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

[Agbamoni]

Not only for us to stop hoping. Why must it be our Nigerian team in the first place? Is there any link between Nigeria and Iran? If Iran were to be replaced by FIFA, FIFA would like to choose one of the Arab nations that didn't qualify for the World Cup to replace Iran, as simple as that. Not to go all the way to Africa to pick Nigeria as the potential country to replace Iran in the World Cup. That doesn't connect in any form because both does belong in the same continent.

The reason I gave above, is what FIFA ought to think and analyze before they choose a country to replace Iran in the World Cup

Yeah, we are not from the same continent,t but I do not know why most Nigerians believe we are the best fit to replace Iran. Obviously, other countries will think the same way, so why us? When we have no relation with Iran. Nigerians hoping for the World Cup should wait till the next 4 years and stop hoping any magic will happen that will secure them a slot. If it was an African country that is refusing to participate in the World Cup, Dr Congo will automatically replace them, why we will replace Congo in the playoffs.

[Callido]

The Iranian Government feel like they're been treated very badly by the current US regime, and wouldn't risk going to their land for the world cup to avoid further chaos and conflicts. I see it as a nice move, the world cup is a peaceful event and, for the best interest of everyone, shouldn't be infested by two waring nations. It's quite sad to see what is going on in Iran, but it seems like FIFA has nothing to do to change the situation or convince both parties to accommodate one another in the world cup and restore peace.

The move is to protect his people, it may not just be the players, what about the fans that would go there to watch the game, are they safe? that is the question and instead of putting themselves in that position, calling off is the best decision. Football comes secondary to the welfare of citizens, when everything calms, the players can once again compete in the World Cup.

[Spaceman1000$]

The Iranian Government feel like they're been treated very badly by the current US regime, and wouldn't risk going to their land for the world cup to avoid further chaos and conflicts. I see it as a nice move, the world cup is a peaceful event and, for the best interest of everyone, shouldn't be infested by two waring nations. It's quite sad to see what is going on in Iran, but it seems like FIFA has nothing to do to change the situation or convince both parties to accommodate one another in the world cup and restore peace.

The move is to protect his people, it may not just be the players, what about the fans that would go there to watch the game, are they safe? that is the question and instead of putting themselves in that position, calling off is the best decision. Football comes secondary to the welfare of citizens, when everything calms, the players can once again compete in the World Cup.

At this point Iran are in a mourning mood, so going to the World Cup with this kind of mood for them could only create bad blood, especially considering the fact that the both countries are seriously on loggerheads with each other. And I even doubt if the American embassy will even Grant visas to the Iranian team and their fans considering the currency situation. The Iranian decision not to come for the World Cup was a good one for me.

[SatoPrincess]

I do not know why most Nigerians believe we are the best fit to replace Iran. Obviously, other countries will think the same way, so why us? When we have no relation with Iran. Nigerians hoping for the World Cup should wait till the next 4 years and stop hoping any magic will happen that will secure them a slot. If it was an African country that is refusing to participate in the World Cup, Dr Congo will automatically replace them, why we will replace Congo in the playoffs.

I wouldn’t say “most Nigerians”. Before your post, I have never heard about that discussion but it’s possible for twitter Naija to go bullocks about every single thing. In my opinion, that idea is being pushed by a few people who can’t accept that the Super Eagles are not going to play in the World Cup. 

[snipie]

Yeah, we are not from the same continent,t but I do not know why most Nigerians believe we are the best fit to replace Iran. Obviously, other countries will think the same way, so why us? When we have no relation with Iran. Nigerians hoping for the World Cup should wait till the next 4 years and stop hoping any magic will happen that will secure them a slot. If it was an African country that is refusing to participate in the World Cup, Dr Congo will automatically replace them, why we will replace Congo in the playoffs.

Even if Iran withdrew from the FIFA World Cup then it is Iraq the one that replaces it and Emirates will replace Iraq in the intercontinental tournament. Obviously this is an imminent tournament and decisions should be made rapidly because the war might prevent Iraq or Emirates from joining the intercontinental competition at time since the airspace situation is not clear.
Nigeria has nothing to do with AFC  so speculation about this is baseless.

[Fiatless]

Yeah, we are not from the same continent,t but I do not know why most Nigerians believe we are the best fit to replace Iran. Obviously, other countries will think the same way, so why us? When we have no relation with Iran. Nigerians hoping for the World Cup should wait till the next 4 years and stop hoping any magic will happen that will secure them a slot. If it was an African country that is refusing to participate in the World Cup, Dr Congo will automatically replace them, why we will replace Congo in the playoffs.

You were the one who brought the news about Iran's withdrawal from the World Cup. You also asked a question if the Nigeria can be considered as a replacement. Members have made it clear that it is not possible since we are not from the same continent. Why are you now saying that most Nigerians believe that the Super Eagles should replace Iran? FIFA has rules, and it could be accessed by everyone. I have not seen any news where Nigerians are clamoring to replace Iran. Nigerians are enlightened enough to understand rules.

[Futurexxx]

Yeah, we are not from the same continent,t but I do not know why most Nigerians believe we are the best fit to replace Iran. Obviously, other countries will think the same way, so why us? When we have no relation with Iran. Nigerians hoping for the World Cup should wait till the next 4 years and stop hoping any magic will happen that will secure them a slot. If it was an African country that is refusing to participate in the World Cup, Dr Congo will automatically replace them, why we will replace Congo in the playoffs.

Even if Iran withdrew from the FIFA World Cup then it is Iraq the one that replaces it and Emirates will replace Iraq in the intercontinental tournament. Obviously this is an imminent tournament and decisions should be made rapidly because the war might prevent Iraq or Emirates from joining the intercontinental competition at time since the airspace situation is not clear.
Nigeria has nothing to do with AFC  so speculation about this is baseless.

Yeah I agree with you, and truly you are sentiment here is very much valid, Nigeria is an African nation, so it has no business in benefiting from Iran eventually pulling out, since they are not an AFC nation. If it was any African team that pulls out or this Dr Congo that is going for an intercontinental playoff that pulls out, they might be considered in that kind of scenario, but in the case of Iran pulling out, there is no way they are going to benefit from that when they are not an AFC nation.

Additionally, my only advice to Nigerians is that they should wake up from their sleep and accept the reality on ground that they are not going to the world cup this year, because the damage have already been done, so the earlier we move on from this the better.

[Charles-Tim]

Well from clear source I heard that it would be unlikely to see Nigeria do replace them… I through it has been stated that the FIFA rules and regulations state that any team that withdrew before 30 days of the first match avoid fines, and the replacement would be hard for now but I heard they are still under investigation to see so I guess will all should awaits their decision which is finally soon..

Nigerian is in Africa but Iran is in Asia. We should not think of Nigeria to replace Iran in the world cup. The country that can replace Iran should be from Asia.

I thought Ukraine still went for sport participations when the war with Russia started, why should Iran not even go for world cup? It is not that Iran started the war.

Edit:
I get clearer view of what is happening now, it is Iran that said they are not going for the world cup.

[Zackz5000]

I had this news today and it's very bad to see that a team that has struggled to qualify for world cup won't be participating again due to the war between them Iran and USA, this is one disadvantage of war i believe before the world FIFA will found a replacement for Iran in the world cup though i don't know yet which country it will be but i believe that it's going to be a country from the Asian Football Confederation.

This is the best thing to do, withdrawing from participating in the World Cup saves them lots of trouble, I'm sure there are crazy US supporters that would storm the pitch whenever Iran are playing their own fixtures, who knows the worse tragedy might happen, also how will the US accommodate them meanwhile both countries are involved in nuclear war. Untill peace is restored, Iran won't be participating in the World Cup.

It's true withdrawing from the world cup is the best thing any country in the position of Iran will do because it's just like you going to submit your self to your enemies. It would have been different case if the world cup tournament is to be play in another country but not in America, USA also would have also withdraw from the World Cup if it's to be played in Iran but did you think Iran will accept again if the war ends today i don't think so.

[Kelward]

I had this news today and it's very bad to see that a team that has struggled to qualify for world cup won't be participating again due to the war between them Iran and USA, this is one disadvantage of war i believe before the world FIFA will found a replacement for Iran in the world cup though i don't know yet which country it will be but i believe that it's going to be a country from the Asian Football Confederation.

This is the best thing to do, withdrawing from participating in the World Cup saves them lots of trouble, I'm sure there are crazy US supporters that would storm the pitch whenever Iran are playing their own fixtures, who knows the worse tragedy might happen, also how will the US accommodate them meanwhile both countries are involved in nuclear war. Untill peace is restored, Iran won't be participating in the World Cup.

It's true withdrawing from the world cup is the best thing any country in the position of Iran will do because it's just like you going to submit your self to your enemies. It would have been different case if the world cup tournament is to be play in another country but not in America, USA also would have also withdraw from the World Cup if it's to be played in Iran but did you think Iran will accept again if the war ends today i don't think so.

Iran, has a very good reason not to allow their team to enter inside America, based on the war between them, it would be unwise to fly their flag inside an enemy county, their safety cannot be guaranteed despite any promises of safety that they were promised. If not for the unreasonable hope of some Nigerians that FIFA can decide to replace Iran with Nigeria, I don't think that Iran not playing in the world cup has anything to concern us as Nigerians. I think we should move on from this matter because this board is specifically for football matters that concerns Nigeria, and the rest of Africa, the topic might turn to spamming if we continue to give it attention, this is my opinion.

[CryptSafe]

Well from clear source I heard that it would be unlikely to see Nigeria do replace them… I through it has been stated that the FIFA rules and regulations state that any team that withdrew before 30 days of the first match avoid fines, and the replacement would be hard for now but I heard they are still under investigation to see so I guess will all should awaits their decision which is finally soon..

Nigerian is in Africa but Iran is in Asia. We should not think of Nigeria to replace Iran in the world cup. The country that can replace Iran should be from Asia.

I thought Ukraine still went for sport participations when the war with Russia started, why should Iran not even go for world cup? It is not that Iran started the war.

Edit:
I get clearer view of what is happening now, it is Iran that said they are not going for the world cup.

If Iran decides to withdraw from the world cup, it is their choice and nobody would hold it against them looking at the situation of what is happening. On a normal, it is not even advisable to make such a move because anything can happen since the two nations are not in a good terms currently. I believe the US too would not fly their national team into Iran if the world cup was scheduled to hold in Iran. It  is just a situation where the nation's are just being careful to avoid further escalations and that is why Iran do not want to fly the national team to the US hence they withdrawing from the FIFA world cup.

[Charles-Tim]

It  is just a situation where the nation's are just being careful to avoid further escalations and that is why Iran do not want to fly the national team to the US hence they withdrawing from the FIFA world cup.

If Iranian football team go to United States for the World Cup, it can not result to any escalation but the female football team that recently went to for Asian Cup were granted humanitarian Visa in Australia. Telling others that they Iranian team members that they are welcome if they want to stay in Australia but they did not accept the offer but went back to their country instead. Maybe Iran also make such decision because of that. During time of war like this, the Western media has their ways of painting the country they called their enemy bad and black. Also FIFA instead will be Pro USA.

[CryptSafe]

It  is just a situation where the nation's are just being careful to avoid further escalations and that is why Iran do not want to fly the national team to the US hence they withdrawing from the FIFA world cup.

If Iranian football team go to United States for the World Cup, it can not result to any escalation but the female football team that recently went to for Asian Cup were granted humanitarian Visa in Australia. Telling others that they Iranian team members that they are welcome if they want to stay in Australia but they did not accept the offer but went back to their country instead. Maybe Iran also make such decision because of that. During time of war like this, the Western media has their ways of painting the country they called their enemy bad and black. Also FIFA instead will be Pro USA.

Obviously this is the reason why I think the Iran government backed out of the FIFA world cup because the US too can act smart to do something funny and we all know the US for that. However, it is likely that they do not want the US to act in such a way that could likely cause a funny events amongst the team hence their decision.
As you have said, FIFA we all know is pro US and it happens that the US is in charge of the next world cup which would take effect in a few months from now so I believe the Iran government already knows this and are just being careful to not further get encounter any issues with the US anymore.

[Uhwuchukwu53]

The truth is that anything can happen in war and not possible to know the mind of your enemies no amount of assurance that can be given to Iranian national team that would be more courageous compared when there is peace, because as it stands now a lot of hatred between the two countries is already at hand until peace has it place , when the team can't get enough fan and playing in the ground of your enemies it will be unrest before the team, but despite all this if there is a terms and conditions from FIFA against a nation withdrawal without a good reason as the war is not enough for such, where there security and others requirements is covered and can't be harm, such withdrawal may be back with sanctions all depends on FIFA decisions.

[Lida93]

I am no longer interested in our Super Eagles chances of qualify for the World Cup again because it's now a habit that we always prefer going through the back door, instead of being competitive when we should have, so wether their is any truth in this or not, I don't just care anymore because it's becoming really annoying from the NFF, to be acting in such a manner consistently.

Nigerians are overreacting unnecessarily. Nigeria has most times qualified for the World Cup without the so-called backdoor. In this case, we were knocked out of the playoff and we saw an infringement on FIFA rules on the side of the Congo DR. The NFF did well to summit a protest letter.

What Shehu Dikko was simply saying was that FIFA has not given a verdict on the matter has not been given. Many of us would be celebrating if the judgement had favored us. 

There's no atom of overreaction about this matter and it's legal implications about what the NFF filed for as against what DR Congo did which appeared to be inconsistent with the extant rules of FIFA. The Nigeria Super Eagles are a big team in African football and it makes all these litigation dramas unnecessary for them to hope on as a means to participate in the WC after their unimpressive performance through the qualifiers stage.

The question most concerned citizens are asking is that if they couldn't directly qualify into the WC  under the contestation of among African nationals teams, what better performance would they give in the bigger stage when the entire world would be watching.

[Roseline492]

The Iranian Government feel like they're been treated very badly by the current US regime, and wouldn't risk going to their land for the world cup to avoid further chaos and conflicts. I see it as a nice move, the world cup is a peaceful event and, for the best interest of everyone, shouldn't be infested by two waring nations. It's quite sad to see what is going on in Iran, but it seems like FIFA has nothing to do to change the situation or convince both parties to accommodate one another in the world cup and restore peace.

They cannot permit a match to be pushed into another country to be played if the country is having problem with the nation they were supposed to initially play the match, if not the means they could have use is look for another country and keep all the matches of the Iranian so that they will not physical have an interaction the both countries doesn't want to have but it might not be possible. Even if the Iranians was the host and this fighting is ongoing between them the United States would also withdraw all their players, it was a big coincidence that a country which is on a war with Iran is the one that would be hosting them. FIFA would have done something but I think their rules has stranded them from making sure they act in a way that Iran will not miss the world cup.

[Accardo]

At this point Iran are in a mourning mood, so going to the World Cup with this kind of mood for them could only create bad blood, especially considering the fact that the both countries are seriously on loggerheads with each other. And I even doubt if the American embassy will even Grant visas to the Iranian team and their fans considering the currency situation. The Iranian decision not to come for the World Cup was a good one for me.

Long before Iran made the canceling, Trump banned Iranian fans from entering America. The sport ministry must have thought about the decisions of the US president, and came to conclusion that everyone should stay back. Iranian Americans would watch but home would taste bitter, it's best nobody would be going through an experience like that, the event is stained with sad thoughts, hopefully it'll turn out fun for the rest of the world.

[Agbe]

It  is just a situation where the nation's are just being careful to avoid further escalations and that is why Iran do not want to fly the national team to the US hence they withdrawing from the FIFA world cup.

If Iranian football team go to United States for the World Cup, it can not result to any escalation but the female football team that recently went to for Asian Cup were granted humanitarian Visa in Australia. Telling others that they Iranian team members that they are welcome if they want to stay in Australia but they did not accept the offer but went back to their country instead. Maybe Iran also make such decision because of that. During time of war like this, the Western media has their ways of painting the country they called their enemy bad and black. Also FIFA instead will be Pro USA.

This is the latest on ground. Without anyone telling me or seeking for a prophet to tell me. And the experience gotten in the local football conflicts in the community level, Iran will not go to the the world cup. Whether there will be no escalation base on what is on ground, there is no need for them to go.

Source: National Vanguard Newspaper.
And FIFA law can't stop them  (iran) of leaving the event.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-warns-iranian-world-cup-team-away-us-life-safety-rcna263197

[Antotena]

This is the latest on ground. Without anyone telling me or seeking for a prophet to tell me. And the experience gotten in the local football conflicts in the community level, Iran will not go to the the world cup. Whether there will be no escalation base on what is on ground, there is no need for them to go.

Source: National Vanguard Newspaper.
And FIFA law can't stop them  (iran) of leaving the event.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-warns-iranian-world-cup-team-away-us-life-safety-rcna263197

This is a threat by a sitting president, my God! This man is shameless but Fifa is horrible and careless. A sitting president has decided to make the entire nation about him. I have watched countless Fifa matches but I have never seen any president of that country makes everything about him. If Fifa doesn't give our official statement before next week Monday then it's certain that Fifa president is in support of what US is doing with Iran, pure politrics.

Football is what bind us, when we watch football we forget racism, we forget differences and ethnic but it seems 2026 is different and I don't blame them, they went to his office to give him the award in consideration to allow them use US to host the official world cup and since they can make huge money from this game, they wouldn't say anything. It's so obvious from the ticket sales. There has never been ticket that is so expensive like this world cup.

[Onyeeze]

I do not know why most Nigerians believe we are the best fit to replace Iran. Obviously, other countries will think the same way, so why us? When we have no relation with Iran. Nigerians hoping for the World Cup should wait till the next 4 years and stop hoping any magic will happen that will secure them a slot. If it was an African country that is refusing to participate in the World Cup, Dr Congo will automatically replace them, why we will replace Congo in the playoffs.

I wouldn’t say “most Nigerians”. Before your post, I have never heard about that discussion but it’s possible for twitter Naija to go bullocks about every single thing. In my opinion, that idea is being pushed by a few people who can’t accept that the Super Eagles are not going to play in the World Cup. 

I dont what convinced Nigerian to think that Nigerian football team is qualified to go for world cup, people are hearing one side, the information of Nigeria will go for world cup is not a qualified information, because FIFA has not made official announcement in concern of that, i think people that is saying such kind of thing is saying it base on their believe and predictions, such informed will be authentic when FIFA released it to public, for now Nigerians football team is still not qualify for world cup. Other information we hear from outside is a personal suggestion