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

[Agbam]

I wonder what the Nigerian federation intends to achieve with this, because from what I see, FIFA has no intention of punishing Congo. If that were the case, Congo would have been punished a long time ago. It seems to me that the Nigerian federation still wants to clean up their image for not qualifying despite having one of the strongest squads in Africa, and the fault lies not with the squad, but with the federation, which failed to hire a good coach early enough.

So now, without AFCON and without World Cup qualification, they need to use this method of complaining to FIFA to clean up their image. Unfortunately, it seems like a path that won't produce great results.

No its not just about the NFF trying to right their wrong. It's about identifying an opportunity and taking advantage of it. The naturalization process of the Congo DR is clear, and there are indications that some players didn't go through the right procedure.

If Nigeria gets a favorable judgment, I know Nigerians will begin to praise the NFF for doing a good job. If it turns out negatively, we accept our fate and wait for another four years. We are still expecting the verdict.

I believe the following: On the field, when two teams play and one of them wins without the influence of the referees, then that team deserves the victory. Congo won and Nigeria lost because they couldn't be better than Congo; accepting that is what Nigeria should do. For example, Nigeria beat my country, Mozambique, and I even congratulated Nigeria because, without a doubt, Nigeria is 100 times better than my country's national team.

Sometimes I would want to support this motion that Congo should qualify as they beat us free and fair… that is right But if there’s a rule or a law and there’s a bridge of it no matter how small should be loooked at.
If the petition of the NFF is true and the FiFA finds Congo guilty then there’ll be punishment otherwise nothing at all.


In other news.., the UEFA Champions League match between Club Brugge vs ATH Madrid has seen two Nigerians on both sides appear on the scoresheet. Incredible Lookman continues his fine form for ATM.

[Spaceman1000$]

As you all must have heard, the NFF have filled a petition to FIFA regarding the Congoleese feilding 6 players who are ineligible to paritipate for the inter-continental playoffs.

The NFF is yet to hear a verdict this week. As FIFA has made it clear that the World Cup qualification is not decided only by goals, points, and form. It is also decided by obedience to the rules and regulations, documentation, and whether each federation meet their demands of the FIFA rulebook.

The NFF is try their possible best for the super eagles of Nigeria to get a place in the world cup. I am against the NFF still making a move for FIFA to disqualify Dr. Congo so that the super eagles can take Dr. Congo's place in the world cup but if Dr. Congo actually cheated in the world cup inter-continental playoffs by feilding 6 players who are ineligible to participate for the inter-continental playoffs, the NFF did the right thing in filing a petition to draw FIFA's attention to what Dr. Congo did because Dr. Congo would not cheat to get a place in the world cup and expect the super eagles of Nigeria and the NFF to keep silent when they found out Dr. Congo featured 6 players who are ineligible to participate for the inter-continental playoffs.

I've heard a lot of people say, oh Nigeria wants to qualify to the world cup through the back door, a lot have been said by different people, however if we check through the merit of the matter, you will agree with me that the merit of the case needs the attention of of FIFA to be brought upon. Somebody went against his own rules, but doesn't want to be called upon. So let's wait and see FIFA's verdict on this matter, because the final judgement by FIFA will serve as an example to other's, so all eyes are keenly waiting to see what will happen.

[Mayor of ogba]

As you all must have heard, the NFF have filled a petition to FIFA regarding the Congoleese feilding 6 players who are ineligible to paritipate for the inter-continental playoffs.

The NFF is yet to hear a verdict this week. As FIFA has made it clear that the World Cup qualification is not decided only by goals, points, and form. It is also decided by obedience to the rules and regulations, documentation, and whether each federation meet their demands of the FIFA rulebook.

I wonder what the Nigerian federation intends to achieve with this, because from what I see, FIFA has no intention of punishing Congo. If that were the case, Congo would have been punished a long time ago. It seems to me that the Nigerian federation still wants to clean up their image for not qualifying despite having one of the strongest squads in Africa, and the fault lies not with the squad, but with the federation, which failed to hire a good coach early enough.

So now, without AFCON and without World Cup qualification, they need to use this method of complaining to FIFA to clean up their image. Unfortunately, it seems like a path that won't produce great results.

I'm even happy that FIFA don't care about the petition of the NFF about DR Congo featuring six players who aren't eligible to play against the Super Eagles in the inter-continental playoffs. Since the Super Eagles couldn't qualify for the World Cup that will happen in June, I think NFF should forget about trying to qualify for the World Cup through the back door because they can never achieve that.

[Mr Reporter]

I'm even happy that FIFA don't care about the petition of the NFF about DR Congo featuring six players who aren't eligible to play against the Super Eagles in the inter-continental playoffs. Since the Super Eagles couldn't qualify for the World Cup that will happen in June, I think NFF should forget about trying to qualify for the World Cup through the back door because they can never achieve that.

I really don’t even care about those so called NFF i feel is there any need for the features matter I think you should accept the truth of the matter, in the first place if the AFCON was our no but I think becoming second place was no big deal in it…I feel all this energy that their brings up it not even the best way to go about it all this you have really is worth there ..

[SatoPrincess]

I wonder what the Nigerian federation intends to achieve with this, because from what I see, FIFA has no intention of punishing Congo. If that were the case, Congo would have been punished a long time ago. It seems to me that the Nigerian federation still wants to clean up their image for not qualifying despite having one of the strongest squads in Africa, and the fault lies not with the squad, but with the federation, which failed to hire a good coach early enough.

Makes no sense to me. I find it annoying that they are even pursuing this, it’s not the ideal way for a team like Nigeria to get a spot in the World Cup. Makes us look like sore losers.

After all, I hear rumour of Erich Chelle presenting his application to be Olympique Marselle manager, meaning if the deal goes through he will forfeit being the Super Eagles manager.

That’s not happening. Various sources have confirmed that Marseille has appointed Habib Beye as their new manager. So Eric Chelle is definitely not in the picture.

[GiftedMAN]

I'm even happy that FIFA don't care about the petition of the NFF about DR Congo featuring six players who aren't eligible to play against the Super Eagles in the inter-continental playoffs. Since the Super Eagles couldn't qualify for the World Cup that will happen in June, I think NFF should forget about trying to qualify for the World Cup through the back door because they can never achieve that.

The performance of the Super Eagles in the just concluded nations cup is the reason why you see a lot of Nigerians trying to see if the judgement will go in favour of Nigeria but if we are being honest I don't think we should be happy if that happens because it doesn't make us a good team since the world will know that we qualified through corners. The NFF should be disappointed by the outcome of that judgment so that they will learn to stop being greedy and release funds meant for players to players so that they will play well and do other necessary things that will affect their performance. Nigeria should prepare early and stop depending on luck to qualify for any competition.

[Mayor of ogba]

I'm even happy that FIFA don't care about the petition of the NFF about DR Congo featuring six players who aren't eligible to play against the Super Eagles in the inter-continental playoffs. Since the Super Eagles couldn't qualify for the World Cup that will happen in June, I think NFF should forget about trying to qualify for the World Cup through the back door because they can never achieve that.

The performance of the Super Eagles in the just concluded nations cup is the reason why you see a lot of Nigerians trying to see if the judgement will go in favour of Nigeria but if we are being honest I don't think we should be happy if that happens because it doesn't make us a good team since the world will know that we qualified through corners. The NFF should be disappointed by the outcome of that judgment so that they will learn to stop being greedy and release funds meant for players to players so that they will play well and do other necessary things that will affect their performance. Nigeria should prepare early and stop depending on luck to qualify for any competition.

A lot of Nigerians has already accepted that the Super Eagles won't take part in the World Cup tournament scheduled to kick off in June but, since Dr Congo went against the rule of FIFA by featuring six players that weren't eligible to play in the inter-continental playoffs, the NFF has the full right to make sure DR Congo is punished for that act. But FIFA shouldn't disqualify DR Congo if they are guilty of what the NFF is accusing them of so that the NFF will learn to take the affairs of the Super Eagles seriously.

[Tonimez]

I'm even happy that FIFA don't care about the petition of the NFF about DR Congo featuring six players who aren't eligible to play against the Super Eagles in the inter-continental playoffs. Since the Super Eagles couldn't qualify for the World Cup that will happen in June, I think NFF should forget about trying to qualify for the World Cup through the back door because they can never achieve that.

The performance of the Super Eagles in the just concluded nations cup is the reason why you see a lot of Nigerians trying to see if the judgement will go in favour of Nigeria but if we are being honest I don't think we should be happy if that happens because it doesn't make us a good team since the world will know that we qualified through corners. The NFF should be disappointed by the outcome of that judgment so that they will learn to stop being greedy and release funds meant for players to players so that they will play well and do other necessary things that will affect their performance. Nigeria should prepare early and stop depending on luck to qualify for any competition.

A lot of Nigerians has already accepted that the Super Eagles won't take part in the World Cup tournament scheduled to kick off in June but, since Dr Congo went against the rule of FIFA by featuring six players that weren't eligible to play in the inter-continental playoffs, the NFF has the full right to make sure DR Congo is punished for that act. But FIFA shouldn't disqualify DR Congo if they are guilty of what the NFF is accusing them of so that the NFF will learn to take the affairs of the Super Eagles seriously.

Do you think that not disqualifying DR Congo after they are declared guilty would change anything in the NFF?  It would be personal judging based on individual perceptions. A spade is to be called a spade at all times and if DR Congo has gone against the rules, that means they never won the game and also it's like bringing Brazilians of Spaniards to come help you lift a trophy in your continent. Six players are way too much to be a mistake and if this is proven, they should be disqualified outrightly. Football wins occur due to opponents mistakes and same can still happen in this case.

Days ago, a rumour came out saying that FIFA has concluded on the matter and that DR Congo is finally disqualified before a follow up FIFA disclaimer which made Nigerians sober again. The rules should be followed with no emotions attached.

[Callido]

A lot of Nigerians has already accepted that the Super Eagles won't take part in the World Cup tournament scheduled to kick off in June but, since Dr Congo went against the rule of FIFA by featuring six players that weren't eligible to play in the inter-continental playoffs, the NFF has the full right to make sure DR Congo is punished for that act. But FIFA shouldn't disqualify DR Congo if they are guilty of what the NFF is accusing them of so that the NFF will learn to take the affairs of the Super Eagles seriously.

Which side are you on? punishing DR Congo for featuring ineligible players as to the rules or allowing Congo walk away after breaking the rules just so Nigerian will try harder in their next qualification matches. As a Nigerian you should be happy getting the opportunity, our performance may not merit the opportunity but sometimes the unexpected happen just to favor us.

[Adbitco]

Sometimes I would want to support this motion that Congo should qualify as they beat us free and fair… that is right But if there’s a rule or a law and there’s a bridge of it no matter how small should be loooked at.
If the petition of the NFF is true and the FiFA finds Congo guilty then there’ll be punishment otherwise nothing at all.

Lol, we are just too emotional on everything, the rule is the rule and DR Congo has been found guilty so they should pay for it. If it were Nigeria that's on the other side and they won with an ineligible e, same thing will be applied to them, emotions aside. I just wonder if they didn't review their team sheet to see that an ineligible player is on it and again, even the player himself, he didn't know he was ineligible to play? Some mistakes shouldn't even happen but if cause it happened and the rule has to be applied that's why there are rules for these kind of things.

[Nheer]

Sometimes I would want to support this motion that Congo should qualify as they beat us free and fair… that is right But if there’s a rule or a law and there’s a bridge of it no matter how small should be loooked at.
If the petition of the NFF is true and the FiFA finds Congo guilty then there’ll be punishment otherwise nothing at all.

Lol, we are just too emotional on everything, the rule is the rule and DR Congo has been found guilty so they should pay for it. If it were Nigeria that's on the other side and they won with an ineligible e, same thing will be applied to them, emotions aside. I just wonder if they didn't review their team sheet to see that an ineligible player is on it and again, even the player himself, he didn't know he was ineligible to play? Some mistakes shouldn't even happen but if cause it happened and the rule has to be applied that's why there are rules for these kind of things.

That's same thing I keep wondering. How can a whole national with so many staffs not be aware of an ineligible player being featured in a match. I doubt if they were not aware, I think It was an intentional act so they should face the consequences.
I just don't know why silly silly things keeps happening in African football but these are things that are difficult to see happen in other continent.

Mistake or not there are rules and regulations in this game and I am sure every country should be aware of them so there is no excuse. It doesn't matter if it's knowingly or unknowingly when a team is caught breaking any rule they must serve the punishment so it's just right that Congo are being punished.

[Roseline492]

Do you think that not disqualifying DR Congo after they are declared guilty would change anything in the NFF?  It would be personal judging based on individual perceptions.

Days ago, a rumour came out saying that FIFA has concluded on the matter and that DR Congo is finally disqualified before a follow up FIFA disclaimer which made Nigerians sober again. The rules should be followed with no emotions attached.

We should start learning how every news should not be making us think that is only one thing that should be done in consequence to the offenders because they might give them different thing and if is something that doesn't favour super eagles some persons would be thinking that NFF did not want super eagles to go, so actually people shouldn't take it too convincing of super eagles going to the world Cup through the expectation of punishment they would give Congo. However I didn't doubt what you say because Nigerians are good with remorse even though the decision has not been made.

[Spaceman1000$]

A lot of Nigerians has already accepted that the Super Eagles won't take part in the World Cup tournament scheduled to kick off in June but, since Dr Congo went against the rule of FIFA by featuring six players that weren't eligible to play in the inter-continental playoffs, the NFF has the full right to make sure DR Congo is punished for that act. But FIFA shouldn't disqualify DR Congo if they are guilty of what the NFF is accusing them of so that the NFF will learn to take the affairs of the Super Eagles seriously.

Which side are you on? punishing DR Congo for featuring ineligible players as to the rules or allowing Congo walk away after breaking the rules just so Nigerian will try harder in their next qualification matches. As a Nigerian you should be happy getting the opportunity, our performance may not merit the opportunity but sometimes the unexpected happen just to favor us.

Let's not rejoice yet as FIFA hasn't given their final verdict on this case, and I believe the reason why FIFA is delaying to make pronouncement is because of how delicate this matter is, however we are waiting for their final result so that we can know early the country to will successful play the international playoff, if it's Nigeria or DRC so they can at least prepare better.

[AYOBA]

A lot of Nigerians has already accepted that the Super Eagles won't take part in the World Cup tournament scheduled to kick off in June but, since Dr Congo went against the rule of FIFA by featuring six players that weren't eligible to play in the inter-continental playoffs, the NFF has the full right to make sure DR Congo is punished for that act. But FIFA shouldn't disqualify DR Congo if they are guilty of what the NFF is accusing them of so that the NFF will learn to take the affairs of the Super Eagles seriously.

Seriously Dr Congo went against the rules of FIFA and that’s why they deserve the punishments, so that even others country can see what they did to them to avoid any of them copy them; they try to claim wiseness thinking that they won’t know if not after them knows that those players where not eligible to play in the inter-continental playoffs, but they still featuring them and that’s the reason why they said Super Eagles are qualified but still not everybody understands what happened.

[Mayor of ogba]

I'm even happy that FIFA don't care about the petition of the NFF about DR Congo featuring six players who aren't eligible to play against the Super Eagles in the inter-continental playoffs. Since the Super Eagles couldn't qualify for the World Cup that will happen in June, I think NFF should forget about trying to qualify for the World Cup through the back door because they can never achieve that.

The performance of the Super Eagles in the just concluded nations cup is the reason why you see a lot of Nigerians trying to see if the judgement will go in favour of Nigeria but if we are being honest I don't think we should be happy if that happens because it doesn't make us a good team since the world will know that we qualified through corners. The NFF should be disappointed by the outcome of that judgment so that they will learn to stop being greedy and release funds meant for players to players so that they will play well and do other necessary things that will affect their performance. Nigeria should prepare early and stop depending on luck to qualify for any competition.

A lot of Nigerians has already accepted that the Super Eagles won't take part in the World Cup tournament scheduled to kick off in June but, since Dr Congo went against the rule of FIFA by featuring six players that weren't eligible to play in the inter-continental playoffs, the NFF has the full right to make sure DR Congo is punished for that act. But FIFA shouldn't disqualify DR Congo if they are guilty of what the NFF is accusing them of so that the NFF will learn to take the affairs of the Super Eagles seriously.

Do you think that not disqualifying DR Congo after they are declared guilty would change anything in the NFF?  It would be personal judging based on individual perceptions. A spade is to be called a spade at all times and if DR Congo has gone against the rules, that means they never won the game and also it's like bringing Brazilians of Spaniards to come help you lift a trophy in your continent. Six players are way too much to be a mistake and if this is proven, they should be disqualified outrightly. Football wins occur due to opponents mistakes and same can still happen in this case.

Days ago, a rumour came out saying that FIFA has concluded on the matter and that DR Congo is finally disqualified before a follow up FIFA disclaimer which made Nigerians sober again. The rules should be followed with no emotions attached.

DR Congo featuring six players against the Super Eagles in the inter-continental playoffs that weren't eligible to play is wrong, and I am not supporting DR Congo for doing that because they went against FIFA rule and they should be punished for that if they are declared guilty but that punishment shouldn't be disqualification from the World Cup since the six ineligible players DR Congo featured weren't foreign players.

[Barikui1]

DR Congo featuring six players against the Super Eagles in the inter-continental playoffs that weren't eligible to play is wrong, and I am not supporting DR Congo for doing that because they went against FIFA rule and they should be punished for that if they are declared guilty but that punishment shouldn't be disqualification from the World Cup since the six ineligible players DR Congo featured weren't foreign players.

I thought that this matter has been settled, and that Fifa kicked out the complaint of our NFF?
Because If Fifa wanted to punish this dr congo team, their is no way they will still be left to continue in the world cup qualifying games because those other teams that committed such an offense were mostly disqualified because of that, so if Fifa wanted to punish them, they will likely be kick them out or let them go Scott free, since they will follow the playbook of the law to make judgement, if they wanted to punish them.

[Mayor of ogba]

DR Congo featuring six players against the Super Eagles in the inter-continental playoffs that weren't eligible to play is wrong, and I am not supporting DR Congo for doing that because they went against FIFA rule and they should be punished for that if they are declared guilty but that punishment shouldn't be disqualification from the World Cup since the six ineligible players DR Congo featured weren't foreign players.

I thought that this matter has been settled, and that Fifa kicked out the complaint of our NFF?
Because If Fifa wanted to punish this dr congo team, their is no way they will still be left to continue in the world cup qualifying games because those other teams that committed such an offense were mostly disqualified because of that, so if Fifa wanted to punish them, they will likely be kick them out or let them go Scott free, since they will follow the playbook of the law to make judgement, if they wanted to punish them.

I had no idea that the matter has been settled if not I wouldn't have talked about the matter again, but thank you for bringing it to my notice.  DR Congo still left to continue in the World Cup isn't enough reason that FIFA can't punish them if they choose to do that because it can only take FIFA fem minutes to punish DR Congo and stop them from participating in the World Cup.

[Supreme Donvic]

Sometimes I would want to support this motion that Congo should qualify as they beat us free and fair… that is right But if there’s a rule or a law and there’s a bridge of it no matter how small should be loooked at.
If the petition of the NFF is true and the FiFA finds Congo guilty then there’ll be punishment otherwise nothing at all.

Lol, we are just too emotional on everything, the rule is the rule and DR Congo has been found guilty so they should pay for it. If it were Nigeria that's on the other side and they won with an ineligible e, same thing will be applied to them, emotions aside. I just wonder if they didn't review their team sheet to see that an ineligible player is on it and again, even the player himself, he didn't know he was ineligible to play? Some mistakes shouldn't even happen but if cause it happened and the rule has to be applied that's why there are rules for these kind of things.

I don’t even know the situation of things right now. I don’t know the decision FIFA wants to take in that matter if they don’t want to do anything about it they are setting a very bad record because as time goes on in the future people we continue to break rules, and when you try to sanction them, they will refer you to that of Congo, You refuse to sanction so the best thing FIFA should do right now is to disqualify Congo because they broke the rule and rule is always a rule and should be obeyed. I repeat if FIFA don’t do anything about this matter this thing will continue to happen and you cannot punish people that decide to do it in the future because you refuse to punish Congo, if you punish people that would do it in the future, it will not be unfair.

[Iamgoat]

The performance of the Super Eagles in the just concluded nations cup is the reason why you see a lot of Nigerians trying to see if the judgement will go in favour of Nigeria but if we are being honest I don't think we should be happy if that happens because it doesn't make us a good team since the world will know that we qualified through corners. The NFF should be disappointed by the outcome of that judgment so that they will learn to stop being greedy and release funds meant for players to players so that they will play well and do other necessary things that will affect their performance. Nigeria should prepare early and stop depending on luck to qualify for any competition.

Based on the information I have, what the NFF is proposing is probably going to be the last offer there will be if at all it would work. The FIFA might consider their petition for the dual citizenship which is against the country’s law and might want to punish the national team such as stopping those players from playing in their subsequent matches but it will be totally different for FIFA to disqualify the match against Nigeria or even think of fixing a rematch or announce the super eagle players as the winners instead of the DR Congo guys. This will be very difficult decision to make.

[Spaceman1000$]

Sometimes I would want to support this motion that Congo should qualify as they beat us free and fair… that is right But if there’s a rule or a law and there’s a bridge of it no matter how small should be loooked at.
If the petition of the NFF is true and the FiFA finds Congo guilty then there’ll be punishment otherwise nothing at all.

Lol, we are just too emotional on everything, the rule is the rule and DR Congo has been found guilty so they should pay for it. If it were Nigeria that's on the other side and they won with an ineligible e, same thing will be applied to them, emotions aside. I just wonder if they didn't review their team sheet to see that an ineligible player is on it and again, even the player himself, he didn't know he was ineligible to play? Some mistakes shouldn't even happen but if cause it happened and the rule has to be applied that's why there are rules for these kind of things.

I don’t even know the situation of things right now. I don’t know the decision FIFA wants to take in that matter if they don’t want to do anything about it they are setting a very bad record because as time goes on in the future people we continue to break rules, and when you try to sanction them, they will refer you to that of Congo, You refuse to sanction so the best thing FIFA should do right now is to disqualify Congo because they broke the rule and rule is always a rule and should be obeyed. I repeat if FIFA don’t do anything about this matter this thing will continue to happen and you cannot punish people that decide to do it in the future because you refuse to punish Congo, if you punish people that would do it in the future, it will not be unfair.

The World Cup is in June,  though we still have some time left before final decisions can be made on this issue, but I also want FIFA  to come up with their resolutions so that parties will know their stands early, delay they say is dangerous. I know FIFA are also doing their own undercover investigation to know if those DRC player's actually renounced their European countries citizenship befor playing for Congo, which I believe a thorough investigation is been done on that, but it shouldn't take forever.