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

[BitBakerr1]

So, Ivory Coast has qualified for the AFCON quarterfinals after defeating Burkina Faso just minutes ago,  they have joined Algeria as the qualified teams in the today’s match and the last qualifying teams in this Round of 16.

Next matches will be in the Quarterfinals, and the first quarterfinal match will be the Mali vs Senegal and Cameroon vs Morocco game on Thursday. The winners will then move to the semifinals, in this two Thursday games I’d support Senegal and Morocco to win and move to the semis.

Algeria and Ivory Coast have qualified for the quarter finals, and the round of 16 has ended. The quarter finals will start on Friday, this stage is going to be tough because all the countries that qualified for this quarter finals have strong squads. Mali will face Senegal and Morocco vs Cameroon. Honestly I can't bet on any of these games because they're tough matches that I feel will be difficult to predict, and I always like to bet on easy games that I know will favour me.

The following day, Super Eagles will face Algeria. This is going to be a tough game as well, but in my opinion I'm more comfortable with Nigeria getting the victory because they're more in form than Algeria.

Yes the Nigeria super eagles are more informed than Algeria and if they should play as they would on a normal circumstance Nigeria should win Algeria but right now the Nigerian team is having some crisis and that may affect them, I had a news that victor osimhen is threatening to go back to Turkey there by leaving the team, if this happens it will really affect the Nigerian super eagles, and even if he those not go the team is already divided because some group of players love what victor osimhen did why some did not love it and that will cause a very big problem in the team. division is very bad when it comes to team football.
The coach need to make peace between this players and make them one again.

[Son Of Blockchain (SOB)]

So, Ivory Coast has qualified for the AFCON quarterfinals after defeating Burkina Faso just minutes ago,  they have joined Algeria as the qualified teams in the today’s match and the last qualifying teams in this Round of 16.

Next matches will be in the Quarterfinals, and the first quarterfinal match will be the Mali vs Senegal and Cameroon vs Morocco game on Thursday. The winners will then move to the semifinals, in this two Thursday games I’d support Senegal and Morocco to win and move to the semis.

Algeria and Ivory Coast have qualified for the quarter finals, and the round of 16 has ended. The quarter finals will start on Friday, this stage is going to be tough because all the countries that qualified for this quarter finals have strong squads. Mali will face Senegal and Morocco vs Cameroon. Honestly I can't bet on any of these games because they're tough matches that I feel will be difficult to predict, and I always like to bet on easy games that I know will favour me.

The following day, Super Eagles will face Algeria. This is going to be a tough game as well, but in my opinion I'm more comfortable with Nigeria getting the victory because they're more in form than Algeria.

The quater finals would be very tougher cause the clubs remaining are the strongest so far, the team i wait to see their performance and the outcome of their next match is Mali, they’re a very lucky team and it would be surprising to see them qualify for the next round after this upcoming one.
 The Super Eagles have a big task ahead Algeria would be their toughest challenge so far but as we can see the Super Eagles is tough too and equally to the task, I just hope Osimhen and Lookman have settled their little dispute so it don't affect us in our next match, they're both important players and should act professionally for the club to remain successful.

[Accardo]

Osimhen's attitude is getting out of hand, regardless of what your teammates might have done to you on the pitch, you should wait till after the match to complain whatever you have in mind, I heard rumors that he has asked to leave the camp in the middle of a competition. Osimhen's should conduct himself in a manner that shows that he is a professional, he had almost the same similar fall out with Finidi George, the federation looked the other way, allowing it slide.

The issues has been resolved, according to the team administrator 'Dayo Enebi' the boys are in order now, however, Osihmen's behavior should be cautioned on a strict warning of being penalize if a thing like this happens again. He shouldn't be allowed to normalize a terrible habit, else he'd embarrass the nation again on other international meetings.

[AYOBA]

Eagles is tough too and equally to the task, I just hope Osimhen and Lookman have settled their little dispute so it don't affect us in our next match, they're both important players and should act professionally for the club to remain successful.

Honestly also hope that the misunderstanding between Osimhen and lukman will be resolve before their next match if it might affect their next match. Because if you obverse Osimhen that his mind really spoiled after Lukman refused to give assist, and Osimhen his kind of person that his quickly vex which means he has anger issues.

Because I don’t see any much there that make him vex Just because they didn’t give him assists, and whereby all the games that his has been scoring his the Lukman that gave him all this assists, I think if is someone that knows what is doing he no suppose react in that way.

[KingsDen]

Osimhen's attitude is getting out of hand, regardless of what your teammates might have done to you on the pitch, you should wait till after the match to complain whatever you have in mind, I heard rumors that he has asked to leave the camp in the middle of a competition. Osimhen's should conduct himself in a manner that shows that he is a professional, he had almost the same similar fall out with Finidi George, the federation looked the other way, allowing it slide.

The issues has been resolved, according to the team administrator 'Dayo Enebi' the boys are in order now, however, Osihmen's behavior should be cautioned on a strict warning of being penalize if a thing like this happens again. He shouldn't be allowed to normalize a terrible habit, else he'd embarrass the nation again on other international meetings.

Due to my busy schedule, I was unable to watch the Nigeria versus Mozambique match but the outcome was impressive. Although Mozambique is not considered a footballing nation so Nigeria was supposed to beat them with more than five goals in order to give the reassurance that they are fit to lift this year's AFCON.

As for Victor osimhen's behavior, I did not watch the match and I eventually started hearing about his hash behavior towards his teammates. Even though it was so obvious that his team mates refused to pass in ball at some point, it doesn't mean that he should flame up in such a manner. I didn't watch the match but I heard that VeryDarkMan discuss it. According to him, the players aren't Osimhen's kids.

[Agbe]

So, Ivory Coast has qualified for the AFCON quarterfinals after defeating Burkina Faso just minutes ago,  they have joined Algeria as the qualified teams in the today’s match and the last qualifying teams in this Round of 16.

Ivory Coast is the defending champion so they have to do well at all stages of the tournament. Burkina Faso did an incredible performance in the second half but they could not scored any goal. They missed goals. Mostly the last shot that went over bar pains me.

Next matches will be in the Quarterfinals, and the first quarterfinal match will be the Mali vs Senegal and Cameroon vs Morocco game on Thursday. The winners will then move to the semifinals, in this two Thursday games I’d support Senegal and Morocco to win and move to the semis.

The quarter final will kick starts from January 9, 2026. Which is this week Friday and from the fixtures Morocco will win their game, Mali vs Senegal is a game of probability. Penalty playout might end the game and Senegal is on the favorite foe that. The quarter final will end on Monday which is the 12th of January, 2026.

[Callido]

The issues has been resolved, according to the team administrator 'Dayo Enebi' the boys are in order now, however, Osihmen's behavior should be cautioned on a strict warning of being penalize if a thing like this happens again. He shouldn't be allowed to normalize a terrible habit, else he'd embarrass the nation again on other international meetings.

We've seen strikers get angry to the extent of confronting their own players, some even exchanged physical blows on each other, I'm not supporting neither am I against the character displayed by Osimhen, supporting any side means over looking the bad role played by any of the players getting the support.

The work of a striker is to score goals, how will he do his duties if he's not getting the passes, confronting Lookman was wise but maybe not with the body language he gave. Lookman and other players needs to understand that football is a team and each player has their own roles to play, being greedy when it's clear a perfect opportunity to pass to the striker is very selfish of him. I love how they settled everything amicably, we want the team to do well in the competition.

[Spaceman1000$]

Osimhen's attitude is getting out of hand, regardless of what your teammates might have done to you on the pitch, you should wait till after the match to complain whatever you have in mind, I heard rumors that he has asked to leave the camp in the middle of a competition. Osimhen's should conduct himself in a manner that shows that he is a professional, he had almost the same similar fall out with Finidi George, the federation looked the other way, allowing it slide.

The issues has been resolved, according to the team administrator 'Dayo Enebi' the boys are in order now, however, Osihmen's behavior should be cautioned on a strict warning of being penalize if a thing like this happens again. He shouldn't be allowed to normalize a terrible habit, else he'd embarrass the nation again on other international meetings.

The truth is that, victor Osimhen should be happy he is playing under a foreign coach who might likely look away whenever he brings up such attitude, trust me if it was when Stephen keshi was our national team coach, Osimhen would have to learn the hard way. however If the matter has been resolved then good a thing, the team spirit should be built and there should be mutual understanding and cordiality amongst them because they are gradually moving to the tough part of the competition, so any disharmony will certainly affect the team spirit, which they don't need at this point in time.

[Agbamoni]

Scheduled matches for the 2025 AFCON Quarter-Finals.
Algeria and Nigeria had an unsettled history 6 years ago, perhaps it is time for Nigeria to get its revenge.
Cameroon will be facing the host as well. Morocco has been incredible, so do Cameroon.
Egypt vs the current Champions is one game, I dont plan to miss. It will be very interesting to watch them.
Lastly, Senegal, with the incredible and best forwards so far in this competition, will face Mali. What a night of thrilling action to expect.

[DubemIfedigbo001]

Osimhen's attitude is getting out of hand, regardless of what your teammates might have done to you on the pitch, you should wait till after the match to complain whatever you have in mind, I heard rumors that he has asked to leave the camp in the middle of a competition. Osimhen's should conduct himself in a manner that shows that he is a professional, he had almost the same similar fall out with Finidi George, the federation looked the other way, allowing it slide.

The issues has been resolved, according to the team administrator 'Dayo Enebi' the boys are in order now, however, Osihmen's behavior should be cautioned on a strict warning of being penalize if a thing like this happens again. He shouldn't be allowed to normalize a terrible habit, else he'd embarrass the nation again on other international meetings.

Osimhen has anger issues and is rude, we have seen his outbursts in clubs and country football, He needs to start controlling his temper and not allowing his passion drive him to ruins. I was happy how Lookman handled the situation calmly and his press conference as well as that of the coach which focused on dealing with it privately and downplaying further escalations.

Nigeria performed well on the pitch winning by such margin. The boys need to stick together more than ever now as they would be taking on a tougher opponent in the quarter-finals which is Algeria. I still believe the super eagles has the capacity to advance to the semi-finals

[SuperBitMan]

Osimhen's attitude is getting out of hand, regardless of what your teammates might have done to you on the pitch, you should wait till after the match to complain whatever you have in mind, I heard rumors that he has asked to leave the camp in the middle of a competition. Osimhen's should conduct himself in a manner that shows that he is a professional, he had almost the same similar fall out with Finidi George, the federation looked the other way, allowing it slide.

The issues has been resolved, according to the team administrator 'Dayo Enebi' the boys are in order now, however, Osihmen's behavior should be cautioned on a strict warning of being penalize if a thing like this happens again. He shouldn't be allowed to normalize a terrible habit, else he'd embarrass the nation again on other international meetings.

Yes it is true that victor osimhen did not do well at all by his attitude but they also need to resolve the issue calmly with love so it won't affect the team, if you check very well the Nigerian super eagles are playing with joy and happiness and unity and if they start having issues believe me they will stop playing in unity and when they stop playing unity they will start losing matches and they will end up losing the African cup of nation, according to Victor osimhen he said there's much pressure on him for them to win the African cup of nation and I agree the pressure is more on him than the other players, when Nigeria couldn't qualify for the world cup they were all calling him.
They should resolve and make the love and unity remain in the team.

[Sexylizzy2813]

Scheduled matches for the 2025 AFCON Quarter-Finals.
Algeria and Nigeria had an unsettled history 6 years ago, perhaps it is time for Nigeria to get its revenge.
Cameroon will be facing the host as well. Morocco has been incredible, so do Cameroon.
Egypt vs the current Champions is one game, I dont plan to miss. It will be very interesting to watch them.
Lastly, Senegal, with the incredible and best forwards so far in this competition, will face Mali. What a night of thrilling action to expect.

As it stands Nigeria have so many teams to settle with and from all I have seen, all the countries I wish we could play against are being eliminated one after the other, take a good look at the countries who played us in the World Cup qualifiers, they are all parking their bags off the tournament and I'll keep saying it, is like a settings but let's keep watch. For Algeria I don't think we'd have much to worry about them from whatbibhave seen them display in this competition even in the game they won at extra time, they were terrible and I wasn't expecting them to struggle much with Congo and I said to my friend that these two countries can't withstand Nigeria and the can't beat the Eagles and that's what will happen.

[snipie]

For Algeria I don't think we'd have much to worry about them from whatbibhave seen them display in this competition even in the game they won at extra time, they were terrible and I wasn't expecting them to struggle much with Congo and I said to my friend that these two countries can't withstand Nigeria and the can't beat the Eagles and that's what will happen.

In the beginning of the competition, I believe Algeria looked better than many clubs including Nigeria but honestly from what I saw so far, we cannot compare Algeria to Super Eagles. The gap between these two nations is big and Nigerians should win easily their game. I don't expect a lot of resistance from the Algerian squad.
In the other matches, Senegal will have an easy victory, otherwise Morocco and Egypt will have hard games. Egypt might quit the competition. Morocco can pass with difficulties.

[Agbe]

Nigeria Super Eagles Goals in the tournament.



Quarter Final Fixtures. From 9-12 January, 2026. Don't miss this games, the Tournament is about to be intense. More inspiration coming. If Nigeria beat Algeria then there is likelihood that they will win the Cup. And if they do, then they have compensated this to the World Cup.

[Cryptoprincess101]

Osimhen's attitude is getting out of hand, regardless of what your teammates might have done to you on the pitch, you should wait till after the match to complain whatever you have in mind, I heard rumors that he has asked to leave the camp in the middle of a competition. Osimhen's should conduct himself in a manner that shows that he is a professional, he had almost the same similar fall out with Finidi George, the federation looked the other way, allowing it slide.

The issues has been resolved, according to the team administrator 'Dayo Enebi' the boys are in order now, however, Osihmen's behavior should be cautioned on a strict warning of being penalize if a thing like this happens again. He shouldn't be allowed to normalize a terrible habit, else he'd embarrass the nation again on other international meetings.

Yes it is true that victor osimhen did not do well at all by his attitude but they also need to resolve the issue calmly with love so it won't affect the team, if you check very well the Nigerian super eagles are playing with joy and happiness and unity and if they start having issues believe me they will stop playing in unity and when they stop playing unity they will start losing matches and they will end up losing the African cup of nation, according to Victor osimhen he said there's much pressure on him for them to win the African cup of nation and I agree the pressure is more on him than the other players, when Nigeria couldn't qualify for the world cup they were all calling him.
They should resolve and make the love and unity remain in the team.

How could he say that the pressure is on him to win the Nations Cup, is he the only player in the team? and who is giving him pressure? apart from the fact that he will be given special credits if Nigeria wins the Nations Cup, what else. So far as football is concerned, only the coach has the capacity to charge and shout on players when they are not doing well and in this game against Mozambique the Super Eagles were doing just fine so there was no need for that drama that Osimhem displayed against his teammates. Look how many people are condemning that act on social media, is he happy with the development? Nobody called out Victor Osimhen when Nigeria didn't qualify for the world cup, in fact everyone was even applauding him and blaming the other players for not giving in much energy as Osimhen did because we all saw his effort to make sure that the team goes to the world cup but ''a tree does not make a forest''.

[trendcoin]

Osimhen's attitude is getting out of hand, regardless of what your teammates might have done to you on the pitch, you should wait till after the match to complain whatever you have in mind, I heard rumors that he has asked to leave the camp in the middle of a competition. Osimhen's should conduct himself in a manner that shows that he is a professional, he had almost the same similar fall out with Finidi George, the federation looked the other way, allowing it slide.

Osimhen did overreact a bit, but looking at the stats, I understand why he reacted that way. :)
 
https://www.transfermarkt.us/afrika-cup/torschuetzenliste/pokalwettbewerb/AFCN


Lookman also completely crushed the ball in that position. A striker of his caliber should have made a quicker decision and acted on it.

I think it's normal for a player of Osimhen's caliber to be a bit selfish. Of course, he should minimize his reactions a bit more, but you know, having a player on the field who can add extra value at any moment is no ordinary thing, and sometimes you have to tolerate the whims of such players.

[Jostern]

For Algeria I don't think we'd have much to worry about them from whatbibhave seen them display in this competition even in the game they won at extra time, they were terrible and I wasn't expecting them to struggle much with Congo and I said to my friend that these two countries can't withstand Nigeria and the can't beat the Eagles and that's what will happen.

In the beginning of the competition, I believe Algeria looked better than many clubs including Nigeria but honestly from what I saw so far, we cannot compare Algeria to Super Eagles. The gap between these two nations is big and Nigerians should win easily their game. I don't expect a lot of resistance from the Algerian squad.
In the other matches, Senegal will have an easy victory, otherwise Morocco and Egypt will have hard games. Egypt might quit the competition. Morocco can pass with difficulties.

What really makes you think that Nigeria is going to have an easy game against Algeria, Well I think you’ve not watched Algeria play football, I think if you have watched Algeria then you will know that Algeria is a very strong opponent, Algeria have had more difficult games compared to Nigeria who have played more lesser team, In what ways can you compare Mozambique and DR. Congo.

We all know that Algeria is a very strong country in terms of football, I still remember how they beat Nigeria in 2019, and won the Nations Cup, you just said like Nigeria should win their game easily, you think that Algeria is just Mozambique who doesn’t know what they’re doing on the pitch, Algeria is a better team than the Nigerian Super Eagles, they’re playing well in this tournament and are also in the FIFA World Cup finals, and where is Nigeria in the World Cup Finals, That will obviously tell you that Algeria is better than Nigeria.

[GeorgeJohn]

Osimhen's attitude is getting out of hand, regardless of what your teammates might have done to you on the pitch, you should wait till after the match to complain whatever you have in mind, I heard rumors that he has asked to leave the camp in the middle of a competition. Osimhen's should conduct himself in a manner that shows that he is a professional, he had almost the same similar fall out with Finidi George, the federation looked the other way, allowing it slide.

Osimhen did overreact a bit, but looking at the stats, I understand why he reacted that way.
 
https://www.transfermarkt.us/afrika-cup/torschuetzenliste/pokalwettbewerb/AFCN


Lookman also completely crushed the ball in that position. A striker of his caliber should have made a quicker decision and acted on it.

I think it's normal for a player of Osimhen's caliber to be a bit selfish. Of course, he should minimize his reactions a bit more, but you know, having a player on the field who can add extra value at any moment is no ordinary thing, and sometimes you have to tolerate the whims of such players.

Victor Osimhen suppose to be angry over what transpires, because Victor have the chance to score the goal safely without no much stress but Lookman denied the goal by not passing the ball to Victor Osimhen


When Victor Osimhen was carrying to the goal of their counterpart Mozambique, he passed the ball to Lookman thinking that Lookman will return the ball to him, but Lookman did return the ball, whereas Lookman saw his position, knowing that Victor Osimhen have the chance scoring goal, that's what provoked Osimhen..he was the one carrying the ball, and he passed it to Lookman...why will Lookman knowing that he doesn't have a chance to score and he also attempts to score why Osimhen have a clear chance or position to score. .

[Sandra_hakeem]

This thread has had 5 new pages of posts since I asked, and you were the only one who responded... I would have expected more experts to chime in.

Everyone else was busy criticizing on one National team or another, and sometimes even forget to read through the whole discussion. I've asked a couple of unanswered questions in this section and that only made me realize that genuine conversations are rare to have in here.

Especially since most of them seem to be from AFCON countries

That right there also...

Come on, Nigeria. Smack the favourites out!

We're active!!! Please, tell me you created the time to watch our country play against Mozambique... Yes, they're one of the least in FIFA ratings and we were supposed to score at least 7 goals, but 4 wasn't bad either. What do you think Waytress?

[Mayor of ogba]

The only tough match the Super Eagles have played in this tournament was against Tunisia and I even considered them favourites. Even in their round of 16 match yesterday against Mozambique, before the game I predicted Super Eagles to win because I knew Mozambique isn't a strong opponent. But whatever be it a small or strong team Nigeria played with, in my opinion we should learn how to appreciate their effort. I never expected Egypt to lose to Benin, and I'm sure almost all of us here had that belief. So I applaud Nigeria big time because it would've been a different story if they lost to Mozambique.

so far from my experienceed with Nigeria in this tournament yesterday match was their best game that I have watched, because only Nigeria have scored four goals in a single game in this tournament. There's a lot of improvement in their game, which is enough to trust them against any big team.

Tanzania was a strong team this Afcon, Morocco found it hard to win them, Tunisia is not the only strong team Nigeria has faced in this Afcon, in Africa the underdogs can swing differently when you don’t expect them to.
Egypt did not lose to Benin , the game was draw at full time and Egypt score two goals in extra time.
Nigeria played well and their next opponent is not yet know because Algeria and Congo are going to extra time.

I really need to commend the Super eagle's effort in this year's AFCON tournament, they have been really impressive in their last games this tournament, they don't have any single draw nor have they lost any game, they have been winning all their games from the day 1 of this tournament and if they continue like this they will definitely be the African champion and I believe with this their form they can do it. Let's win this guys!

I didn't expect the Super Eagles to perform like this in the African Cup of Nations, so I must say that the performance of the Super Eagles has been impressive, and the Super Eagles team looks quite different in the African Cup of Nations, and they have a good scoring rate, which is a good advantage for the Super Eagles because it can help them out score their opponents and win the African Cup of Nations.