African Football Discussion Thread Current Topic: 👉 FIFA WorldCup 2026.

[Ndabagi01]

I'm sure Argentina never saw this coming and that was why everything came to them at unaware, even though with all this, I still don't expect them to perform the way they did because it shows that the game wasn't meant for them as they are totally out of the play and can't afford to place a significant impact, Spain made it beyond our expectations and took the trophy by merit, which is obvious to everyone that they did well to have deserve where to they had, everything just seem like a dream to Argentina and the same appear to Spain when they discover they won at last.

Spain triumph wasn’t a surprise to me because I already felt convinced in me after their game against France that they were going to beat Argentina. Argentina rigorous attitude towards equalisation is what I fear for Spain if they take the lead and they don’t take it with a comfortable lead. The game looked like it was going to change after their goal from Spain to take the lead, but I really applaud how they managed the situation until the end of the game, that shows their professionalism and determination for the title more than Argentina. That was a deserving victory for Spain, they played well and also won the title which they fought hard for throughout the match.

[snipie]

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Many top players who playing for the top Europe club but returning back to the national teams get difficulty how to perform well to help their national team reach higher stage in world cup.

It is like putting a v10 engine in an old car that barely moves. Certainly it will move better but at the end it will not reach the other cars in the race. Same goes in football when only a player or just few players are carrying the mission while the others are counting on them to score and do the job.
A top goalkeeper cannot stop every ball when the defence line is weak and letting every attempts pass. An attacker cannot score when the ball is reaching him in a difficult spot and when the midfield is useless.
Morocco advantage is the many professional players they have abroad. Egypt has fewer and counting a lot on Salah. Local players should improve further to be competitive in the international games.

[Spaceman1000$]

I'm sure Argentina never saw this coming and that was why everything came to them at unaware, even though with all this, I still don't expect them to perform the way they did because it shows that the game wasn't meant for them as they are totally out of the play and can't afford to place a significant impact, Spain made it beyond our expectations and took the trophy by merit, which is obvious to everyone that they did well to have deserve where to they had, everything just seem like a dream to Argentina and the same appear to Spain when they discover they won at last.

Zero shot on target and only two goal attempts is embarrassing to me because I thought Argentina will bring it on to Spain 18 yard box just like they did to the rest clubs they played with before the finals. A lot of Argentina fans and supporters were shocked to see how Spain took full control of the game. Argentina was praying for the match to extend to a penalty shootout but they don't deserve it.

Argentina have been playing counter attack, they've not really been in charge of a game thoroughly especially from the quarter to semifinals and finals, if you watch their game against Egypt, you will notice that they didn't attack too much, They only became offensive when the game was about to end, Egypt literally held them down up till the 70th minute of play, before they started scoring, it was almost the same thing that happened in the England game. So at no point did i watch Argentina conquer an entire game from the beginning to the end except maybe the group stages. I knew that they were a dangerous team, in fact I was predicting they might win Spain with the kind of playing pattern they normally use, but everything backfired because Spain had a team that was literally built on their midfield, so it was easy for them to have tiki-taka, which completely disorganized the Argentina team.

[Callido]

The last time the super eagles Won the AFCON and qualified for the WC we had about 10-20% of home based players in the team and some also in starting lineup- it was an home based player that scored the goal that won us the 2013 AFCON trophy.

No European country will keep players from the best leagues and go after home players to represent them for international competitions, it takes a lot for these players to reach the big stage, much is expected from them, over the home based players.

It must have been that way before and Nigeria did very well, but the best way to create balance is to mix the squad with both away and home players, this will create squad depth and more seriousness for players getting the first starting position.

[Amphenomenon]

Spain triumph wasn’t a surprise to me because I already felt convinced in me after their game against France that they were going to beat Argentina. Argentina rigorous attitude towards equalisation is what I fear for Spain if they take the lead and they don’t take it with a comfortable lead. The game looked like it was going to change after their goal from Spain to take the lead, but I really applaud how they managed the situation until the end of the game, that shows their professionalism and determination for the title more than Argentina. That was a deserving victory for Spain, they played well and also won the title which they fought hard for throughout the match.

Seeing how far both teams came I didn't consider them infallible but the game between Spain vs France hit different since many consider France as the favorite and this include me.

Argentina on the other hand were still very much scary and we saw how it was after they conceded and it draw closer to the final whistle but Spain didn't take the approach England took they continue to attack and thereby limiting the number of shots they could have received and then while all of these were still happening they also seem as favorite to get other goals.

Spain did exceptionally as a team and got what they deserved, their second world cup.

[Berry2d]

Africa is one of the countinent blessed with great football talents and of a truth this great talents are flourishing where ever they find themselves beyond reasonable doubt and can not be outshine in important moments.
This same great talents choose to show there true potentials outside Africa not because they can't perform in Africa but because African football is not judged by fairness and credibility but by political interference, favour and recommendation.
If not for the corrupt practices experienced in African football it would have been difficult for other continents to defeat Africa because many goods players playing outside would have been playing for there home countries, then Africa would have been the best among all.

[Roseline492]

No European country will keep players from the best leagues and go after home players to represent them for international competitions, it takes a lot for these players to reach the big stage, much is expected from them, over the home based players.

It must have been that way before and Nigeria did very well, but the best way to create balance is to mix the squad with both away and home players, this will create squad depth and more seriousness for players getting the first starting position.

Is because those European countries has all the players they need for a world cup in the leagues that's why they don't have to bother going back down to home ones but note that if they are in the state were there players is not enough they would pick some home players to make up the full team. I had a thought about what you are thinking Nigeria should do but we no how influence always comes in between the vision for standard in the super eagles because I do not trust them to bring players with quality so actually because of biased they should go with this squad except they're convinced of whom they're giving privilege.

[Nightwatchmare]

The world cup final was worth the hype and despite the fact that Argentina was frustrated all through the game from making any real impact, they were conscious of the fact that football is a game of numbers and focused on their defense all through the game. Spain was excellent and they displayed the highest level of team work with their tiki taka style of game.

I'm sure Argentina never saw this coming and that was why everything came to them at unaware, even though with all this, I still don't expect them to perform the way they did because it shows that the game wasn't meant for them as they are totally out of the play and can't afford to place a significant impact, Spain made it beyond our expectations and took the trophy by merit, which is obvious to everyone that they did well to have deserve where to they had, everything just seem like a dream to Argentina and the same appear to Spain when they discover they won at last.

I think Argentina saw what was coming that was why they played defencively in the 120 minutes the game lasted, no-one expected them to perform the way they did against Spain because they were one of the best teams in the just concluded world cup, and playing against Spain in the final, plenty of people were expecting an interesting game but they made the game so boring, Spain goalkeeper was so comfortable and okay in the goal post since Argentina could not stress him, had the been England was the team that played against Spain, they would have perform better than Argentina.

[Onyeeze]

Africa is one of the countinent blessed with great football talents and of a truth this great talents are flourishing where ever they find themselves beyond reasonable doubt and can not be outshine in important moments.
This same great talents choose to show there true potentials outside Africa not because they can't perform in Africa but because African football is not judged by fairness and credibility but by political interference, favour and recommendation.
If not for the corrupt practices experienced in African football it would have been difficult for other continents to defeat Africa because many goods players playing outside would have been playing for there home countries, then Africa would have been the best among all.

Africa are blessed with other things but not a football because in Africa we don't have much a football academic which Europe continent do have, don't you know that there is some countries that started football with the children when they are in tender age but in Africa you will grow and start playing football on the street before you can be able to meet up and the most of the people in Africa that is doing well in football there are gifted is not something that then learn from somewhere but in some of the European country they normally learn football starting from young age and they study football the way we are studying other courses in primary secondary and the universities so there are far better than us when you come in terms of football and you can also compare with you how many times African have win a world cup starting from the time what Cup started

[Smartvirus]

I think Argentina saw what was coming that was why they played defencively in the 120 minutes the game lasted, no-one expected them to perform the way they did against Spain because they were one of the best teams in the just concluded world cup, and playing against Spain in the final, plenty of people were expecting an interesting game but they made the game so boring, Spain goalkeeper was so comfortable and okay in the goal post since Argentina could not stress him, had the been England was the team that played against Spain, they would have perform better than Argentina.

Argentina actually endured more than most would have hoped. It wasn’t an easy game and somehow; they weee able to endure and hold the game down to extra time, that wasn’t easy to do against a team like Spain that had to concede only 1 goal going to the finals and didn’t concede any goals further in the finals. There aren’t many teams or any team at all that can boost of such performance in the World Cup. Playing defense was not an option for them in this game but the only option Spain handed for them. It got worst with the red card, they tried to manage but, there was no escaping defeat.

[Asiska02]

I think Argentina saw what was coming that was why they played defencively in the 120 minutes the game lasted, no-one expected them to perform the way they did against Spain because they were one of the best teams in the just concluded world cup, and playing against Spain in the final, plenty of people were expecting an interesting game but they made the game so boring, Spain goalkeeper was so comfortable and okay in the goal post since Argentina could not stress him, had the been England was the team that played against Spain, they would have perform better than Argentina.

Too many blame on Thomas Tuchel that couldn’t help England to reach the finals of the tournament. After seeing the England game against France when they played in the third place playoff, I even became more angrier that Thomas Tuchel was the main cause for England not to make it to the finals. When you have many attacking players in your team that can win you games, you shouldn’t go defending against a team like Argentina after getting a goal ahead of them, you should have been able to do better. The Final was one sided because Argentina were no match for Spain. England against Spain could have been a more interesting finals than Spain against Argentina as you’ve mentioned earlier but we never got to have that matchup in the final game.

[Finebone]

Africa are blessed with other things but not a football because in Africa we don't have much a football academic which Europe continent do have, don't you know that there is some countries that started football with the children when they are in tender age but in Africa you will grow and start playing football on the street before you can be able to meet up

I disagree with your sentiment mate, as a Nigerian I can tell you for free that we have talented players all over the place, the problem we have is bad leadership that fail to put down structures that will explore this talented to the fullest. Football academy are good, but it will not make a player exceptionally good overnight if the said person doesn't have the talent.

Hardship and lack most times force these good players to start hustling for money at a very tender age, instead of exploring their talents on the field of play. Am saying this because I know of so many good footballers that did not have the opportunity to go on trials  or move to europe because their was no scout or football agent that will take them higher, and such person will eventually quit football because their was no hope in sight, so I disagree with what you are saying that Africa don't have talented in football.

[Franctoshi]

The last time the super eagles Won the AFCON and qualified for the WC we had about 10-20% of home based players in the team and some also in starting lineup- it was an home based player that scored the goal that won us the 2013 AFCON trophy.

You need players who are hungry and have everything to lose not some players who are already playing in Europe who are more committed to their club than the national team. We don't give chance to those people and that's one of our problems.

This is also one very aspect to their poor performances over this year, because we've seen that most of this European based players have their clubs in mind more than they do for the country, but this was based on the treatment being given to players in the past, because when I was growing up as a big super eagles fans, there was scenario in AFCON cup where the super eagles players was not treated well after they risk everything playing for the country especially when they sustained injuries and in the end these management team will leave them treating themselves or be treated by their various clubs, this the major reason why you see this European based players not really put in their best of effort when they come to play for national team.

[Joeboy]

Africa are blessed with other things but not a football because in Africa we don't have much a football academic which Europe continent do have, don't you know that there is some countries that started football with the children when they are in tender age but in Africa you will grow and start playing football on the street before you can be able to meet up

I disagree with your sentiment mate, as a Nigerian I can tell you for free that we have talented players all over the place, the problem we have is bad leadership that fail to put down structures that will explore this talented to the fullest. Football academy are good, but it will not make a player exceptionally good overnight if the said person doesn't have the talent.

Hardship and lack most times force these good players to start hustling for money at a very tender age, instead of exploring their talents on the field of play. Am saying this because I know of so many good footballers that did not have the opportunity to go on trials  or move to europe because their was no scout or football agent that will take them higher, and such person will eventually quit football because their was no hope in sight, so I disagree with what you are saying that Africa don't have talented in football.

You are right Finebone..  The population of folks here as well as in other African countries is so much that we can even barely notice the next talented footballer that lives blocks away..  But then there isn't any kind of publicity that can take this talented players to the next level..And so it then looks as if we don't have the talent.. And then due to the economic hardship, most folks have left their dream just to pursue something else simply because they have to feed and take care of their families..If the country gets better and folks are given then opportunity to pursue their dreams, our talented players would obviously be noticed better than they are now..

[Rruchi man]

Lionel Messi had carried the Argentina team long enough in the competition, and it was time for another player to turn up for them

I wouldn’t say Messi “carried” the Argentina team in the World Cup. The team was built around him and the players were more than happy to create chances for him to score. When I hear the phrase “carried the team”, the standard in my head is Luka Modric in Croatia’s World Cup run.

Messi had the most assists for the Argentine team, so what do you mean exactly by saying that you wouldn't say he carried the Argentina team? Did you not see the number of times in the World Cup where Argentina looked out and Messi was able to create a chance or score an important goal that kept Argentina in the competition to the end? He could not do so for Argentina against Spain in the finals, hence why they lost.

The standard in your head is Luka Modric; please explain how and why.

[Doan9269]

The world cup final was worth the hype and despite the fact that Argentina was frustrated all through the game from making any real impact, they were conscious of the fact that football is a game of numbers and focused on their defense all through the game. Spain was excellent and they displayed the highest level of team work with their tiki taka style of game.

I'm sure Argentina never saw this coming and that was why everything came to them at unaware, even though with all this, I still don't expect them to perform the way they did because it shows that the game wasn't meant for them as they are totally out of the play and can't afford to place a significant impact, Spain made it beyond our expectations and took the trophy by merit, which is obvious to everyone that they did well to have deserve where to they had, everything just seem like a dream to Argentina and the same appear to Spain when they discover they won at last.

I think Argentina saw what was coming that was why they played defencively in the 120 minutes the game lasted, no-one expected them to perform the way they did against Spain because they were one of the best teams in the just concluded world cup, and playing against Spain in the final, plenty of people were expecting an interesting game but they made the game so boring, Spain goalkeeper was so comfortable and okay in the goal post since Argentina could not stress him, had the been England was the team that played against Spain, they would have perform better than Argentina.

All through the 90 minutes play was a boring game and this is due to Argentina's low performance, but I was so excited when I discovered that after the extra time, Spain took their opportunity to the next level by scoring a good that was first denied and the second one cannot be denied at the same way they did to the first one, while the last goal was not counted because of the offside, pressure was mounted upon Argentina and the couldn't manage to attempt on striking than to defend their home and I don't know maybe what they wear expecting was to end up with penalty kicks being their last hope, but unfortunately spend heart to get their way through and scroll them a goal.

[Comeacross]

The last time the super eagles Won the AFCON and qualified for the WC we had about 10-20% of home based players in the team and some also in starting lineup- it was an home based player that scored the goal that won us the 2013 AFCON trophy.

You need players who are hungry and have everything to lose not some players who are already playing in Europe who are more committed to their club than the national team. We don't give chance to those people and that's one of our problems.

I totally agreed with your second statement. Majority of our players in the national team prioritised their club more than the national team, they never seem to care what the national team is passing through but you should know that a lot of things have changed. 2013 is quite a long time ago where players played solely for passion, not like nowadays that they're playing solely for money and fame.

I also support the idea of giving our home based chance to play with the national team but does that really make a difference? I doubt it because the last CHAN (African Nations Championship) for the home based players was a great embarrassment from Nigerian home based players. Sudan beat them 4-0, they were eliminated from the group stage with 0 point.

[Salahmu]

I wouldn’t say Messi “carried” the Argentina team in the World Cup. The team was built around him and the players were more than happy to create chances for him to score. When I hear the phrase “carried the team”, the standard in my head is Luka Modric in Croatia’s World Cup run.

Messi had the most assists for the Argentine team, so what do you mean exactly by saying that you wouldn't say he carried the Argentina team? Did you not see the number of times in the World Cup where Argentina looked out and Messi was able to create a chance or score an important goal that kept Argentina in the competition to the end? He could not do so for Argentina against Spain in the finals, hence why they lost.

The standard in your head is Luka Modric; please explain how and why.

Nobody in Argentina has assisted more than Messi so you are right and is a truth everybody should no, in any match Messi is tied down every other Argentines will also get weak. On the final the only players all the Argentina was waiting for is Messi and when there was no chance for Argentina it was also Messi the whole Argentina was calling on the field so actually we could talk about Argentina as we like on the world cup but Messi should be giving the honor for the position he has kept himself on every world cup for Argentina, although I didn't support Argentina on the final but Messi was a strong figure.

[Marykeller]

Lionel Messi had carried the Argentina team long enough in the competition, and it was time for another player to turn up for them

I wouldn’t say Messi “carried” the Argentina team in the World Cup. The team was built around him and the players were more than happy to create chances for him to score. When I hear the phrase “carried the team”, the standard in my head is Luka Modric in Croatia’s World Cup run.

Messi had the most assists for the Argentine team, so what do you mean exactly by saying that you wouldn't say he carried the Argentina team? Did you not see the number of times in the World Cup where Argentina looked out and Messi was able to create a chance or score an important goal that kept Argentina in the competition to the end? He could not do so for Argentina against Spain in the finals, hence why they lost.

The standard in your head is Luka Modric; please explain how and why.

I know how much we really want to talk about Spain, Argentina, and the World Cup discussion to go on for a long time here. I also want it that way, but remembering what this thread is all about won't allow me to think of it, as we are focusing on African football matches and what has happened between African countries, players, and the achievements made by Africans concerning football.

As I draw your attention to this, for us to put a stop to discussions not relating to Africa. Please, let's not see this correction as an insult of any kind; see it as friendly advice that we want to stick to in the African football discussions thread.

Thanks for your understanding. One love to everyone who has given their opinions on Spain, Argentina, and the World Cup here

[Webutxo]

Too many blame on Thomas Tuchel that couldn’t help England to reach the finals of the tournament. After seeing the England game against France when they played in the third place playoff, I even became more angrier that Thomas Tuchel was the main cause for England not to make it to the finals. When you have many attacking players in your team that can win you games, you shouldn’t go defending against a team like Argentina after getting a goal ahead of them, you should have been able to do better. The Final was one sided because Argentina were no match for Spain. England against Spain could have been a more interesting finals than Spain against Argentina as you’ve mentioned earlier but we never got to have that matchup in the final game.

People don't appreciate failure and that's wrong, when he won round of 16, 32 and quarter final, he was the main guy, everyone appreciated him but he lost in the semi final, the fans became villain. I bet that if that defensive measures of England against Argentina work in that game, I'm very sure everyone will say he did well but the outcome was bad and he didn't know better, nobody has a better manual to stop Messi if he wanted to change the game.

However, the third place was worth it. The place they fought for looks more entertaining than the final match Argentina and Spain played. It was 10 goals that was distributed among players, I don't think I have watch group stage of any world cup where goals were that distributed but is better for some players that nothing in the beginning. People praised Saka much than Bellingham because of the hatrick he got in the final.