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

[Slow death]

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.

The Iranian government has been a promoter of many wars for many years, even when Russia invaded Ukraine, they supported Russia with drones. Here in my country, for more than 5 years, a province has been taken over by terrorists supported by Iran. These terrorists have been brutally dismembering people's bodies, so I honestly think that FIFA itself should have banned Iran a long time ago.

Fortunately, the US and Israel are taking measures against Iran. Of course, I don't think it's fair when innocent Iranians die, but even if they didn't die accidentally, they would be murdered by the Iranian regime.

In the case of football, it's very clear that the Iranian government is trying to use football as propaganda for victimhood. Iranian players wouldn't be murdered in the US, unlike if Iran were organizing the World Cup; they wouldn't think twice about murdering US players.

[Adbitco]

I don't 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

I don't even know what to believe, some time ago there was a news that came up concerning DR Congo for fielding an ineligible player against Nigeria. They said FIFA has looked into the matter and addressed it by disqualifying DR Congo and replacing them with Nigeria of which we discussed at here that period, few days ago, I read that it's not true, they still have their place retained in the upcoming intercontinental playoffs. Here I'm seeing that FIFA hasn't yet come to a conclusion about the issue of DR Congo being ineligible or not. Well I guess I would just have to wait and see the teams that will be available for the playoffs, if wether it will be Nigeria or DR Congo, only then will we be sure of the final resolution.

[Agbamoni]

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. 

Maybe you are not following some well-known Nigerian football analyst on social media. However, I'm not saying the ones I follow are better, I'm just saying I got the information from an analyst on TIKTOK, and the typical Nigerian mentality in him is still wishing to qualify for the World Cup.

[Wakate]

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.

The Iranian government has been a promoter of many wars for many years, even when Russia invaded Ukraine, they supported Russia with drones. Here in my country, for more than 5 years, a province has been taken over by terrorists supported by Iran. These terrorists have been brutally dismembering people's bodies, so I honestly think that FIFA itself should have banned Iran a long time ago.

Fortunately, the US and Israel are taking measures against Iran. Of course, I don't think it's fair when innocent Iranians die, but even if they didn't die accidentally, they would be murdered by the Iranian regime.

In the case of football, it's very clear that the Iranian government is trying to use football as propaganda for victimhood. Iranian players wouldn't be murdered in the US, unlike if Iran were organizing the World Cup; they wouldn't think twice about murdering US players.

The war against Iran is causing us our peace and I know that most of us have experienced the sudden increase in the price of gas in different part of the world. This shouldn't have happened if the United States prevent this war that had made Iran to take a bold steps to make sure that they prevent the passage of vessels around their coaster line. It is the United States that can end their war if Donald Trump really want to end the war with immediately effect.

[Charles-Tim]

In the case of football, it's very clear that the Iranian government is trying to use football as propaganda for victimhood. Iranian players wouldn't be murdered in the US, unlike if Iran were organizing the World Cup; they wouldn't think twice about murdering US players.

I do not see any propaganda about this. You can not see your home being hit and be happy. The United State has not sent their soldiers for ground invasion, the war is not happening in the United States. The US people are living happily like there is no war. If United State is in the shoes of Iran, people are people, they will also attack.

I just hope the war will end because inflation has started already. That aside, see how they are bombing oil tanks, hitting tall buildings and saying they will target banks and other US businesses in the Gulf nations in retaliation. These are all I can not be happy about at all. We still not see any winning side yet than war.

Let us see if Nigeria can be chosen by FIFA but according to what I have read, the country that will replace Iran in the world cup will likely come from Asia.

[Onyeeze]

I don't 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

I don't even know what to believe, some time ago there was a news that came up concerning DR Congo for fielding an ineligible player against Nigeria. They said FIFA has looked into the matter and addressed it by disqualifying DR Congo and replacing them with Nigeria of which we discussed at here that period, few days ago, I read that it's not true, they still have their place retained in the upcoming intercontinental playoffs. Here I'm seeing that FIFA hasn't yet come to a conclusion about the issue of DR Congo being ineligible or not. Well I guess I would just have to wait and see the teams that will be available for the playoffs, if wether it will be Nigeria or DR Congo, only then will we be sure of the final resolution.

All the informations were fake their was no authentic information of FIFA saying that Nigeria is qualify to go to world cup, some people mislead the information and also misinterpret it to the way it suit them

Those people who are dispensing the information are internet bloggers and people began to believe why FIFA is yet to announce if Nigeria team has qualify or not, do you know that FIFA have not make any announcements that Dr Congo has being disqualified or not, but Nigeria bloggers spread fake news everywhere

[Mr Reporter]

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..

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

I think you should firstly try to understand my statement before commenting well on the other hand just like I have made mention the guys made it out completely clear that their government didn’t want them to go for the World Cup again all in the name of the war….

Well the truth of the matter is that the government doesn’t want to take risk to see it people been killed or injured when the games are on…how does this make sense to see the opposite side you are having war with coming to play against you on the pitch i think it would be such a bad idea to let them play the World Cup…that was a really good choice their government made….

[Mate2237]

Snip

I do not see any propaganda about this. You can not see your home being hit and be happy. The United State has not sent their soldiers for ground invasion, the war is not happening in the United States. The US people are living happily like there is no war. If United State is in the shoes of Iran, people are people, they will also attack.

I just hope the war will end because inflation has started already. That aside, see how they are bombing oil tanks, hitting tall buildings and saying they will target banks and other US businesses in the Gulf nations in retaliation. These are all I can not be happy about at all. We still not see any winning side yet than war.

Let us see if Nigeria can be chosen by FIFA but according to what I have read, the country that will replace Iran in the world cup will likely come from Asia.

The right thing for Iran at this moment is to pull out of the world cup, going by the present situation that it finds it self with the country that will be hosting the world cup. There is a lot of bad blood going on between these two countries there is no trust on each other. So whether you say the Iranian players will not be killed when they get to the united states or not it's good that they don't go to the world cup. Because even in the part of the players they will not be in a good mental state going into the world cup, even if the war ends today.


I think that Iran took the right decision because, you don't know what may happen again if Iran goes to the world cup that is just few months from now.

[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.

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

If we are to go by this information, and it happens to be genuine, then it would not be safe for the Iranian government to send its national team to the USA, as this statement alone is enough of a threat and warning to Iran. Anyways, it is normal that such decisions would be taken because no nation would accept the risk of their citizens in the camp of their supposed enemies, when they are aware of their intentions towards them.  FIFA would also honour the request of the Iranian government to withdraw from the World Cup because they, too, know the implications of such statements, which are not welcoming.

[Mr Reporter]

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

If we are to go by this information, and it happens to be genuine, then it would not be safe for the Iranian government to send its national team to the USA, as this statement alone is enough of a threat and warning to Iran. Anyways, it is normal that such decisions would be taken because no nation would accept the risk of their citizens in the camp of their supposed enemies, when they are aware of their intentions towards them.  FIFA would also honour the request of the Iranian government to withdraw from the World Cup because they, too, know the implications of such statements, which are not welcoming.

Ahhh!!! now i see why the government of Iran are trying their best for such things to happen for their citizens not to go and play the World Cup….well to me I would have said the Iran guy where very lucky to have be informed for such things…this was how there players might just ended up been killed by the USA whichever would be a very sad story…i think this statement was to heavy i just like the fact that the Iran government where been informed on time this would really be a easy decision here..I think I watch a video where the USA pilot was being killed at the spots and him was visibly injured and so many things happened in that scene..

[Spaceman1000$]

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

If we are to go by this information, and it happens to be genuine, then it would not be safe for the Iranian government to send its national team to the USA, as this statement alone is enough of a threat and warning to Iran. Anyways, it is normal that such decisions would be taken because no nation would accept the risk of their citizens in the camp of their supposed enemies, when they are aware of their intentions towards them.  FIFA would also honour the request of the Iranian government to withdraw from the World Cup because they, too, know the implications of such statements, which are not welcoming.

Ahhh!!! now i see why the government of Iran are trying their best for such things to happen for their citizens not to go and play the World Cup….well to me I would have said the Iran guy where very lucky to have be informed for such things…this was how there players might just ended up been killed by the USA whichever would be a very sad story…i think this statement was to heavy i just like the fact that the Iran government where been informed on time this would really be a easy decision here..I think I watch a video where the USA pilot was being killed at the spots and him was visibly injured and so many things happened in that scene..

Lol 🤣 far from that, I don't believe their players would have been killed if they went to U.S, at best they all would have been repatriated back to Iran. FIFA wouldn't have allowed for such kind of thing to happen, they would interfere to resolve the matter, at best allow the Iranian team and their fans to quietly go back to their country. I  believe during the World cup event, you will begin to see armband in the hands of players that will be calling for a ceasefire.

[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. 

Maybe you are not following some well-known Nigerian football analyst on social media. However, I'm not saying the ones I follow are better, I'm just saying I got the information from an analyst on TIKTOK, and the typical Nigerian mentality in him is still wishing to qualify for the World Cup.

You should have added this info in your original post. I’m surprised you would take the word of a Tiktoker and spread the information without first doing your own research. You should know misinformation is a huge market for content creators, they do anything for views and likes. They aren’t sports journalists nor do they have ethical standards, they are just people who want to make money off the internet.

[Mayor of ogba]

In the case of football, it's very clear that the Iranian government is trying to use football as propaganda for victimhood. Iranian players wouldn't be murdered in the US, unlike if Iran were organizing the World Cup; they wouldn't think twice about murdering US players.

It is very true that Iranian players wouldn't be murdered in the United States, but since Iran and the United States is at war at the moment it's not necessary for Iranians to go to their enemy territory in times like this, so Iranian government did the right thing by boycotting the world cup that will take place on June in the United States.

[Fiatless]

The Iranian government has been a promoter of many wars for many years, even when Russia invaded Ukraine, they supported Russia with drones. Here in my country, for more than 5 years, a province has been taken over by terrorists supported by Iran. These terrorists have been brutally dismembering people's bodies, so I honestly think that FIFA itself should have banned Iran a long time ago.

Fortunately, the US and Israel are taking measures against Iran. Of course, I don't think it's fair when innocent Iranians die, but even if they didn't die accidentally, they would be murdered by the Iranian regime.

In the case of football, it's very clear that the Iranian government is trying to use football as propaganda for victimhood. Iranian players wouldn't be murdered in the US, unlike if Iran were organizing the World Cup; they wouldn't think twice about murdering US players.

Sorry for the war in your country; we are also experiencing jihadist attacks in some parts of Nigeria.

I am not a supporter of war or conflict. When it comes to invading countries and supporting conflicts, the US and its allies are also guilty. We all know what happened in Libya, Syria, Irag and even Afghanistan. The US invaded these countries and turned them into safe havens for terrorists.

If FIFA wants to be fair, the US should be stripped of the rights to co-host the World Cup for invading Venezuela and kidnapping the president and his wife.

Iranian soldiers will not be safe in a country that is bombing their nation. It is believed that Isreali American controls most sectors in the US, and this influence can be dangerous for Iranian players and officials.

[Agbe]

In the case of football, it's very clear that the Iranian government is trying to use football as propaganda for victimhood. Iranian players wouldn't be murdered in the US, unlike if Iran were organizing the World Cup; they wouldn't think twice about murdering US players.

It is very true that Iranian players wouldn't be murdered in the United States, but since Iran and the United States is at war at the moment it's not necessary for Iranians to go to their enemy territory in times like this, so Iranian government did the right thing by boycotting the world cup that will take place on June in the United States.

But Donald Trump said, it is for their life and safety that they should not go to US in the World Cup but if they like they can come. Aha! This is a clear omen and even a prophet or a seer tell them that nothing will happen they should go. US will use them to trap down Iran. I don't support Iran in this war and to participate is a personal decision, if there is life threatening action in the event stage and countries decided to boycott the event, they can do that because they should not put the players lives at risk. I don't think they will play well in the field for the fear of attacks and others. Today people are still in Prison in Morocco after the final rift with Senegal.
When they are going to play the games, it will not only the players will go and supporters and officials, if Americans will not touch the players, what about the officials and the supporters?

[Finebone]

In the case of football, it's very clear that the Iranian government is trying to use football as propaganda for victimhood. Iranian players wouldn't be murdered in the US, unlike if Iran were organizing the World Cup; they wouldn't think twice about murdering US players.

It is very true that Iranian players wouldn't be murdered in the United States, but since Iran and the United States is at war at the moment it's not necessary for Iranians to go to their enemy territory in times like this, so Iranian government did the right thing by boycotting the world cup that will take place on June in the United States.

Have the Iranian national team officially boycotted the world cup happening in the US?
If that is actually true then I will be putting all the blames on fifa because since both nations is at war with each other, the fairest thing they should have done as a governing body is to move all the Iranian matches to either Mexico or Canada or possibly replacing the US entirely with another close by country that have a good footballing facilities.
War is never a good thing, so both parties should be settling this at the table like civilized people, not by going at each other, and killing innocent civilians that are not the decision makers.

[Roseline492]

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

We were just talking about the risk of Iran going to the world Cup before you brought this tweet from Donald Trump against the Iranian, it is clear now and not something we would be assuming if they would go or not because Donald Trump has use his mouth to say it because is only people that's ignorant would disregard this statement but however considering that Donald Trump is the one that have told Iran not to come, FIFA should do something because is not Iran that have made an announcement of not participating but now is like they have taking their right on the world Cup.

[Agbe]

We were just talking about the risk of Iran going to the world Cup before you brought this tweet from Donald Trump against the Iranian, it is clear now and not something we would be assuming if they would go or not because Donald Trump has use his mouth to say it because is only people that's ignorant would disregard this statement but however considering that Donald Trump is the one that have told Iran not to come, FIFA should do something because is not Iran that have made an announcement of not participating but now is like they have taking their right on the world Cup.

Before Donald Trump said this statement, Iran government said their National Team will not participate in the World Cup. And from what I read, FIFA President Gianni Infantino meet US president Donald Trump after he has issued a warning to the Iran government not to allow his football team to go and participate to beg him to allow them to play. And Donald Trump agreed and he said, "Iran National Football Team is welcome". Now the question is, will the Iranian government allow his children to go?

[Agbamoni]

You should have added this info in your original post. I’m surprised you would take the word of a Tiktoker and spread the information without first doing your own research. You should know misinformation is a huge market for content creators, they do anything for views and likes. They aren’t sports journalists nor do they have ethical standards, they are just people who want to make money off the internet.

What part of the information do you feel is incorrect? Of course, Iran has indeed withdrawn their participation in the World Cup; that was not misinformation, or you haven't found out yourself. The part of the TikToker I explain here is the part where he is eager to see Iran being replaced by Nigeria in the available slot. That was his wish, prayer, or opinion. I never said that was what happened.

Are we still on the same discussion, or is there a diversion somewhere?

[MorganaX]

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. 

Maybe you are not following some well-known Nigerian football analyst on social media. However, I'm not saying the ones I follow are better, I'm just saying I got the information from an analyst on TIKTOK, and the typical Nigerian mentality in him is still wishing to qualify for the World Cup.

Now this is something new, so is this possible? I came across your comments and the discussion of which intrigued me because I actually saw something online about Donald Trump posting on his truth social concerning the faith of the Iranian football team that's supposed to come play at the world cup and from the statement it sounds clear that they are most certainly not welcome so this kinda intrigued me if actually anything of sort is possible for another to replace.