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

[Lida93]

Due to the poor outing of the Gabonese national team in the Nations Cup, the government has suspended the national team. The Sports Minister, Simplice-Desire Mamboula, announced the sack of the entire management and the ban of Pierre-Emerick and Bruno Ecuele Manga. The Panthers were finished at the bottom of Group F after losing 3-2 to the Ivory Coast.

Maybe the government wants to build a new team. However, I think this move is harsh because the players didn't intentionally lose games.

https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/01/afcon-2025-gabon-govt-suspends-national-team-bans-aubameyang/

Sometimes just to make sure to get the desired result drastic decisions would have to be taken, and this I think it's what the Gabon government has actually thought of before going on with such heavy actions on the national team management and players. In my perspective I just see a government who is very concerned about the growth of its national football team and are doing things intentionally regardless of what public views might be. And should this yield successful result in the next AFCON when they attend, people would criticise would speak differently.

[sokani]

Due to the poor outing of the Gabonese national team in the Nations Cup, the government has suspended the national team. The Sports Minister, Simplice-Desire Mamboula, announced the sack of the entire management and the ban of Pierre-Emerick and Bruno Ecuele Manga. The Panthers were finished at the bottom of Group F after losing 3-2 to the Ivory Coast.

Maybe the government wants to build a new team. However, I think this move is harsh because the players didn't intentionally lose games.

https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/01/afcon-2025-gabon-govt-suspends-national-team-bans-aubameyang/

The Zambian government suspended their national team when they failed to qualify for the 2025 World Cup. So the decision of the Gabonese government to also suspend the national team does not surprise me. It seems they are just tired of spending money and not getting results. Also, I don't think suspending the players is the best thing to do if they wanted to restructure the team. They would have just hired a new coach and given him the instruction to build a new team and not this.

[Agbamoni]

Maybe the government wants to build a new team. However, I think this move is harsh because the players didn't intentionally lose games.

https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/01/afcon-2025-gabon-govt-suspends-national-team-bans-aubameyang/

The government took things personally. Auba has been a very important player for this team. He single-handedly carried that team into the round of the playoffs, not until Nigeria won them in the intercontinental playoffs. I'm not happy they have to state his ban, as if he committed a huge offense.

I understand sometimes the country would want to do a total flushing of the team, to build another national team with more zeal. Even so, he shouldn't be treated that way, only the coach deserves such treatment.

[Agbe]

What is your prediction on Nigeria vs Mozambique on Monday 5th, January 2026. Time; 20:00 and that should be 8:00 in West Africa Time Zone? If Nigeria beat Mozambique then they can play with any of the following terms in the Quarter Final. Algeria or Dr. Congo. If Nigeria work on their defense well. Those teams are not Nigeria Match. I am not really afraid of this teams but Morocco, and South Africa.

[Amphenomenon]

Oh, you are still having faith in the super eagles to deliver the trophy for Nigeria when they could not even qualified for the world cup competition which could have shown that Nigeria football team really knew what they were doing.
I don't trust this current players because I know they could fuck up at anytime and out the blame on black magic used by other country.

I get where you're going, they messed up big time but haven't you noticed that this very Super Eagles are different from the ones that played in the World Cup qualification? Same players but different energy, they can do better but the only thing is not to rely on the 100% because anything that may annoy we the supporters can happen. We are in a very hard phase now where if any country is beaten that is the end so now they can do better to avoid defeat no matter who they face, that I believe. Black magic or not, they will do what they have to do to get to the finals and I can't wait for them to face Ivory Coast to repeat last AFCON finals.

We are doing well currently but to be honest, I still don't have high expectations on us lifting the Afcon after do many years.

While I must say we are actually performing better than the last Afcon where we made it to the final and this majorly because we are taking our chances well but our defense or goalie is poor, at least the goals scored by us has been able to cover that but still this something we need to look out on especially as we move up on the competition.

[Wakate]

I get where you're going, they messed up big time but haven't you noticed that this very Super Eagles are different from the ones that played in the World Cup qualification? Same players but different energy, they can do better but the only thing is not to rely on the 100% because anything that may annoy we the supporters can happen. We are in a very hard phase now where if any country is beaten that is the end so now they can do better to avoid defeat no matter who they face, that I believe. Black magic or not, they will do what they have to do to get to the finals and I can't wait for them to face Ivory Coast to repeat last AFCON finals.

What is the need of having same players and a different energy all together? Does that not show a sign of unseriousness to you when they would have proved themselves internationally playing other foreign countries apart from Africans.
If other countries in Africa could qualify for the world cup, what will be the reason for the super eagles not to qualify?
Why is it now they want to prove themselves in the African Cup of Nations.

[Promocodeudo]

What is the need of having same players and a different energy all together? Does that not show a sign of unseriousness to you when they would have proved themselves internationally playing other foreign countries apart from Africans.
If other countries in Africa could qualify for the world cup, what will be the reason for the super eagles not to qualify?
Why is it now they want to prove themselves in the African Cup of Nations.

Yea they would've try their possible best to qualify for the world cup in other to meet world class national teams but I have to say this and it is not as though am mocking the super eagles, it is better that they didn't qualify for the world cup because they would been the first or second to go home, so is it what we wanted, some persons will argue that if they had qualified, they would have been better than some teams, bit to me that's not true, the super eagles of Nigeria are not riped for some competitions not because they are lacking players, but because they chose to be ashole, mate having peace of mind is preferable than watching the supper eagles of Nigeria playing in the world.

[RedFlix]

What is your prediction on Nigeria vs Mozambique on Monday 5th, January 2026. Time; 20:00 and that should be 8:00 in West Africa Time Zone? If Nigeria beat Mozambique then they can play with any of the following terms in the Quarter Final. Algeria or Dr. Congo. If Nigeria work on their defense well. Those teams are not Nigeria Match. I am not really afraid of this teams but Morocco, and South Africa.

Nigeria will win the match. This is evident. The only big enemy for Nigeria is Morocco. Mozambique will go home by Monday. 

[Wakate]

Yea they would've try their possible best to qualify for the world cup in other to meet world class national teams but I have to say this and it is not as though am mocking the super eagles, it is better that they didn't qualify for the world cup because they would been the first or second to go home, so is it what we wanted, some persons will argue that if they had qualified, they would have been better than some teams, bit to me that's not true, the super eagles of Nigeria are not riped for some competitions not because they are lacking players, but because they chose to be ashole, mate having peace of mind is preferable than watching the supper eagles of Nigeria playing in the world.

The supper eagles qualifying for the world cup competition could have helped the players to have more views on international level that could attract clubs that are looking for good players to sign. These boys have already fucked up at the first place and they should not try to convince us that they can do better this time around in a competition that will be very hard for them to win.

[Jaycoinz]

What is your prediction on Nigeria vs Mozambique on Monday 5th, January 2026. Time; 20:00 and that should be 8:00 in West Africa Time Zone? If Nigeria beat Mozambique then they can play with any of the following terms in the Quarter Final. Algeria or Dr. Congo. If Nigeria work on their defense well. Those teams are not Nigeria Match. I am not really afraid of this teams but Morocco, and South Africa.

Nigeria will win the match. This is evident. The only big enemy for Nigeria is Morocco. Mozambique will go home by Monday. 

Well this is clear on paper and evident to some extent but one thing I always respect on football is that they is absolutely no guarantee to a team winning a game as 100% even if the team is very inferior because there is the luck factor in every game and a team can decide to play all defensive knowing fully well that their opponent is very strong and in the end the game will turn out to be draw then penalties can decide the fate of who wins the game, so underestimating Mozambique will be the wrong thing to do by the Nigerian team.

[Egii Nna]

What is your prediction on Nigeria vs Mozambique on Monday 5th, January 2026. Time; 20:00 and that should be 8:00 in West Africa Time Zone? If Nigeria beat Mozambique then they can play with any of the following terms in the Quarter Final. Algeria or Dr. Congo. If Nigeria work on their defense well. Those teams are not Nigeria Match. I am not really afraid of this teams but Morocco, and South Africa.

Nigeria already has the quality win Mozambique if they mount the game with focus and strategy. The Super Eagles have the better players and are more experience, so as long as they avoid defensive mistakes and don’t underestimate their opponent, a win is very sure. Mozambique can be dangerous on counters, but if Nigeria stay organized at the back, they would control the game and find goals.

Furthermore, Nigeria meeting Algeria or DR Congo in the quarter finals should not be a challenge for Nigeria if they play to theircurre strengths. Both teams are tough, but Nigeria have the balance,  physical presence to handle them. The real concern comes later against teams like Morocco or South Africa, who are more disciplined and tactically sharp.

[Stepstowealth]

The real concern comes later against teams like Morocco or South Africa, who are more disciplined and tactically sharp.

From the way the fixtures are lined, I think Nigeria if we are able to win Mozambique will play the winner between Egypt and Benin. It will be Egypt if I should pick, so Nigeria should be prepared to face Egypt not South Africa or Even Morocco who will likely play each other if they are able to beat Cameroon and Tanzania respectively. I know predictions seem easy on paper, but in this round I am sure there will be shockers, teams that we do not expect to be knocked out will be knocked out, I will not be surprised if the Super Eagles are knocked out.

[Mate2237]

For now We should take each game as it comes and we should not worry about the teams that we are going to play, this is a big distraction and is not good when it comes to tournaments like this the most important match you are playing is the next game. Mozambique is our next opponent in the round of sixteen and every attention should be focused on this game.

No matter the opposition that comes out way the super eagles should be able to play them. If we check the team is getting better as each game passes, with the way that the super eagles performed in the group stages it has send a warning signal to other teams in the competition.

[Merit.s]

I get where you're going, they messed up big time but haven't you noticed that this very Super Eagles are different from the ones that played in the World Cup qualification? Same players but different energy, they can do better but the only thing is not to rely on the 100% because anything that may annoy we the supporters can happen. We are in a very hard phase now where if any country is beaten that is the end so now they can do better to avoid defeat no matter who they face, that I believe. Black magic or not, they will do what they have to do to get to the finals and I can't wait for them to face Ivory Coast to repeat last AFCON finals.

What is the need of having same players and a different energy all together? Does that not show a sign of unseriousness to you when they would have proved themselves internationally playing other foreign countries apart from Africans.
If other countries in Africa could qualify for the world cup, what will be the reason for the super eagles not to qualify?
Why is it now they want to prove themselves in the African Cup of Nations.

I call it medicine after death. I feel that being present in the world cup is the best thing Nigerians wanted because it's been a long time since Nigeria took part in the world cup. Especially, since these set of players became part of the Super Eagles. This is why I was so disappointed in them because they think they are too big to be in the world cup but they're the ones missing out the actions.

Do you think that they can win AFCON, I guess not because in no time, their unseriousness will take over them. Their problem is that they don't want to play with passion and commitment for Nigeria.

[Mr Reporter]

What is the need of having same players and a different energy all together? Does that not show a sign of unseriousness to you when they would have proved themselves internationally playing other foreign countries apart from Africans.
If other countries in Africa could qualify for the world cup, what will be the reason for the super eagles not to qualify?
Why is it now they want to prove themselves in the African Cup of Nations.

Yea they would've try their possible best to qualify for the world cup in other to meet world class national teams but I have to say this and it is not as though am mocking the super eagles, it is better that they didn't qualify for the world cup because they would been the first or second to go home, so is it what we wanted, some persons will argue that if they had qualified, they would have been better than some teams, bit to me that's not true, the super eagles of Nigeria are not riped for some competitions not because they are lacking players, but because they chose to be ashole, mate having peace of mind is preferable than watching the supper eagles of Nigeria playing in the world.

Well I feel that super eagles are really on their game their really trying their best to qualify for the second or even first round to the quarterfinals i guess it will written down in history that the Nigeria got to the second place or something else well from all you said feel this is a mock to the super eagles, well I feel your pains towards them but I feel this is the right time to encourage them not bring them down by our words…

[IjawMan]

Good you admitted that you didn’t watch the match. You got your information all wrong. Nigeria were the dominant side in the match even though Uganda needed the win more than we did. If you watched the match, you would know that Uganda had a very poor game so much so that they brought in 3 goalkeepers in the match, I don’t remember the last time I saw a team do that.

The substitute of three goalkeepers in that game was the first I have witnessed all my time watching football and not that the goalkeepers were injured but a strategy to reduce the goals from Nigeria.

Lol that’s flattering but it’s not the case. It wasn’t strategy, Uganda didn’t plan to sub 3 goalkeepers in the match. The first goalkeeper was injured and had to be subbed. The second goalie was given a red card for using his hands to defend the ball outside the box. It will be one of the highlights of this year’s AFCON.

What! On a honest basis I did not had the time to watch the match dew to my busy schedule for that day and it was me just making the excuses for them that the three goalkeepers substitute could have been a strategy deployed by the coach to cut down the goals.

The goal keeper using his hand on the ball outside his territory is a display of unprofessional act and all that happened with Uganda in that match a lack of quality within the team, the players and management cause they could not handle pressure when they were faced with one.

[Abu-Naim]

Well I feel that super eagles are really on their game their really trying their best to qualify for the second or even first round to the quarterfinals i guess it will written down in history that the Nigeria got to the second place or something else well from all you said feel this is a mock to the super eagles, well I feel your pains towards them but I feel this is the right time to encourage them not bring them down by our words…

The AFCON is not new to the Super Eagles, they win it in 2013 and lost in the late minute ti Algeria in the semifinals of the AFCON 2019, so it is not new to them, and this time, they have the best squad I must say even though we the country people didn’t believe in them because they fail to qualify to the World Cup even though we still have some hope of FIFA make their decisions.

This AFCON, the Super Eagles of Nigeria is the favorite to win the AFCON, I know that other teams like Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa are there including Senegal and so on, but the Super Eagles of Nigeria have the best squad with the list of players they have, and if properly managed, they can win the tournament this year.

[Sammye3]

The real concern comes later against teams like Morocco or South Africa, who are more disciplined and tactically sharp.

From the way the fixtures are lined, I think Nigeria if we are able to win Mozambique will play the winner between Egypt and Benin. It will be Egypt if I should pick, so Nigeria should be prepared to face Egypt not South Africa or Even Morocco who will likely play each other if they are able to beat Cameroon and Tanzania respectively. I know predictions seem easy on paper, but in this round I am sure there will be shockers, teams that we do not expect to be knocked out will be knocked out, I will not be surprised if the Super Eagles are knocked out.

With this prediction fixture, I think Nigeria would go past Egypt with a win. They have shown really good prowess in their past matches scoring multiple goals though always failing to keep a clean sheet. If they are to face Egypt after their match with Mozambique, I would be expecting either a win or draw. Egypt has not also had the best run in this AFCON with a recent goalless draw against Angola where they were the less performing side. With Victor Osimhen, and other prominent players in the Nigeria team we could be expecting an unexpected outcome that would shock the day.

[Fiatless]

What is your prediction on Nigeria vs Mozambique on Monday 5th, January 2026. Time; 20:00 and that should be 8:00 in West Africa Time Zone? If Nigeria beat Mozambique then they can play with any of the following terms in the Quarter Final. Algeria or Dr. Congo. If Nigeria work on their defense well. Those teams are not Nigeria Match. I am not really afraid of this teams but Morocco, and South Africa.

Historically the Super Eagles have never lost to Mozambique. Both countries have met five times, Nigeria has won four, and one ended in a draw. Predicting the match based on statistics means that Nigeria is the favourite to win the game. Mozambique has not been outstanding in this AFCON competition. They managed to qualify for the Round of Sixteen after getting three points in Group F. These points made them one of the Group stage's best losers.

If Nigeria continues the way they have been playing in the Group stage, Mozambique will not be a big problem. However, in sports, nothing is certain since outcomes sometimes are not predictable.

[Wakate]

Well I feel that super eagles are really on their game their really trying their best to qualify for the second or even first round to the quarterfinals i guess it will written down in history that the Nigeria got to the second place or something else well from all you said feel this is a mock to the super eagles, well I feel your pains towards them but I feel this is the right time to encourage them not bring them down by our words…

Super Eagle already knew they have fucked up qualifying for the world cup tournament and now they thought they could use qualifying for the African Cup of Nation to make us believe in them. You can never compare playing in the world cup to playing in the AFCON because the difference is very clear. Top players can get the opportunity of getting signed by bigger clubs if they have good performance.