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

[Hyphen(-)]

I’m happy for Ademola Lookman. He’s showing signs of the AFCON Lookman we love watching. I see comments of fans calling out Eric Chelle, but I think the main culprit today was Nwabali. I don’t know if it’s overconfidence or lack of it that’s affecting Nwabali, he needs to snap out of it else the coach starts our second choice goalie. When are we going to have a consistent goalie like Vincent Enyeama?

Nwambal’s overconfidence is becoming much, he has made attempts to let our team down several times in the World Cup qualifiers, I think he is doing all these because he was given all the flowers after last AFCON, he dint know that they can easily replace him with Maduka Okoye because he is also very good and can start for the Super Eagles of Nigeria; but let’s leave everything since we won the match by 3-2, we need to focus on the next coming matches because every game is important in this tournament, and we the Super Eagles are even lucky to have gotten our first six points which granted us automatic qualification to the round of 16, if we a can keep playing like this, the competition will be easily won by the Super Eagles.

[Anayochukwu]

Am still not happy with the country for not making it to next year world cup after they perform too poor in the qualifying stage. The Super Eagles has won two of their AFCON games yesterday game was interesting Ademola Lookman shows his potential i will say that he won the game for the Nation and i also believe that the Super Eagles will come out 1st in the Group C, we will not only get a draw against Uganda but we are going to win them and also bring back the AFCON tittle home.

It's unfortunate that the Super Eagles are not in the world, it is a very shameful thing, honestly till now I am still reasoning how the world cup would look like because no matter any bad form your country might be is good to see them play with other countries and even though is something that normally happens once in four years because the joy can only be their when you are watching your country, it brings more fun than any other thing. So they should try and work on their skills because they need to correct their mistakes in this AFCON.

[IceLincoln]

I’m happy for Ademola Lookman. He’s showing signs of the AFCON Lookman we love watching. I see comments of fans calling out Eric Chelle, but I think the main culprit today was Nwabali. I don’t know if it’s overconfidence or lack of it that’s affecting Nwabali, he needs to snap out of it else the coach starts our second choice goalie. When are we going to have a consistent goalie like Vincent Enyeama?

From what I saw in that match it was on the first goal that Tunisia scored, not that Nwabali intensionally wanted to cause a blunder in that match but it just happened that he slipped and he was unable to save the ball. The second goal was a penalty and when it comes to penalty kick the goal keeper is never at fault, besides it wasn't Nwabali that conceded the penalty that led to the goal. So I don't really know why some fans are calling out Nwabali. That guy did nothing bad in yesterday's match, the team got relaxed after scoring the three goals and they nearly got punished, blaming Nwabali alone is unacceptable to me.

Yes Nwabali has his faults but yesterday game had nothing to do with Nwabali,  that first goal was a good header and the ball bounced even the best of the best goalkeepers will have a hard time stopping that one from going in.
The problem of the Super Eagles team has always been relaxing too much when the game is not over, Tunisia has no way to get those goals if not that we let them same thing that affected our World Cup qualifiers, the players need to be at their 100% alert and performance till the final whistle. The coach needs to hammer this into them.

[Issa56]

The super Eagles are now impressing her fans with their current performance, and if they continue this way am pretty sure that Nigeria will win this AFCON competition.

There is a little improvement in super eagles performance, but am not still satisfied with the way the super eagles are playing right now. They played well in the match, but I don’t know why they keep on conceding unnecessary goals, they were just so lucky in their last match against Tunisia. They conceded two goals after they were already winning conveniently, super eagles will have to work on their defense.

The super eagles had chances to score more than 3 goals in the match, but they wasted lots of chances, and they were able to convert just 3 into goal, and towards the ending, they were about to mess everything up.

And as for nwabali that guy is good, just that I don't know what is actually wrong with him, fan's has a lot of complains concerning him, yet he is not making amends which is very bad of him.  

Nwabali is a good goalkeeper, just that over confidence is what’s killing him, he do make stupid mistake in matches which is making the super eagles concede in matches, seriously Nwabali should caution himself because if he doesn’t, then his bad behavior is going to make the super eagles lose some matches which they are suppose to win.

[Woodie]

Not so much action happening for the weekend in terms of sport and it was either me watching GoldenState Warriors or the defending champions Cameroon, and am surprised that a game that looked like one without goals has produced a both teams to score and Ahmed the United player got a beauty of a goal and now it's back to square one for both.. is it possible to have 4 goals or this ends as is  

For this game am supporting the known figures 

[Ronsbit]

And then out of curiosity I searched to know the head-to-head of Nigeria - Tunisia previous matches in the AFCON and from the image the two nations has met 6 times in the AFCON with Nigeria having the reins in the meetings losing just once to the Tunis.

But let concentrate on present nation's form in this tournament, do you all project that Nigeria can extend their dominance by defeating Tunisia in today's match judging by the head-to-head.

These records were when the Eagles were in full formation then, and if you check the score line or records, the goal margin/gap was very big compared to the recent matches both teams had. Although there seems to be improvement on the side of the Tunisia team, I believe the current Eagles are much better in formation to win the Tunis team if they meet again, and it would be a clean record this time that the Tunis team could not be able to win the Eagles in their AFCON league.

If you really take a close glance at the present form of the both teams then it will be very hard to predict whom the victor might have bee.

Because the Tunis were one of the best teams during the qualifiers and I was not expecting the Nigerian team to easily override the Tunisian team

but had rather projected a clash of the titans in this particular match which was actually what played out last night between both nations.

What I can say is that both teams are strong teams, but the stronger team won the game, which I had earlier predicted. It has been a clean record that the Tunis team has been on the losing side whenever they meet with the Eagles in past tournaments, and they have lost but only won once, which occurred as a mistake. I believe that mistake has been corrected by the recent teams they have played with, so the record should be clean now.

[SatoPrincess]

SatoPrincess, now you're also in this thread You don't use a forum notifier? Just asking.

I have always been active on this thread, haven’t seen you here before. No, I keep procrastinating about doing it.
 

I don’t know if it’s overconfidence or lack of it that’s affecting Nwabali, he needs to snap out of it else the coach starts our second choice goalie.

Nwambal’s overconfidence is becoming much, he has made attempts to let our team down several times in the World Cup qualifiers, I think he is doing all these because he was given all the flowers after last AFCON, he dint know that they can easily replace him with Maduka Okoye because he is also very good and can start for the Super Eagles.

I believe that may be his problem. Nwabali needs to know that he is not irreplaceable, no player is bigger than the team. I would like to see Eric Chelle give the second goalie a chance in the next game, imo a rotation would be good for the overall progress of the team.

[Jegileman]

It's unfortunate that the Super Eagles are not in the world, it is a very shameful thing, honestly till now I am still reasoning how the world cup would look like because no matter any bad form your country might be is good to see them play with other countries and even though is something that normally happens once in four years because the joy can only be their when you are watching your country, it brings more fun than any other thing. So they should try and work on their skills because they need to correct their mistakes in this AFCON.

Every person wants their country to always get to play in the biggest competition in the world. Nigeria not playing in the world will not really suit many Nigerians that want to watch and follow in the tournament. The AFCON is showing a better Nigeria and as the tournament progresses we will see a more positive play from Nigeria. It is unfortunate that we didn’t qualify for the World Cup but I believe we misused our chances when we had it the most and until the final minutes which it was too late for us. Nigeria will be regretting now that they are not going to play in the World Cup, I hope they do better next time.

[Stepstowealth]

Another match on the list today is Ivory v Cameroon, Amad meets Mbeumo, it's going to be an interesting match with the Man United pair matchup. What are your predictions for this match ?

This was a very entertaining game, I think it is one of the best games I have seen in this competition. Ivory Coast and Cameroon both gave their best and did not sit back. Interesting end to end football, I was glued to the screen especially in the second half. Amad did not disappoint, scored the only goal for Ivory Coast that was not canceled out. Cameroon showed good quality to not let being scored a goal make them sit back. They came out to play more and that created their own goal just some few minutes after the Ivory Coast people celebrated. The two teams played well, it was fair they shared the points.

[Abu-Naim]

Another match on the list today is Ivory v Cameroon, Amad meets Mbeumo, it's going to be an interesting match with the Man United pair matchup. What are your predictions for this match ?

Group F that consist of Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Mozambique, and Gabon has now become a tough group because both Cameroon and Ivory Coast are plying well, they all have four points followed by Mozambique with three points. Anything can happen and in that group in the last game because only Gabon can be hopeless in that group but any other team can hope of qualifying because they can do that.

Group D is another group with similar case that all the teams except Botswana will all have hope of qualifying to the knockout stage because Senigal and DR Congo have four points, while Bennie have three points which means if they win their last match, they can qualify to the round of 16. Therefore, any team now can qualify among the three teams.

[nelson4lov]

I believe that may be his problem. Nwabali needs to know that he is not irreplaceable, no player is bigger than the team. I would like to see Eric Chelle give the second goalie a chance in the next game, imo a rotation would be good for the overall progress of the team.

Rotation is mostly good if there are other competitions that other players can start. You don't want to break the chemistry the current starting 11 have with the current #1. Like a wise man once said, if something isn't broken, don't fix it. Maybe now in the group stage, probably. But when we go into deep into the tournament, it won't be good to keep switching out Starting 11 in games.

[Slow death]

Man, told ya these smaller dogs moving along E Africa coast are crazy mothers. I didn't expect that many goals, but I guess Gabon were slightly unfortunate as well with the pen and clinical finishes. Value everywhere from these mid-favourites not to win.

The bookmakers continue to greatly underestimate my country, Mozambique, even in World Cup qualifying matches. I was usually right most of the time when the games involved my country, Mozambique. For the game against Gabon, I had no doubt that my country would win. We have a national team with good players, but sometimes they get a little lazy. For many years, football in my country was neglected, but fortunately, the president of my country's football federation is very committed to improving the quality of my national team and many other national teams that were considered small in the past are now strong.

[SatoPrincess]

I believe that may be his problem. Nwabali needs to know that he is not irreplaceable, no player is bigger than the team. I would like to see Eric Chelle give the second goalie a chance in the next game, imo a rotation would be good for the overall progress of the team.

Rotation is mostly good if there are other competitions that other players can start. You don't want to break the chemistry the current starting 11 have with the current #1. Like a wise man once said, if something isn't broken, don't fix it. Maybe now in the group stage, probably. But when we go into deep into the tournament, it won't be good to keep switching out Starting 11 in games.

You make a good point. I haven’t seen a goalkeeper that’s more arrogant than Emiliano Martínez yet he’s still one of the best in the world. Maybe I’m being too harsh on Nwabali, I forget that he’s been through a rough year losing  both parents can affect anyone psychologically. Nwabali was one of our best players in the previous AFCON, I hope we can see him deliver like he did last year.

[MorganaX]

SatoPrincess, now you're also in this thread You don't use a forum notifier? Just asking.

I have always been active on this thread, haven’t seen you here before. No, I keep procrastinating about doing it.
 

I don’t know if it’s overconfidence or lack of it that’s affecting Nwabali, he needs to snap out of it else the coach starts our second choice goalie.

Nwambal’s overconfidence is becoming much, he has made attempts to let our team down several times in the World Cup qualifiers, I think he is doing all these because he was given all the flowers after last AFCON, he dint know that they can easily replace him with Maduka Okoye because he is also very good and can start for the Super Eagles.

I believe that may be his problem. Nwabali needs to know that he is not irreplaceable, no player is bigger than the team. I would like to see Eric Chelle give the second goalie a chance in the next game, imo a rotation would be good for the overall progress of the team.

The mistake this guy is making is more than enough and this has lead to us some big lost, I think it will be the perfect time to replace him, because I don't see any reason of keeping him, it will be best if he should go to the bench for sometime, if it will  help. This is because the team has been playing well, but I don't think we are definitely safe in proper hands from our goalie. Well let's say we didn't concede more goals that will definitely lead to the equalizer in the game between Tunisia.

[Majestic-milf]

 Very interesting game of football between Cameroon vs Ivory Coast. It really seemed like the finals as the both sides kept asking a lot from each other, the Ivorian players making more attempts at scoring and I bet you, if the Cameroonian defense hadn't been alert, there wouldn't have been a reason for fans to crack their heads as to who the better side was because it would be the side that won and not the side that gave their all go defend. Good game and now the both sides can go home with a point each and hope that their various last games would turn out in their favor.

[mikel_012]

Very interesting game of football between Cameroon vs Ivory Coast. It really seemed like the finals as the both sides kept asking a lot from each other, the Ivorian players making more attempts at scoring and I bet you, if the Cameroonian defense hadn't been alert, there wouldn't have been a reason for fans to crack their heads as to who the better side was because it would be the side that won and not the side that gave their all go defend. Good game and now the both sides can go home with a point each and hope that their various last games would turn out in their favor.

Many players like Kylian Mbappé, Jules Koundé, and Aurélien Tchouaméni watched the game in Morocco. I think it's nice to see big players like this giving attention to a game from Cameroon and Ivory Coast that many people do not watch and only focus on european teams.

If people didn't know Mbappe and Tchouameni parents are both from Cameroon.

[Agbamoni]

I don’t know if it’s overconfidence or lack of it that’s affecting Nwabali, he needs to snap out of it else the coach starts our second choice goalie. When are we going to have a consistent goalie like Vincent Enyeama?

Nothing is affecting him. We won, that is what matters, sometimes you need to see the effort of the team, and stop looking at every possible fault to complain. I noticed this a lot. Nigerian fans will always have something or someone to blame in every game, when you know it is not easy being on the pitch. Nwabali is the only goalie we have and one we can trust. Let us help in boosting their confidence rather than brining it down with so much complains.

[Rruchi man]

Many players like Kylian Mbappé, Jules Koundé, and Aurélien Tchouaméni watched the game in Morocco. I think it's nice to see big players like this giving attention to a game from Cameroon and Ivory Coast that many people do not watch and only focus on european teams.

It was a really good game; it felt like a European fixture—the teams and how they tactically set up, the modern standard stadium filled with supporters, etc.

It makes me believe more that maybe some African teams that made it to the World Cup will actually do well. Eyes will be on the host again tomorrow as they will be aiming to win their game against Zambia to secure their place in the next round.

South Africa has a must-win match on their hands after losing their late game to Egypt.

[Zaguru12]

Nothing is affecting him. We won, that is what matters, sometimes you need to see the effort of the team, and stop looking at every possible fault to complain. I noticed this a lot. Nigerian fans will always have something or someone to blame in every game, when you know it is not easy being on the pitch. Nwabali is the only goalie we have and one we can trust. Let us help in boosting their confidence rather than brining it down with so much complains.

While I agree with you that people will just have one or anything to say I still think we have to call a spade a spade and tell our number Stanley Nwabali the truth. The first goal yesterday was seriously a huge mistakes which brought back this team into the game and could have cost the team something that was supposed to be a simple and comfortable win to a nervy one. This isn’t about not acknowledging what he has done and continue to do but we need to be honest when it matters

[snipie]

Nothing is affecting him. We won, that is what matters, sometimes you need to see the effort of the team, and stop looking at every possible fault to complain. I noticed this a lot. Nigerian fans will always have something or someone to blame in every game, when you know it is not easy being on the pitch. Nwabali is the only goalie we have and one we can trust. Let us help in boosting their confidence rather than brining it down with so much complains.

When the point of the criticism is positive then it would be helpful. People there were under tension and asking what if the opponent scored a late goal. What if the goalkeeper got a red card...
Nigeria guaranteed its qualification to the next stage and that's what matters. Tunisia is not the best team in Africa for sure and Super Eagles should put this on mind during the next stage.
So far, Egypt, Algeria and Nigeria guaranteed to pass to the next stage regardless of the last round results. They might be careful about not finishing first in the group stage because the game then will be more difficult.