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

[Mayor of ogba]

I am just curious between Egypt, Morocco, and Nigeria, which of these countries do you think would win the AFCON? I don’t have any hopes for Nigeria despite their recent “improved” performance in quotes. Egypt and Morocco are two strong contenders but the Moroccan are not my favorites because of their fans laser harassments of their opponents. So, that leaves me with Egypt. What do y’all think?

I don't blame you if you don't have any hopes for the Super Eagles to win the African Cup of Nations because the Super Eagles have disappointed us so many times in the past when we have had high hopes for them. But with the way the Super Eagles made it so easy for them to beat Algeria yesterday, I am telling you for free that the Super Eagles are winning this year's African Cup of Nations.

[Issa56]

I think Morocco is going to win this Tournament, Considering them being the host Nation and having so many experienced players, who was part of the squad that played in the last World Cup and took them to the Semi-Finals of the World Cup, Morocco have never won the Nations Cup, so I believe they are motivated to win this Tournaments on home soil, and they’ve been putting in good performances so far during this Tournament.

Just because Morocco are the host doesn’t guaranty that they going to be winning the AFCON, it’s the team that plays better that’s going to win and not the host. I know Morocco have been playing well, and they have quality players also, but the super eagles which they will be playing against are also playing well, they haven’t lost or played draw since the AFCON started, and they have talented players which are playing for top clubs also, so the match won’t be a easy one.

With the way the super eagles are so determined in this AFCON, I don’t think Morocco will be able to stop them this time around, they are ready to crush any team that comes their way, so I just think the super eagles are going to be proceeding to the final, and they might end up winning it.

[POPOLUV]

The Super Eagles have being exceptional in this tournament and have handled every one of their fixture quite well.  Should they have qualified for the FIFA World Cup, they certainly wouldn’t have being able to perform at this level in this tournament.

Nigeria deserve to reach that stage in Africa Cup of Nations because they were good since the beginning of it. At the opposite, on qualifiers, they were weak at the beginning and when they started getting points at the end, it was late.
Supers Eagles will face Morocco in what we call a precocious final. May the best between them win, I have doubts about Nigeria being able to lose this match...

We can say that,  Nigeria really deserve more better as we can see how they tend to play, they really do it more than what many expected. For me I thought Algeria would have given them some hard time, but it didn't go in that way, as we can see how Nigeria so use their physicality so well and how they make use of every opportunity they have. Nigeria to say is one of the best team in this AFCON as they have been playing very well not to even draw any match. Nigeria I believe will play Morocco as to an extent many of us will not expect it.

To be honest with you Algeria didn't believe what was coming on their way till when they saw it happening live yesterday, although everyone was expecting the match to be tough one for Nigeria players because Algeria played very well in their group stages and they didn't struggle for any results when ever they meet any teams but yesterday the super Eagle proof to us that they can still do what they have be doing during group stages to Algeria too, so looking at the next match that super Eagle have with Morocco, i know that the game will be a tough because both super Eagle and Morocco plays the same partner of football and which super Eagle needs to start scoring from the first half of the game and dominating in the match too and i believe that Nigeria can make their way to the finals of the African Cup of Nations.

[Mayor of ogba]

snip

I wouldn’t say they are lucky, nor will I say they're a bad side, Nigerians have just seen their players upped their performance and game during this African Cup Competition.
And cheers to the posters and people who wanted Victor Osimhen out of this Nigerian squad he was a bit vexed and tempered the other day. I hate how you lots disrespect the best Nigerian Striker we've had in a long time. He might have attitude issues, but we need him and can't deny his greatness. Congratulations to the boys and also Alex Iwobi. He's been our unsung hero, yes?!

Ighalo said before the game that Nigeria was going to see Victor Osimhen at his best because he plays best when he’s rattled or angry. Mikel Obi also said the same thing on his podcast, and Osimhen proved them right. He gave Nigeria a goal and an assist that sent Super Eagles flying to the semi-finals.

I have been under the weather for a few days now, and haven’t been able to get much done. Did anyone bet on this match?

Victor Osimhen is a type of player that can singlehandedly help his team win a match, and I don't need Ighalo and John Mikel Obi to know that Victor Osimhen would help the Super Eagles overcome Algeria test, but it's so as Victor Osimhen proves both of them right. Yes, I bet on this match, and my bet was for the Super Eagles to beat Algeria.

[KTChampions]

The semifinals are pretty even, I must say, it's hard to say who will win. Bookmakers are currently pricing the semifinal pairings as follows:

Senegal - Egypt 1.96 - 3.10 - 3.25

I can't say that Senegal looks noticeably stronger than Egypt, but they have a better scoring, so I wouldn't bet against the bookmakers here.

Morocco - Nigeria 2.04 - 3.10 - 3.00

Frankly, both teams look very strong, and the bias in Morocco's favor is likely due to their success at the last World Cup. Perhaps it makes sense to bet on Nigeria.

I have the same bias as you for this semin final games.

Senegal to win Egypt
Nigeria to win Morocco

While all the remaining teams are the best teams of the tournament, some have shown more fight, quality football and consistent results more than others. Senegal won most of their games comfortably and the same goes for Nigeria. I feel like Morocco got this far based off of "Host Country" vibes. Which is why I'm eager to watch the semi final vs Nigeria as well as that Senegal game.

We got ourselves action-packed matches ahead!

If the home factor significantly influences bookmakers' ratings, I think it's overrated. It's not like in club football, where one team trains at home and the other travels, here, everyone travels and is constantly on the move. I'm not sure that Nigeria will win, I think the chances are 50/50, but when the chances are like that, it's better to bet on odds of 3.0 than 2.04, in my opinion there is value here.

[yenerbatmaz]

Sincerely speaking I don't know what is really happening with our super eagles this time around they are no longer playing good and interesting football anymore, and they really need wake up and make us proud this time around, just as our super falcons did in the WAFCON. I know that when it comes to the national team the super eagles players are not been treated the same wey they are been treated in there various clubs, but even as that they should put in their best when playing in the national team, because they representing their country Nigeria, and it will make no sense that will have good and quality players in super eagles and still can secure the AFCOM trophy.

Footballers take to the field for national team matches with patriotic feelings. The bonus issue is constantly happening with the Nigerian national team, and I don't understand it. Many players earn millions of Euros, yet the federation hasn't paid their bonuses, so they're refusing to play – that seems absurd to me. Footballers represent their country on the field, and they should do it in the best way possible. This has happened before, and it's strange that it's happening again.

[EarnOnVictor]

I am just curious between Egypt, Morocco, and Nigeria, which of these countries do you think would win the AFCON? I don’t have any hopes for Nigeria despite their recent “improved” performance in quotes. Egypt and Morocco are two strong contenders but the Moroccan are not my favorites because of their fans laser harassments of their opponents. So, that leaves me with Egypt. What do y’all think?

I don't blame you if you don't have any hopes for the Super Eagles to win the African Cup of Nations because the Super Eagles have disappointed us so many times in the past when we have had high hopes for them. But with the way the Super Eagles made it so easy for them to beat Algeria yesterday, I am telling you for free that the Super Eagles are winning this year's African Cup of Nations.

Unlike you, I will blame anyone who doesn't have hope in the current Super Eagles. The fact that the old Super Eagles have disappointed many times doesn't mean the current one would disappoint, and looking at the coach and the players, are they all the same set who disappointed? Judging from the current feat as well, is it the same? Now tell me, what is hope, if not that? Even if they didn't lift the trophy, that doesn't mean there's no hope in this current squad. They've already built trust, so let's support them in full.



As for our next match against Morocco, I understand, it might be tougher for some reasons. First, Morocco is the host country, and host countries often get some favouritism, aside from their greater dedication to playing on their soil. Secondly, in all competitions, Morocco had beaten us more. But all these don't count when the hands change in terms of a new squad.

🇳🇬Go Nigeria!!!

[Lida93]

I don't get it how The Ivory Coast team continues to gain possession of the game right from the first half to the second half and haven't being able to lead in the score sheet in this game, they have being behind only responding to the Egyptians after they're a 2 goals ahead. The Egyptians are playing with much physicality which has helped them to dig in to the Ivorian defence with their eyes on goal each time they have the ball. I think this is a lost game for Ivory Coast with 3:2 scoreline in favour of the pharaohs.

Yes, it's true that Ivory Coast had the most ball possessions of over 70% in the entire today's game against Egypt, but one thing I noticed about Egypt was the fact that they were very good at utilizing any opportunities they saw to convert into goals, just as they did in their first goal at 4 minutes into game by Omar Marmoush, fellowed by the second goal that was scored by Rami Rabia at 32 minutes, of which all those goals was scored at strategic opportunities by the Egyptians players. And I'm happy the Egyptians players for being able to convert convert slight opportunities into goals, instead of holding it in possession. So it was really a lovely game and I enjoyed it.

Obviously, gaining victory in football game is about taking opportunities and utilizing them when you have it, and that's exactly what Egypt did against Ivory Coast. Now the four teams left, two are West African teams Nigeria and Senegal, while Morocco and Egypt are North Africans which is one thing I find unique about this stage. And so, would it be two West African countries to the finals or North African countries, or perhaps a North and West African finals?

[Ronsbit]

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Honestly it’s going to be a remarkable achievement for the Nigerian football if the super eagles of Nigeria ends up winning this years Afcon trophy just like their super falcons team did in Morocco last year, it will really solidify Nigeria as the powerhouse as far as Africa football is concerned. The super eagles really outplayed Algeria today in their quarter final game in all area, and got rewarded by winning 2 goals to nil. They are by far the best team so far in this years Afcon. That win against Algeria have booked them a place in the semi final where they will be playing the host nation morroco, it won’t be an easy game as the Moroccan team will be hoping to take their revenge for what Nigeria did to their female football team in the just concluded wafcon. But I believe that the Nigerian super eagles have all it takes to go all out and win that game.

Super Eagles have all it takes, looking at their current state and performances. They just need to make sure they maintain the same spirit and unity they have been exhibiting right from day one of the tournament. I believe the trophy is for Nigeria, and history would have it on record that Nigeria did Morocco dirty on their soil; both male and female trophies were won by the same country under their watch. God willing, Nigeria would win the trophy this tournament.

[SatoPrincess]

Ighalo said before the game that Nigeria was going to see Victor Osimhen at his best because he plays best when he’s rattled or angry. Mikel Obi also said the same thing on his podcast, and Osimhen proved them right. He gave Nigeria a goal and an assist that sent Super Eagles flying to the semi-finals.

I have been under the weather for a few days now, and haven’t been able to get much done. Did anyone bet on this match?

Victor Osimhen is a type of player that can singlehandedly help his team win a match, and I don't need Ighalo and John Mikel Obi to know that Victor Osimhen would help the Super Eagles overcome Algeria test, but it's so as Victor Osimhen proves both of them right. Yes, I bet on this match, and my bet was for the Super Eagles to beat Algeria.

I know the value Victor Osimhen brings to the team. I’m just saying it’s nice to see our national football legends back him during a time where the media (myself included, and many others here) were strongly critical of Victor Osimhen.
Congratulations on winning your bet, mind showing us the bet slip. Just kidding I haven’t won this year yet but I’m sure it is going to happen soon.

[capokmerah]

I have the same bias as you for this semin final games.

Senegal to win Egypt
Nigeria to win Morocco

While all the remaining teams are the best teams of the tournament, some have shown more fight, quality football and consistent results more than others. Senegal won most of their games comfortably and the same goes for Nigeria. I feel like Morocco got this far based off of "Host Country" vibes. Which is why I'm eager to watch the semi final vs Nigeria as well as that Senegal game.

We got ourselves action-packed matches ahead!

In my opinion, this is a very spectacular semifinal because as previously explained, the four teams that advanced to the semifinals are the favorite teams to win.
Despite Morocco being the host, I don't see Morocco being one step ahead.
The four teams have the same chance of advancing to the final and becoming champions.

It will be very interesting to see who will go to the final,
but I bet that it will be Senegal and Nigeria who will go to the final.

[Ronsbit]

snip

snip

I know the value Victor Osimhen brings to the team. I’m just saying it’s nice to see our national football legends back him during a time where the media (myself included, and many others here) were strongly critical of Victor Osimhen.
Congratulations on winning your bet, mind showing us the bet slip. Just kidding I haven’t won this year yet but I’m sure it is going to happen soon.

I had known this from the onset that Osimhen is an asset to the NFF. Even when the criticism started due to his outburst in the last match, I knew his best was about coming out because he shows his best whenever he gets to that point of becoming or getting angry at his colleagues on the pitch for a greedy play.

I love the fact that our legends never spoke badly about him, even in the midst of the criticism he received from Nigerians, and he too never bothered about the outburst because he expected it and he knew that was his strength, and he capitalised on it to show his strength and capacity.

[buwaytress]

SatoPrincess good luck asking anyone for a betslip here. So much talk, no show But hey, we get Mane vs Salah, possibly for the last time. I'll do everything I can to watch that but it doesn't look good as I'll be on a train that day and I doubt they'll let me stream on the wifi haha. For all the shit Nigeria's gone through, I hope they go on to take this, if not Senegal.

[Salahmu]

In my opinion, this is a very spectacular semifinal because as previously explained, the four teams that advanced to the semifinals are the favorite teams to win.
Despite Morocco being the host, I don't see Morocco being one step ahead.
The four teams have the same chance of advancing to the final and becoming champions.

It will be very interesting to see who will go to the final,
but I bet that it will be Senegal and Nigeria who will go to the final.

The host are even the weakest at times, remember when Qatar host the cup, did they go anywhere? They left the competition they were sponsoring in group stage so we cannot act as if we didn't see host country who did not won there trophy, the ones that has underrated super eagles is not on the AFCON, Senegal and Nigeria need to see each other's on the finals. Time was detrimental to Ivory Coast semi qualifier because of late time organizing recovery performance because they recovered on the tiredness of the Egyptians but all the Egyptians has to drawback because the strength could only be strong if all of them are in the back as it was few minutes to go.

[SatoPrincess]

SatoPrincess good luck asking anyone for a betslip here. So much talk, no show But hey, we get Mane vs Salah, possibly for the last time. I'll do everything I can to watch that but it doesn't look good as I'll be on a train that day and I doubt they'll let me stream on the wifi haha. For all the shit Nigeria's gone through, I hope they go on to take this, if not Senegal.

Lol, there are very few people here who would put their money where their mouth is. Nigeria is winning the AFCON, we have been the best team in the tournament so far. Unless there is a massive drop in form, I see no way Nigeria is going home without the trophy. I’m just as excited to see Salah go against Mane. I love Salah but he’s not winning an AFCON, not this one.

[Stormisover]

I am just curious between Egypt, Morocco, and Nigeria, which of these countries do you think would win the AFCON? I don’t have any hopes for Nigeria despite their recent “improved” performance in quotes. Egypt and Morocco are two strong contenders but the Moroccan are not my favorites because of their fans laser harassments of their opponents. So, that leaves me with Egypt. What do y’all think?

I don't blame you if you don't have any hopes for the Super Eagles to win the African Cup of Nations because the Super Eagles have disappointed us so many times in the past when we have had high hopes for them. But with the way the Super Eagles made it so easy for them to beat Algeria yesterday, I am telling you for free that the Super Eagles are winning this year's African Cup of Nations.

Hmm you think so? What makes you believe Nigeria is out of the line, like they actually seem to be more formidable team in the tournament so far, they beat Algeria which was playing clean sheets, and not all expected that win from the super Eagles and you still think they are not among the title contenders, to me the Egypt and Morocco you just mentioned are not really a threat to me, I prefer Senegal to be more of a team for the super Eagles to worry about than that of Egypt and Morocco, but I still strongly believe Nigeria is gonna win the trophy this time.

[Umulala-alala]

The Super Eagles have being exceptional in this tournament and have handled every one of their fixture quite well.  Should they have qualified for the FIFA World Cup, they certainly wouldn’t have being able to perform at this level in this tournament.

Nigeria deserve to reach that stage in Africa Cup of Nations because they were good since the beginning of it. At the opposite, on qualifiers, they were weak at the beginning and when they started getting points at the end, it was late.
Supers Eagles will face Morocco in what we call a precocious final. May the best between them win, I have doubts about Nigeria being able to lose this match...

We can say that,  Nigeria really deserve more better as we can see how they tend to play, they really do it more than what many expected. For me I thought Algeria would have given them some hard time, but it didn't go in that way, as we can see how Nigeria so use their physicality so well and how they make use of every opportunity they have. Nigeria to say is one of the best team in this AFCON as they have been playing very well not to even draw any match. Nigeria I believe will play Morocco as to an extent many of us will not expect it.

To be honest with you Algeria didn't believe what was coming on their way till when they saw it happening live yesterday, although everyone was expecting the match to be tough one for Nigeria players because Algeria played very well in their group stages and they didn't struggle for any results when ever they meet any teams but yesterday the super Eagle proof to us that they can still do what they have be doing during group stages to Algeria too, so looking at the next match that super Eagle have with Morocco, i know that the game will be a tough because both super Eagle and Morocco plays the same partner of football and which super Eagle needs to start scoring from the first half of the game and dominating in the match too and i believe that Nigeria can make their way to the finals of the African Cup of Nations.

The players that Nigeria have is capable of winning the world cup so some times am surprised why they still struggle in the AFCON.
With the super eagles performance this time am not surprised because that is what they are supposed to be doing winning matches, Nigeria is not supposed to struggle with any African country before they win them because the squad is too much, Algeria were unbeaten in the group stage so many was thinking that it was going to be a difficult match for Nigeria to win, am also expecting the same result against Morocco an easy win. Osimhen need to score 3 goals against them i want him to win the AFCON top goal scorer.

[Wakate]

I know that no one is  happy and even the super Eagle players are not happy either to see themselves not be able to qualify for the FIFA world Cup tournament and such super Eagle are not the only team that did not qualify so i want you to believe that some time if the winning is on your side you will not do anything .

Do you know when Nigeria participate in the world cup last? You need to check so that you will understand what I meant and why I am very angry about the way the super eagle is playing serious in the AFCON while they could not qualify for the world cup.
The last world cup Nigeria participate in was 2018 and since then nothing. This year will made it 8 years again we participated and you think it's funny? This is a taboo and the super eagle should be ashame of their rubbish assumption calling themselves the African giant!

[Mr_Brilliant$]

The Super Eagles have being exceptional in this tournament and have handled every one of their fixture quite well.  Should they have qualified for the FIFA World Cup, they certainly wouldn’t have being able to perform at this level in this tournament.

Nigeria deserve to reach that stage in Africa Cup of Nations because they were good since the beginning of it. At the opposite, on qualifiers, they were weak at the beginning and when they started getting points at the end, it was late.
Supers Eagles will face Morocco in what we call a precocious final. May the best between them win, I have doubts about Nigeria being able to lose this match...

We can say that,  Nigeria really deserve more better as we can see how they tend to play, they really do it more than what many expected. For me I thought Algeria would have given them some hard time, but it didn't go in that way, as we can see how Nigeria so use their physicality so well and how they make use of every opportunity they have. Nigeria to say is one of the best team in this AFCON as they have been playing very well not to even draw any match. Nigeria I believe will play Morocco as to an extent many of us will not expect it.

To be honest with you Algeria didn't believe what was coming on their way till when they saw it happening live yesterday, although everyone was expecting the match to be tough one for Nigeria players because Algeria played very well in their group stages and they didn't struggle for any results when ever they meet any teams but yesterday the super Eagle proof to us that they can still do what they have be doing during group stages to Algeria too, so looking at the next match that super Eagle have with Morocco, i know that the game will be a tough because both super Eagle and Morocco plays the same partner of football and which super Eagle needs to start scoring from the first half of the game and dominating in the match too and i believe that Nigeria can make their way to the finals of the African Cup of Nations.

Like it was so obvious that Algeria didn’t expect what was coming, it was when Osimhen scored the first goal, they started wanting to put more effort, but it was already too late, because even with their effort, the game was already in control by Super Eagles..
I won’t lie even me myself thought the game would be so tuff for Super eagles, because it was clear that Algeria was in form, but it ended up to be a surprise..
I just hope next game will be this good as well sha..

[Wakate]

You are perfectly right in all that you said here bro, because in football talent alone is not enough. A team falls to qualify for a world cup tournament or any other international tournament doesn't mean that the team is not good, most times it's due to bad coaching and bad organizations that is mostly the cause, as you have said already, not by just having a talented squad.

The world cup competition is too important to be over looked and when I see people taking about the super eagle not qualifying, it sound too comfortable to many that think since they could not qualify for the world cup, they are cool with the AFCON.
The question is, is the AFCON bigger than the world cup tournament? We need to understand the differences and yhe opportunity is pose for the Nigerian players.