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

[Obim34]

So unfortunate that you are congratulating team that was not able to qualify for the world cup, argued that they are going to win the AFCON tournament to reciprocate their chances to qualify for the world. No achievement for the super eagles this year and you are congratulating them...this is a big disappointment and it's not something to reckon about! Do you still want to celebrate third position? LoL!

It is unfortunate but we are in reality, and we have to make peace with what we get from our performance in the AFCON. We didn't make it to the World Cup, and we didn't meet the final or win the the AFCON, it already happened and we cannot spin back time, we had coach problem and squad depth issues that affected our progress in the World Cup qualification, I believe we have known how things should work, what might be unfortunate is probably by the next World Cup qualification, we will be using some new set of players, that will take a bit of time to mend very well with the squad.

Congrats to how we ended, not Gold or not Silver, at least we didn't go back home empty.

[Stable090]

So Nigeria have this kind of superb PK takers? The fault is from Eric Chelle, why didn't he appoint them to play the PK on Wednesday, when they played against Morrocco.. I think if it was so Nigeria wouldn't have lost to Morocco...

Super eagles lost to Morocco in the penalty shootout. I agree that penalty is all about luck, but what I noticed was that the players which were suppose to take the penalty were hiding from their responsibility, players which were suppose to take the penalty were hiding, I don’t know maybe the order was from the coach, or those players just choose not to play penalty intentionally. We saw how the super eagles played penalty today, we can’t compare how they took penalty today with that of Morocco.

[abaeze]

Egypt vs Nigeria

The match will kick off today at 17:00, what's your prediction for the fixture.

We've already lost the opportunity of qualifying for the finals, playing for the 3rd place is the only opportunity of becoming relevant in the tournament, last tournament, we ended second, we might end on 3rd place or nothing.

The engagement for this game I can tell is poor, third place is not the position we wanted initially as a country so immediately the lose to Morroco, a whole lot of people had no joy watching the game. Most of the important starters for Nigeria have been dropped because this game is obviously not a do or die affair. I'm not seeing the game, the stats displays Egypt dominating with that 60 percent ball possession.
Ademola Lookman,  Iwobi and Victor Osimhen all absent.

It is very obvious they are nit satisfy with the third place but that doesn't mean they should lose this game, important players are absent in the first half of this game like osimhen,Ademola and Iwobi and with the way I am seeing this game, the super eagles should better not lose this game, even if it's third place, they've tried their best and we appreciate that,  we go again next time

It is normal for a big football country like Nigeria that the star players of the team are not taking the field for the third place. Not only that, the interest of the fans naturally decreases in these matches, the match we were interested in was with Morocco. However, since it is a match with Egypt, it seems a little difficult to say in advance what the result of this game can be due to the lack of main players in the team. With the absence of the main starting eleven, both the excitement and my interest in the match have decreased.

[Amphenomenon]

-Image Edited Out-

Congratulations Nigeria! With the way Nigeria performed in the AFCON tournament, we deserve to go home with silverware, no matter if it’s a bronze. I think poetic that we won the bronze in a penalty shootout considering how we have fared in penalties in recent times.

Nigerian Super Eagles deserves even more than the bronze...
They deserve the gold.
The penalty kick was gotten right this time around, the likes of Lukeman, Iwobi and Moses were given opportunities to take penalty kicks unlike the last match that someone like Chukwueze who didn't play a minute to waste the efforts of 120 mins of others in the team.
Congratulations to super Eagles, it is unfortunate that Nigeria is not in the world cup. We don't know when to watch them again.

We did better this year than last year but came out third rather than when we perform poorly and came out second, hopefully we have learnt from our errors and next time we will bring the cup home.

I believe more quality will be added to our team next time and we make it to the next world cup also. I must commend Iwobi and Calvin Bassey. For thr first time we can't be annoyed at Iwobi performance in this competition, I hope he sees how important he is to the team and why we the fans are always criticizing when perform poorly.

[IceLincoln]

I pray and hope Senegal wins the final tomorrow.

Why not pray that Morocco wins over Senegal, preferably(wink), at least we have both African countries as Africans, not Africa vs Europe finals that we will throw support to our African brothers. In this case, it's the Africa tournament, where the best team should win against the other. It could be Senegal or Morocco, whichever country that comes out victorious, we will accept them in good faith for making this AFCON tournament a memorable one for us to celebrate as a continent.

I am in anticipation of the final match because it will be a tough one to talk about, as both countries are having fantastic performances to not be easily won without having loggerheads

As a Nigerian I would want to support Senegal after the eventful encounter we had with the Moroccans I’ve had less love and support for them. Also Senegal is a West African country so we’re inclined to support them for the trophy. But as an African in general I had wanted to support Morocco to win the AFCON to crown all their efforts on the continent and the world, they’ve really come this far.
This is the best they’ve done so far in a long time and their coach Walid has really tried. So tomorrow the best team wins but I Cheer for Senegal 🥂

[Stepstowealth]

We did better this year than last year but came out third rather than when we perform poorly and came out second,.

In the last African Cup of Nations, the Super Eagles did not perform poorly, they had a very good performance also, very good defensively under Poseiro until the finals where we lost to Ivory Coast. To back up my claim, you will remember that people also complained a lot when we discovered that he was still sacked. The Super Eagles have always had quality players, what has just been lacking was a coach, and then the NFF making a stable choice of keeping the coach for a long period of time. Eric has done well on the job, he deserves to be retained.

[Localhostspeed]

So Nigeria have this kind of superb PK takers? The fault is from Eric Chelle, why didn't he appoint them to play the PK on Wednesday, when they played against Morrocco.. I think if it was so Nigeria wouldn't have lost to Morocco...

Super eagles lost to Morocco in the penalty shootout. I agree that penalty is all about luck, but what I noticed was that the players which were suppose to take the penalty were hiding from their responsibility, players which were suppose to take the penalty were hiding, I don’t know maybe the order was from the coach, or those players just choose not to play penalty intentionally. We saw how the super eagles played penalty today, we can’t compare how they took penalty today with that of Morocco.

I will do the same if I'm in their shoe. The thing most of them fear is what happened to Chukwueze later. You can't predict Penalty even though you are too good at it. We all blame him that he loss and many people questioned why he was allowed to play the Pk but the coach said many times during their training, Chukwueze is very talented and score well, that was more reason why he was substitute for Osimhen so we could have a better chance but we failed later.

From the beginning of the match against Morocco, my prayer was for us not to go into that penalty, it is not that easy. Look at what happen today with Egypt, Salah lost Penalty to Nwabali, like how did that happened? Nobody could explain but that's penalty for you, it could have happened to Nigerian players too but we escaped as long last and now the third place in the Afcon, unto another one next.

[Davidvictorson]

I believe more quality will be added to our team next time and we make it to the next world cup also. I must commend Iwobi and Calvin Bassey. For thr first time we can't be annoyed at Iwobi performance in this competition, I hope he sees how important he is to the team and why we the fans are always criticizing when perform poorly.

Congratulations to the boys. I watched the highlights of the Penalty Kick. I commend each and everyone of them. No one set out to be placed third in the tournament but it is what it is. It goes to show that there is still room for improvement and that with good leadership we can come out on top in the next AFCON. Super congratulation to the team's Coach Eric, he has given the NFF a run for their money and even if he leaves now, I am satisfied that he did well and will be remembered for a long time to time.
I already can predict the winner of the AFCON and that goes to Morrocco. By this time tomorrow, we would know already.

[Felicity_Tide]

We did better this year than last year but came out third rather than when we perform poorly and came out second, hopefully we have learnt from our errors and next time we will bring the cup home.

Not related, but I'm still feeling upset with that Mahrez's free kick goal against us in 2019.
Well, that aside, the boys have done their best and their journey at the tournament has ended. I didn't even watch a few games, including the one played today for the third place against Egypt, and that's because I'm very disappointed at how NFF has handled sport in general in the past few years. The chances of defeating a host nation at their own ground is definitely something that can't be guaranteed. For a country that wants to succeed, making plans ahead of the next AFCON is not bad idea. We all know how funny the federation acts especially when it comes to preparation for major tournaments. We don't have to wait until it's a year to.

I believe more quality will be added to our team next time and we make it to the next world cup also. I must commend Iwobi and Calvin Bassey. For thr first time we can't be annoyed at Iwobi performance in this competition, I hope he sees how important he is to the team and why we the fans are always criticizing when perform poorly.

Qualities don't just appear, you have to go in search for them. Some of our current players are already approaching their 30s I guess, so now is the time to start noting down some names both locally and internationally ahead of thr next AFCON. And as for the two Fulham players, I certainly agree with you.

[Anayochukwu]

I pray and hope Senegal wins the final tomorrow.

Why not pray that Morocco wins over Senegal, preferably(wink), at least we have both African countries as Africans, not Africa vs Europe finals that we will throw support to our African brothers. In this case, it's the Africa tournament, where the best team should win against the other. It could be Senegal or Morocco, whichever country that comes out victorious, we will accept them in good faith for making this AFCON tournament a memorable one for us to celebrate as a continent.

I am in anticipation of the final match because it will be a tough one to talk about, as both countries are having fantastic performances to not be easily won without having loggerheads

As a Nigerian I would want to support Senegal after the eventful encounter we had with the Moroccans I’ve had less love and support for them. Also Senegal is a West African country so we’re inclined to support them for the trophy. But as an African in general I had wanted to support Morocco to win the AFCON to crown all their efforts on the continent and the world, they’ve really come this far.
This is the best they’ve done so far in a long time and their coach Walid has really tried. So tomorrow the best team wins but I Cheer for Senegal 🥂

It's just unfortunate that Super Eagles couldn't make it in the final, tomorrow would have been a day of much fun for the Nigerians but everything just went upside-down. It was today that they know how to play penalty after all their poor penalties against Morocco they want to deceive Nigerians with third place, anyways I just liked the way fans were silent today because I think they don't deserve much attention anymore. To be honest my mind wasn't in the game at all because I was expecting them to play in the final not third place, tomorrow is a big day for Morocco and Senegal so the best team should win the trophy.

[Smartvirus]

In the last African Cup of Nations, the Super Eagles did not perform poorly, they had a very good performance also, very good defensively under Poseiro until the finals where we lost to Ivory Coast. To back up my claim, you will remember that people also complained a lot when we discovered that he was still sacked. The Super Eagles have always had quality players, what has just been lacking was a coach, and then the NFF making a stable choice of keeping the coach for a long period of time. Eric has done well on the job, he deserves to be retained.

They got to the finals alright but, it was hardly because they performed so well, at least not as good as this season and yet, they didn’t get to the finals this season while, they did in the previous. In the last AFCON, I had a problem with Osimhen, his inability to finish the chances created was a huge problem and the Super Eagles didn’t play much as a team. It took just one man, Sebastian Haller to deliver the damaging blow like a striker should. Most of that seems to have being rectified in this tournament and the team was very much put together.

[DaNNy001]

So Nigeria have this kind of superb PK takers? The fault is from Eric Chelle, why didn't he appoint them to play the PK on Wednesday, when they played against Morrocco.. I think if it was so Nigeria wouldn't have lost to Morocco...

Super eagles lost to Morocco in the penalty shootout. I agree that penalty is all about luck, but what I noticed was that the players which were suppose to take the penalty were hiding from their responsibility, players which were suppose to take the penalty were hiding, I don’t know maybe the order was from the coach, or those players just choose not to play penalty intentionally. We saw how the super eagles played penalty today, we can’t compare how they took penalty today with that of Morocco.

The super eagles are not that great with penalty shootouts, even though it's about luck it is mostly about skills and precision a lot of times...it is obvious that something is different between the way they played against morroco and how they played against Egypt, the coach must have structured things differently...it is always a good thing to learn from your past mistakes and become better

[Pablo-wood]

The super eagles are not that great with penalty shootouts, even though it's about luck it is mostly about skills and precision a lot of times...it is obvious that something is different between the way they played against morroco and how they played against Egypt, the coach must have structured things differently...it is always a good thing to learn from your past mistakes and become better

The highlight of Supet eagles shootout tonight is that they learnt from the mistakes made against Morocco and used that as an edge against Egypt. Nwabali also contributed greatly to this victory. Saving two penalties from Salah and Marmoosh gave the team their advantage. I also saw how nervous Iwobi was while playing his turn but his ability to put the ball through made him even more happier and confident in himself.

[Alonso_]

Congratulations to Super Eagles of Nigeria, Because I knew they will always play this third position, and that was what I have predicted here and it actually happened, now it’s quite unfortunate that same Super Eagles played a penalty shootout against DR. Congo in the World Cup qualifiers, Unfortunately it didn’t go there way, and they played a Penalty shootout against Morocco and they lost, now they played same shootout against Egypt and they won when it didn’t matter.

Well unfortunately the Super Eagles, is know for disappointment so they actually gave out a kind of game that they have deserved and they achieved what they only deserve which is that third place, mostly I don’t really understand why the Nigeria super Eagles haven’t been playing a good football, they should be winning the AFCON but I wasn’t expecting anything from them because I know they’re not playing a very good football.

[Tonimez]

Congratulations to Super Eagles of Nigeria, Because I knew they will always play this third position, and that was what I have predicted here and it actually happened, now it’s quite unfortunate that same Super Eagles played a penalty shootout against DR. Congo in the World Cup qualifiers, Unfortunately it didn’t go there way, and they played a Penalty shootout against Morocco and they lost, now they played same shootout against Egypt and they won when it didn’t matter.

Well unfortunately the Super Eagles, is know for disappointment so they actually gave out a kind of game that they have deserved and they achieved what they only deserve which is that third place, mostly I don’t really understand why the Nigeria super Eagles haven’t been playing a good football, they should be winning the AFCON but I wasn’t expecting anything from them because I know they’re not playing a very good football.

It will be so unfair to say that the super eagles did not play a good football in this tournament. This AFCON is an exception or will I say that the super eagles under Eric Chelle has been an absolute improvement of what it was under Finidi George of which you won't choose Finidi George's super eagles over what we have now. Morocco is a very strong team sitting on the 11th spot in the world FIFA rankings and undoubtedly the first in Africa followed by Senegal. I would say that there were no much surprises in this AFCON edition because by ranking, the super eagles played with the best team in Africa and were able to hold the pressure for 120 minutes.

The super eagles played the most entertaining football in this AFCON followed by Morocco. This means that the super eagles actually lost to the right team (even though it's not enough reason). Speculators have noted that this is the fairest AFCON where only the best teams progressed in almost all stages and not a miraculous progression of one small and obviously unmerited team.

Winning the third place is painful but there's no option but I will say that the players all did their best and delivered the best of football that we watched in this AFCON.

[RedFlix]

I bet for 0:0 for Morocco and Senegal full time score. Both are strong teams will go to additional time. I wish Morocco to win after losing last final in 2004.

[armanda90]

Congratulations to the boys. I watched the highlights of the Penalty Kick. I commend each and everyone of them. No one set out to be placed third in the tournament but it is what it is. It goes to show that there is still room for improvement and that with good leadership we can come out on top in the next AFCON. Super congratulation to the team's Coach Eric, he has given the NFF a run for their money and even if he leaves now, I am satisfied that he did well and will be remembered for a long time to time.
I already can predict the winner of the AFCON and that goes to Morrocco. By this time tomorrow, we would know already.

Congratulation to Nigeria for the 3rd place position at AFCON 2025, although fans expected for becoming the champion but finish at 3rd place not really bad regarding how bad issues during phase group matches until the semifinal match. A lot of controversial of Nigeria teams exactly with bonuses receiving during the group stage matches but I like with Nigeria captain teams Wilfred Ndidi dared to pay the bonus that the federation did not pay with his own money and this is an extraordinary motivation as a team captain.

So finish at 3rd place is the greatest achievement for Nigeria at AFCON 2025 after bad and internal problem with their football federation, wish your team for next time AFCON will qualify to final and become the champion.

[SatoPrincess]

Congratulations Nigeria! With the way Nigeria performed in the AFCON tournament, we deserve to go home with silverware, no matter if it’s a bronze. I think poetic that we won the bronze in a penalty shootout considering how we have fared in penalties in recent times.

Nigerian Super Eagles deserves even more than the bronze...
They deserve the gold.
The penalty kick was gotten right this time around, the likes of Lukeman, Iwobi and Moses were given opportunities to take penalty kicks unlike the last match that someone like Chukwueze who didn't play a minute to waste the efforts of 120 mins of others in the team.
Congratulations to super Eagles, it is unfortunate that Nigeria is not in the world cup. We don't know when to watch them again.

Yes, we will have to wait for another four years to watch Nigeria play in the AFCON again. Still mad about the Chukwueze penalty? Surely, you understand why Chukwueze was subbed in to take the penalties, he’s probably one of the best penalty takers in training, unfortunately he wasn’t able to score against Morocco.

[Oluwa-btc]

I bet for 0:0 for Morocco and Senegal full time score. Both are strong teams will go to additional time. I wish Morocco to win after losing last final in 2004.

I won't be taking sides trust me. Let the best side win be it Senegal or Morroco. But with two first team playefor Senegal out due to suspension, I want to see how they cope without them.
Congratulations to the Nigerian National team for winning bronze and to Stanley Nwanbali, for saving us two penalties and making sure we lift something. He is indeed our hero. And if there's anyone still vexed with Chukueze, can yu channel that to these corrupt NFF and Apc government?! You're welcome!

[Barikui1]

They got to the finals alright but, it was hardly because they performed so well, at least not as good as this season and yet, they didn’t get to the finals this season while, they did in the previous. In the last AFCON, I had a problem with Osimhen, his inability to finish the chances created was a huge problem and the Super Eagles didn’t play much as a team. It took just one man, Sebastian Haller to deliver the damaging blow like a striker should. Most of that seems to have being rectified in this tournament and the team was very much put together.

Yes, I agree with you that our super eagles were more better this year than their previous outing in the afcon where they lost to ivory coast, but they were not just stopped by losing on penalty shootout, they were stopped by the tactical masterclass of the Moroccans, and the absence of Wilfred ndidi makes things even more difficult for our super eagles, which makes the job of the Moroccan team easier by cutting out the threat pose by iwobi, so because they successfully cut out those killer passes he normally makes, that was the point I believe that it would be extremely difficult for the Nigerian team to win the game, but in the end, their poor penalty shooting skill cost them a place in the finals.