African Football Discussion Thread: {Current Topic: 👉 AFCON 2027 ⚽⚽}.

[Fiatless]

Our Nigerian brother Alex Iwobi officially becomes the 5th player in the Premier League Competition after, James Milner, Gareth Barry, Rory Delap, and Gary Speed to have played and made hundred plus appearances for three different clubs in the Premier League Competition and these clubs are;

Arsenal with 100 appearance,
Everton with 123 appearance
And the last,  his current clubs Fulham with over 100 appearance.

Happy for him, they're not doing all that at the moment, but I hope he stays fit ahead of the upcoming African cup of nations.

Congratulations to Alex Iwobi on his historic achievements in the English Premier League. Alex is one of the few players who had the option of playing for another country, yet the choose Nigeria. I heard one English commentator claim that Alex would have played for the Three Lions if he had been a little bit patient.  

I am proud that the Fulham player decided to choose the Super Eagles even with all the ups and downs. He said there are times Super Eagles players have had to pay their own flight and hotel bills. I wish him more fruitful years in the EPL and the national team.

[Salahmu]

Happy for him, they're not doing all that at the moment, but I hope he stays fit ahead of the upcoming African cup of nations.

Alex didn't have a good time at Arsenal, but Fulham is where we've seen the best of Alex Iwobi, and I am sincerely happy for the player. There was no interest for Fulham to sell him during this transfer opening, that means the team values his contribution, and he's been playing up to Premier League standard.

Alex Iwobi is not an injury-prone player, of course, he will be available for the qualifiers stage of the AFCON tournament.

How did Alex Iwobi not have a good time in Arsenal when he appear so many times in the club matches those days?, of course he did well in Arsenal even though it was when he started his career, I'm glad with the way Alex Iwobi football career is going because there is know club he would go they will not talk about his positive attributes to the club and that's exactly what we have seen from him in Fulham and if he is going to stay for more seasons in the club he is definitely going to appear more than every other clubs he has been in the past. Of course he would be available during the AFCON.

[Ronsbit]

Martins doesn't know what he is talking about these are reasons why the country can't still get better, the NFF president isn't something that should be given because the person is your friend or you both are from the same state,

This is one of the reasons why the country is not going to improve, everyone is fighting for himself, or someone close to them so that they will be able to benefits at the end. Obafemi martins made that statement just because he is also looking for favor from seyi tinubu, maybe there is a post he is also fighting for if seyi tinubu becomes the NFF president.

We no longer select people to hold a position base on the experience which they are having, people are been given position base on how influential or rich they are, they no longer check if the person is qualified or not. Seyi tinubu should just forget about the position, and face other things in life.

You have made a good point here, everybody want's to project or say something to what they could benefit from so that was likely the intentions of Obafemi. Maybe he felt if he says such and Sheyi has interest for the position and maybe contests and win, he would definitely get an appointment. Even if he didn't contests, as long as Obafemi has said such to his hearing believe me he would definitely extend an olive branch to him for mentioning his name and that is how they will roll.
It is true that these days, selection is no more done by experience but by man know man and what one stand to benefit. Normal standards and requirements are no longer considered before filing candidates this what is making the NFF look more like a joke. I wish our national assembly would pass a law restricting non sportsmen from contesting in any sport's position in the country even the federal ministry of sports should be headed by a sportsman because they are qualified for. This is just like a situation of making minister of defence to a civilian who has no knowledge of what security is all about.

[Crakryptvest]

You have made a good point here, everybody want's to project or say something to what they could benefit from so that was likely the intentions of Obafemi. Maybe he felt if he says such and Sheyi has interest for the position and maybe contests and win, he would definitely get an appointment. Even if he didn't contests, as long as Obafemi has said such to his hearing believe me he would definitely extend an olive branch to him for mentioning his name and that is how they will roll.
It is true that these days, selection is no more done by experience but by man know man and what one stand to benefit. Normal standards and requirements are no longer considered before filing candidates this what is making the NFF look more like a joke. I wish our national assembly would pass a law restricting non sportsmen from contesting in any sport's position in the country even the federal ministry of sports should be headed by a sportsman because they are qualified for. This is just like a situation of making minister of defence to a civilian who has no knowledge of what security is all about.

This statement that was made by Obafemi martins is an indication that some Nigerians are more concerned on what they will benefit than the suggesting for a possible solution to the problem being encountered in Nigeria sports generally, Martin was one of the respected footballers Nigeria had in his time, I use the was as past tense because the system attributed to him has made him lose respect from Nigerians, a football should not act ignorantly when he knows the right thing that would've been in the interest of Nigerians in regards to sports, I don't know what to think of him right now, how will martins think that selection is by experience when he's already having a different thought in his mind.

[DiMarxist]

U20 Women World Cup

Spain vs Nigeria

This match is going on now and I believed people are not aware of the match because there is no Nigeria Broadcasting station shows the match. They have finished the first half and on break now. Spain has scored a goal and the goal was scored by Marisa. Nigerians are not impressive in the match and if they continue like this more goals will come in.

[Chinesebaby]

U20 Women World Cup

Spain vs Nigeria

This match is going on now and I believed people are not aware of the match because there is no Nigeria Broadcasting station shows the match. They have finished the first half and on break now. Spain has scored a goal and the goal was scored by Marisa. Nigerians are not impressive in the match and if they continue like this more goals will come in.

It's 80 minutes already, and Spain has just scored another goal, making it 2 goals to nil against Nigeria in this U20 Women game that is currently ongoing live, and with the look of the game, its obvious that the Spain women will be winning this game without us scoring even at least a single goal. Because after Marisa scored the first goal at the very early start of the match at 13minutes, Alba Cerrato was able to score the second goal at 73 minutes. And this seems to be our first game in this U20 Women's World Cup tournament and we just lost the first game, and the tendency of we winning against China U20 Women is also high, but i hope our ladies try their best in that game, since we have just lost this one.

[Ronsbit]

You have made a good point here, everybody want's to project or say something to what they could benefit from so that was likely the intentions of Obafemi. Maybe he felt if he says such and Sheyi has interest for the position and maybe contests and win, he would definitely get an appointment. Even if he didn't contests, as long as Obafemi has said such to his hearing believe me he would definitely extend an olive branch to him for mentioning his name and that is how they will roll.
It is true that these days, selection is no more done by experience but by man know man and what one stand to benefit. Normal standards and requirements are no longer considered before filing candidates this what is making the NFF look more like a joke. I wish our national assembly would pass a law restricting non sportsmen from contesting in any sport's position in the country even the federal ministry of sports should be headed by a sportsman because they are qualified for. This is just like a situation of making minister of defence to a civilian who has no knowledge of what security is all about.

This statement that was made by Obafemi martins is an indication that some Nigerians are more concerned on what they will benefit than the suggesting for a possible solution to the problem being encountered in Nigeria sports generally, Martin was one of the respected footballers Nigeria had in his time, I use the was as past tense because the system attributed to him has made him lose respect from Nigerians, a football should not act ignorantly when he knows the right thing that would've been in the interest of Nigerians in regards to sports, I don't know what to think of him right now, how will martins think that selection is by experience when he's already having a different thought in his mind.

After I read that comment, Obafemi Martins lost his place because that was the least thought on peoples mind and even myself too. Obafemi knows what is going on in the NFF and no doubt NFF needs fresh breath from the previous executives who bastardised the system making it a conduit on their embezzlement agenda.
Martin should have projected himself for the much anticipated seat as he knows that the community would definitely support him but this mistake he has made would cost him a whole lot in the near future because nobody would take him serious anymore.

[Spaceman1000$]

You have made a good point here, everybody want's to project or say something to what they could benefit from so that was likely the intentions of Obafemi. Maybe he felt if he says such and Sheyi has interest for the position and maybe contests and win, he would definitely get an appointment. Even if he didn't contests, as long as Obafemi has said such to his hearing believe me he would definitely extend an olive branch to him for mentioning his name and that is how they will roll.
It is true that these days, selection is no more done by experience but by man know man and what one stand to benefit. Normal standards and requirements are no longer considered before filing candidates this what is making the NFF look more like a joke. I wish our national assembly would pass a law restricting non sportsmen from contesting in any sport's position in the country even the federal ministry of sports should be headed by a sportsman because they are qualified for. This is just like a situation of making minister of defence to a civilian who has no knowledge of what security is all about.

This statement that was made by Obafemi martins is an indication that some Nigerians are more concerned on what they will benefit than the suggesting for a possible solution to the problem being encountered in Nigeria sports generally, Martin was one of the respected footballers Nigeria had in his time, I use the was as past tense because the system attributed to him has made him lose respect from Nigerians, a football should not act ignorantly when he knows the right thing that would've been in the interest of Nigerians in regards to sports, I don't know what to think of him right now, how will martins think that selection is by experience when he's already having a different thought in his mind.

This is one of the reasons why Mikel Obi is way different, the major reason he is not liked by a lot of NFF guys, those guys like boot lickers, people who pamper them despite when they are doing wrong. If not, with the amount of money martins has seen as an ex international player, why would he be tilting towards praise singing for the big guys in government just to get political patronage. At these point, I don't think he has an independent mindset anymore, whatever he is reasoning is clouded with political benefit and how to get close to power.

[Issa56]

U20 Women World Cup

Spain vs Nigeria

This match is going on now and I believed people are not aware of the match because there is no Nigeria Broadcasting station shows the match. They have finished the first half and on break now. Spain has scored a goal and the goal was scored by Marisa. Nigerians are not impressive in the match and if they continue like this more goals will come in.

If not for your post I don’t even know that any match is going on today. Mostly people don’t take women football so serious, and this is under 20 I don’t even think anyone will be interested in it, and the match is not even broadcasted in any of my local TV stations, so people won’t be able to watch the match. I just checked now and I noticed that the match ended as 2-0, Nigeria lost to Spain in the match. Nigeria next match is going to be against china, I will try and watch the match, let’s see if we will be able to get a win in the match.

[Davidvictorson]

This is one of the reasons why Mikel Obi is way different, the major reason he is not liked by a lot of NFF guys, those guys like boot lickers, people who pamper them despite when they are doing wrong. If not, with the amount of money martins has seen as an ex international player, why would he be tilting towards praise singing for the big guys in government just to get political patronage. At these point, I don't think he has an independent mindset anymore, whatever he is reasoning is clouded with political benefit and how to get close to power.

Guys let’s free Martins please.
He has a choice to choose who to support and how to go about it. That doesn’t make him a terrible person compared to Obi.
It also certainly does mean he is an asslicker too.
One thing we should know is that every person has their own personality type- while some are outspoken like Obi, some others are not and this has nothing to do with them being ass lickers or being cowards. It’s just who they are.

[Qhunman]

How did Alex Iwobi not have a good time in Arsenal when he appear so many times in the club matches those days?, of course he did well in Arsenal even though it was when he started his career, I'm glad with the way Alex Iwobi football career is going because there is know club he would go they will not talk about his positive attributes to the club and that's exactly what we have seen from him in Fulham and if he is going to stay for more seasons in the club he is definitely going to appear more than every other clubs he has been in the past. Of course he would be available during the AFCON.

Alex iwobi used to be one of arsenal brightest players those days,the thing is that he didn't score many goals as of that time. Alex scored 11 goals in his 100 appearance for arsenal,he is not greedy with the ball like the way some arsenal players did then. Alex iwobi was an easy going player that was why he was being love by both his teammates and coach. Alex iwobi was very consistent back then, that was why arsene winger didn't like to leave him on the bench because he believes that Alex iwob is impactful on the field, his contribution during those days actually boosted arsenal chances of winning games..

[Callido]

This match is going on now and I believed people are not aware of the match because there is no Nigeria Broadcasting station shows the match. They have finished the first half and on break now. Spain has scored a goal and the goal was scored by Marisa. Nigerians are not impressive in the match and if they continue like this more goals will come in.

Sorry to say, even if the game is televised on any channel, nobody will spend their time watching the game. Our attention is on the coming AFCON qualifiers that will start very soon. Nigeria will be playing Madagascar and  Guinea-Bissau on the second day before a pause and our players returning to their various clubs. Nigeria has to qualify for the World Cup, after failing to represent us well in the World Cup qualifiers.

[EL MOHA]

After I read that comment, Obafemi Martins lost his place because that was the least thought on peoples mind and even myself too. Obafemi knows what is going on in the NFF and no doubt NFF needs fresh breath from the previous executives who bastardised the system making it a conduit on their embezzlement agenda.
Martin should have projected himself for the much anticipated seat as he knows that the community would definitely support him but this mistake he has made would cost him a whole lot in the near future because nobody would take him serious anymore.

Personally I don’t have any issue with him suggesting a candidate because it’s democracy and everyone has the right to make their own choices but I am highly disappointed not because I have resentment for Seyi Tinubu because he is the country’s first son, I belief the suggestion might be coming because Obafemi Martins might have seen his impact on other things but this is quite different just other things, this is not even a youth empowerment program but strictly football.

I haven’t seeing any track record of this man in football or even any sport related activities where he heads it, so why was his name first on the tongue of Martins and not even his colleagues. Seriously I am highly disappointed that he brought politics right into this already

[Donneski]

U20 Women World Cup

Spain vs Nigeria

This match is going on now and I believed people are not aware of the match because there is no Nigeria Broadcasting station shows the match. They have finished the first half and on break now. Spain has scored a goal and the goal was scored by Marisa. Nigerians are not impressive in the match and if they continue like this more goals will come in.

If not for your post I don’t even know that any match is going on today. Mostly people don’t take women football so serious, and this is under 20 I don’t even think anyone will be interested in it, and the match is not even broadcasted in any of my local TV stations, so people won’t be able to watch the match. I just checked now and I noticed that the match ended as 2-0, Nigeria lost to Spain in the match. Nigeria next match is going to be against china, I will try and watch the match, let’s see if we will be able to get a win in the match.

I'm also surprised to learn that there's an ongoing FIFA organized tournament. I honestly think that FIFA should work on their PR when it comes to publicizing women's football tournaments. We rarely read much about them on the media.

That said, I had to check to see that the Falconets were beaten by their Spanish opponents by a 2:0 scoreline. I didn't watch the game to see how the Nigeria team performed but if you ask me, I'll say that poor preparations from the NFF might have affected the team.

[Sunshine1525]

I'm also surprised to learn that there's an ongoing FIFA organized tournament. I honestly think that FIFA should work on their PR when it comes to publicizing women's football tournaments. We rarely read much about them on the media.

That said, I had to check to see that the Falconets were beaten by their Spanish opponents by a 2:0 scoreline. I didn't watch the game to see how the Nigeria team performed but if you ask me, I'll say that poor preparations from the NFF might have affected the team.

Maybe it's because it’s a female tournament that's why there's little interest about it, it's not even the senior team but under 20. If it were played by men atleast not very much but more people would've known about, i doubt if there are many females in Nigeria that are aware of this tournament.

Another thing is that the league tournaments are ongoing so it would be tough to divert people's attention to minor tournaments like these if it was senior female teams, more people would've beem interested.

[Ndabagi01]

Congratulations to Alex Iwobi on his historic achievements in the English Premier League. Alex is one of the few players who had the option of playing for another country, yet the choose Nigeria. I heard one English commentator claim that Alex would have played for the Three Lions if he had been a little bit patient.  

I am proud that the Fulham player decided to choose the Super Eagles even with all the ups and downs. He said there are times Super Eagles players have had to pay their own flight and hotel bills. I wish him more fruitful years in the EPL and the national team.

This is really a big achievement for him and I can still remember when he was playing for Arsenal, one of their best forward at that time and was a good starter for them. I thought he had lost his spark long ago but after seeing his performance since the time he has been playing for Fulham, one can say that he’s still a dependable player and have a very big future ahead of him even though his age won’t warrant him to remain in the football arena for that long again. His contributions to the super Eagles of Nigeria is immeasurable, I applaud his dedication to the welfare other the team always.

[Tonimez]

Congratulations to Alex Iwobi on his historic achievements in the English Premier League. Alex is one of the few players who had the option of playing for another country, yet the choose Nigeria. I heard one English commentator claim that Alex would have played for the Three Lions if he had been a little bit patient.  

I am proud that the Fulham player decided to choose the Super Eagles even with all the ups and downs. He said there are times Super Eagles players have had to pay their own flight and hotel bills. I wish him more fruitful years in the EPL and the national team.

This is really a big achievement for him and I can still remember when he was playing for Arsenal, one of their best forward at that time and was a good starter for them. I thought he had lost his spark long ago but after seeing his performance since the time he has been playing for Fulham, one can say that he’s still a dependable player and have a very big future ahead of him even though his age won’t warrant him to remain in the football arena for that long again. His contributions to the super Eagles of Nigeria is immeasurable, I applaud his dedication to the welfare other the team always.

Alex Iwobi is one of the most patient players I have seen and easy going player. He is very calculative and understands that it's not easy to be wanted by a club so he doesn't get distracted at any time. Having the opportunities to play for the three lions of England and still choosing Nigeria also shows his bravery because if he has broken into the team, he could have probably lost his place in the team for long now, but he chose where he's cherished which is far better than going to where you will not be fully appreciated.

Making 100 league appearances for 3 different clubs is not an easy milestone because it bothers on discipline and emotional control. One thing I love him is his clean play, he plays his ball effortlessly and doesn't suffer unnecessary suspensions due to discipline. In his 323 premier league appearances, he has only received 11 yellow cards and has never received a club red card. Iwobi is still one of the few players who has never received a match suspension in the club level and he also pays attention to his fitness.

This is a true character of discipline and a disciplined player attracts more attention from all around the globe. He is not too old, he's just 30 and can still play for more than 5 more years so he could break more records. He is only one game away from reaching 100 appearances with the super eagles. He's an expert and smart decision maker and that's why I like his lifestyle at all time. Congratulations to him, he's still making waves, if he leaves Fulham today, he can still complete another 100 appearances for any other clubs in the premier League.

[Silikiem]

Congratulations to Alex Iwobi on his historic achievements in the English Premier League. Alex is one of the few players who had the option of playing for another country, yet the choose Nigeria. I heard one English commentator claim that Alex would have played for the Three Lions if he had been a little bit patient.  

I am proud that the Fulham player decided to choose the Super Eagles even with all the ups and downs. He said there are times Super Eagles players have had to pay their own flight and hotel bills. I wish him more fruitful years in the EPL and the national team.

This is really a big achievement for him and I can still remember when he was playing for Arsenal, one of their best forward at that time and was a good starter for them. I thought he had lost his spark long ago but after seeing his performance since the time he has been playing for Fulham, one can say that he’s still a dependable player and have a very big future ahead of him even though his age won’t warrant him to remain in the football arena for that long again. His contributions to the super Eagles of Nigeria is immeasurable, I applaud his dedication to the welfare other the team always.

I think Iwobi is getting better in football just as he’s aging. The way he play and understands the game now is different from his Arsenal days. He have added some composure and technical ability to his game. Despite coming from a serious criticism after the Afcon final lost to Ivory Coast in the year 2023 and since then he has really improved his game and become a mainstay in the super eagles midfield and Fulham. Currently Iwobi is the only reliable Midfielder in super eagles and believe me if he decides to retire from the super eagles today I don’t think there’s any of the current midfielders in super eagles team that can replace him.

[abaeze]

I'm also surprised to learn that there's an ongoing FIFA organized tournament. I honestly think that FIFA should work on their PR when it comes to publicizing women's football tournaments. We rarely read much about them on the media.

That said, I had to check to see that the Falconets were beaten by their Spanish opponents by a 2:0 scoreline. I didn't watch the game to see how the Nigeria team performed but if you ask me, I'll say that poor preparations from the NFF might have affected the team.

Maybe it's because it’s a female tournament that's why there's little interest about it, it's not even the senior team but under 20. If it were played by men atleast not very much but more people would've known about, i doubt if there are many females in Nigeria that are aware of this tournament.

Another thing is that the league tournaments are ongoing so it would be tough to divert people's attention to minor tournaments like these if it was senior female teams, more people would've beem interested.

The biggest reason, I think, is that interest is lost before it is even created due to lack of proper promotion. If people don't know about a tournament, how will they watch or discuss it? And in the case of Nigeria, your doubts about the NFF's preparation are also reasonable, but it would not be right to conclude that the preparation was poor just by looking at the result of losing 2-0 to Spain. Because Spain is very strong, their boys and girls have been equally successful in this World Cup, it would not be right to comment on a specific weakness in the team's performance after watching one match.

[Ishicryptic]

I'm also surprised to learn that there's an ongoing FIFA organized tournament. I honestly think that FIFA should work on their PR when it comes to publicizing women's football tournaments. We rarely read much about them on the media.

That said, I had to check to see that the Falconets were beaten by their Spanish opponents by a 2:0 scoreline. I didn't watch the game to see how the Nigeria team performed but if you ask me, I'll say that poor preparations from the NFF might have affected the team.

Maybe it's because it’s a female tournament that's why there's little interest about it, it's not even the senior team but under 20. If it were played by men atleast not very much but more people would've known about, i doubt if there are many females in Nigeria that are aware of this tournament.

Another thing is that the league tournaments are ongoing so it would be tough to divert people's attention to minor tournaments like these if it was senior female teams, more people would've beem interested.

The biggest reason, I think, is that interest is lost before it is even created due to lack of proper promotion. If people don't know about a tournament, how will they watch or discuss it? And in the case of Nigeria, your doubts about the NFF's preparation are also reasonable, but it would not be right to conclude that the preparation was poor just by looking at the result of losing 2-0 to Spain. Because Spain is very strong, their boys and girls have been equally successful in this World Cup, it would not be right to comment on a specific weakness in the team's performance after watching one match.

Unfortunately female football don't always get publicized like the men football, most times a competition would already be started before you get to hear that something like that is going on, lack of proper publicity is the major reason, another reason is that many football fans don't have interest in women's football especially women themselves. If a lot of women have interest in football and support female football I believe that their tournaments and leagues will be widely discussed but we know that most women are more interested in fashion.

I also believe that we cannot judge our falconet that they are an unserious team or blame the NFF yet for their lose to a world class Spanish team,  2 : 0 is a lose but not a humiliating like 5 : 0 or something like that, we have seen teams that lost their first game but went all the way to win the competition. Although I didn't watch the match but I think we should give them the benefits of doubt to prove themselves in their next games before passing our judgments.