old news and I also saw it in the Arise TV where they were taking about the possibility of Nigeria still qualifying for the World Cup because their last game has their opponent featured players they’re not suppose to have featured. It is said that until if the playoffs hasn’t being played next year, Nigeria may still have a chance of the case is proven to be true. I’m just waiting to see another drama because it seems this is what has been helping Nigeria to progress. This is not talked about the much because it’s a shame to see a country like Nigeria getting to qualify for the World Cup through this method.

There is no need to overemphaise this issue.  It is obvious that without Victor osimhen, the Super Eagles will underperform. The World Cup qualifier games against South Africa and Congo DR proved this fact. Maybe we might see a different team in the Afcon that will play independently. The available players should prove to Nigerias that Victor is not the only important player.

I hope they can when they play in the AFCON because as it stands now, the team looks not too good without him and until he’s playing in the team can they prove what they came here for. The example of the qualifiers games you gave was the perfect one that showed how Nigeria couldn’t do anything until they depend on Osimehn, I hope it doesn’t continue further like this because it’ll affect the whole team.

[programmer3666]

Well I think you make sense with the AFCON and hitch finally here and we all are getting here to wait for the great to happened, well Morocco just started which they are playing with the Comoros at the prince Moulay which I read about as taking place at the Abdullah Stadium in Rabat which I might want to go and watch the match.

The Morocco Vs  Comoros game is ongoing with a barren draw after first half and I think a lot of persons out there would be feeling disappointed with the 0:0 scores from the game because many people have speculated that it's gonna be an easy game for Morocco to win Comoros. Am still waiting for the second half to see what would be the end of this game because it's like the Comoros are not ready to hand all points to the opponent as their defense has really being impressive for now.

I am not really interested in the opening match of any competition, I usually don't find them interesting enough to watch, because all side will try to be too careful and they will end up playing a very boring match. Personally,  I have made a path with myself  that when it comes to AFCON  I will only start watching the games at the round of 16, at least by then there will be more seriousness and more commitment from players.