₦airaland Forum

Game Day!

Hopeful of a positive result God willing.

The guys should make sure they leave it all on the pitch.

LET'S GO SUPER EAGLES!

Context to the stat. One of Mahrez's three goals were penalties.

TheSuperNerd:
Dont give Riyad Mahrez shooting room.

This AFCON reminds me of the 1998 WC where all the big names are bringing their A-Game.

Even Mbeumo who has yet to score for Cameroon has been very instrumental to their progression.

TheSuperNerd:
Whoever is drawing this up should keep Amad Diallo in mind. That lad has 3 MOTMs and CIV looks dangerous with him and Yan Diomande on the wings. Add speedy Bazoumana Toure off the bench too but we will see how they handle Salah's Egypt.

Egypt Coach Hossam Hassan and CIV Coach Emerse Fae both faced off as players at the 2006 AFCON Final. Egypt won 4-2 on penalties after 0-0.

In 2008, Fae faced Egypt again but no Hossam Hassan. Egypt thrashed CIV 4-1 in the semis.

Let us see what their 2025 Giants Clash brings...

Plus Cameroon (sort of)

zicky:
Just found out Nigeria 🇳🇬 is the only English speaking Nation left at the AFCON.

If Osimhen had vexed for Ejuke that day I would have joined to flog the mumu.

zicky:
I that game Ejuke tracked back more than ever Simon. His problem was losing possession on several occasions hiping pressure on our defense. He had a very poor game. The one on one that he should even have passed to Osimhen was the last straw.

Asking for your teammate to do better yes, arguing unnecessarily on the field of play no.

I remember one game some years ago Mikel and Onazi having a spat during a match but two of them didn't continue arguing but returned to focus on the game.

Meliforme:
Situations like that requires immediate addressing, and not in the dressing room after all the damage has been done.

You're right about some section of fans and media disliking Osimhen.

I keenly observed the reactions of some media people on X after Victor's faux pas.

The ones that have no issue with him like Colin Udoh and Ibitoye gave critical but measured feedback while the other ones like Elegbete, Anazodo etc were very scathing in their criticism calling him a disgrace and all sorts.

I think most people used the camouflage of Victor's poor behavior to bring out their own agenda against him.

More reason why Osimhen needs to do better managing his emotions and not give his haters ammunition to use against him.

Mujtahida:
I rarely attribute malice or hatred to people's motivations but on this, I agree totally with you that he's the most hated. Not just because of this incident but I have observed it especially on X on other occasions. He is hated with a passion. It's baffling but I think it's because he has circle of friends and those who are outside that circle are envious of those within the circle, so they direct their malice towards Osimhen with the aim of crushing his spirit. Human beings are wicked oo.

Nothing concerns them with his footballing contributions to Nigeria. Naaa. That doesn't matter. What matters to them is that they are outside his circle and they hate it.

It hurts.

Yeah, I can see how Lookman telling Osimhen he had scored 2 goals added petrol to the fire, but again these are things that should have been sorted in the dressing room and not the field of play.

Mujtahida:
It's not Lookman telling him to calm down that's wrong. Of course any player can tell another player to calm down. It's Lookman telling Osimhen that he has scored two goals that doesn't sit well with me.

I agree with you that Osimhen's reaction was too strong. We hope that lessons have been learnt.

Let them use Algeria to reconcile by killing each other with passing and goals.

Midfield domination is absolutely crucial to stopping the Algerians who know how to pressure defenses.

I sadly don't see how we won't concede (will be pleasantly surprised if we keep a clean sheet) but if our attack plays like how they have been doing for other matches we will definitely breach the Algerian defense. They haven't yet dealt with pace like that of Osimhen and Lookman.

Cocony:
Top Notch against weaker opposition. Quite exposed against DR Congo whose Coach entered the game with a defensive 5-3-2 mentality though partially good but was his albatross.
Nigeria will edge out Algeria by a goal margin whether it will enter the extra time is what I am not sure of but eventually Nigeria to the Semi finals. This is a game where Onyedika should start alongside Iwobi, Onyeka and Ndidi with either Lookman ADEMOLA or Victor Osimhen starting from the Bench.
Akor Adams should be sure to start.
My main fear= I pray NWABALI and SEMI AJAYI do not do anything outrageous in the game.

Choking the midfield with Iwobi playing ahead of 2 strikers is key to breaching the Algerian Defence. Mahrez is not to be feared but cancelling out Benselbaini(I hope I spelt his name correctly) and the sleeky Hicham Boudaoui all through will be a necessary antidote.

Happy Birthday bro!

More prosperous years ahead.

God bless.

Odunayaw:
+1

Glory to God

It's normal to be wary of a top opposition like Algeria.

Won't lie also didn't fancy facing them but I'm really confident based on how good our attack and midfield has been.

The coaches should really maximize the freshness of our boys to wear down an Algerian side that has played intense 120 minutes of football.

FiveFootNinja:
You guys are really killing the mood here with these overly fearful predictions.

So we face Algeria.

For ease and less stress levels I would have preferred DR Congo but for the neutrals what a match up to look forward to.

For us we have the tools to beat them we just have to minimize our weaknesses.

Agenda delayed is not denied

raumdeuter:
Huge shame we are not going to the world cup

Iwobi is in line to become the greatest footballer from his lineage

Surpassing his fraudulent uncle

Enjoy more of Iwobinho from yesterday.

Alex Iwobi vs Mozambique pic.twitter.com/zwzNgy27Fg

— OB (@ofbmar) January 6, 2026

Mujtahida:
Bro! From deep inside our midfield oo. Chineke!

Osimhen will be given preferential treatment that's why he will play the next game.

All we're saying is that he should tone down the BS.

Goke7:
Players like VO comes once in a generation and when he’s done or retired it will take donkey years to see another Nigerian striker like him. We’ve not produced a striker like him since Yekini. I just laugh at those condemning all about him. Has Uruguay produced another striker like the ear biting Suarez?.

When you have such players you focus more on what they deliver to you and manage their excesses that’s best practice all over. Vinicius is another character did he not produce all the goods for Real Madrid? Gattuso was a mad man per excellence did Italy not win the World Cup with him? We Africans especially Nigerians are always looking for unnecessary perfection from people which doesn’t exist anywhere and that’s why we keep underperforming.

Am beginning to like Eric Chelle more no matter what you say about his players he sticks with them no matter what as far as they deliver. If it’s a Nigerian coach players like Nwabali would have been removed to please self righteous Nigerians. He’s bringing that westerner mentality where you focus on what’s being delivered instead of looking for moral perfection and he said it in his interview with Segun Odegbami he’s looking for warriors on the pitch not gentlemen 😂 he himself na werey wey wan slap that Congolese in that wcq play offs!

Egbon if to say Osimhen never score goal we for dey hear say dem dey conspire to assassinate am.

Kog45:
Osimhen with 3 goals so far feels betrayed,hurt and sabotaged,hmm it's well o...eagles so far with 12 goals in 4 matches but we're not satisfied

Them go settle I'm confident but the optics yesterday no good at all.

Goke7:
God bless you sir, 😂 honestly we should be focusing on the next game and just continue from the form of yesterday. Let the coaches sort out the dressing or the locker room.

If Chelle can manage this even if we don’t win the trophy I advocate for him to continue but let’s be reminded if he asked for a raise in salary hope we won’t bottle it again like we did with jpes and begin to say we have Nigerian coaches that can do better. We are an arrogant people o

Betrayed!? Guy easy with the melodramatic description.

The team has been playing well and feeding Osimhen that's why he has three goals to his name.

Why couldn't Victor have waited till they get to the sanctity of the dressing room to express his frustrations?

Why the eye service forming passion to make it look like your teammates are stupid for not passing to you?

Quality tactics without adequate team spirit and unity won't get you anywhere. If I was his team mate yesterday even though I won't voice it out I would be saying who does this jerk think he is?

We have a crucial game on Saturday. Victor should channel that vex to the opposition we will face.

I admire Osimhen he should not allow his temper overshadow his many wonderful qualities.

See yesterday he scored twice deserving of standing ovation yet because of his poor attitude na boos he chop. I can bet yesterday for him mind he go dey say why are these ingrates booing me.

TheGoodJoe:
Osimhen feels betrayed and hurt by people he considers brothers. Chelle needs to get slides and let them understand Osimhen scoring in line with the tactics is a team goal.

The players must change their attitude. We are still a long way to go. Let us not ruin a good position.

Guy! Pesin wey assist all the AFCON goals wey you do score for your career na him you dey point finger?

Person wey you suppose buy live cow with exquisite wine for go deliver personally for him house na him you dey vex for?

raumdeuter:
Almost every goal Naija don score has passed through Lookman

Na who Osimehn wan dey vex for? You dey para for your helper

Sabotage when your team is leading 3-0 with 2 goals assisted by the same teammates sabotaging you?

TheGoodJoe:
I have to comment about this Osimhen attitude issue. I am one never to hold back pointing out when a player is wrong but in this case, I understand Osimhen.

When a player is in space and the team fails to pass to him repeatedly, it turns to sabotage.

The bond in the National team is like brotherhood, so it is clear why Osimhen feels bitter.

I fit lend am padlock sef! lol.

Honestly training together for long periods can't be overstated.

All this 2-3 days training for qualifying games sometimes dilutes the quality of matches SE play.

Goke7:
Every thing he’s saying here I agree 😂

My Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique Review:

- No1: I have to Apologize to Eric Chelle! Please lockdown the camp!
- I cannot wait to revenge on Algeria or DR Congo! Anyone I’m READY! Their papa!
- Lastly, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will be fine! Una dey Wait 😂. pic.twitter.com/B20AXuepp1

— Buchi Laba (@Buchi_Laba) January 6, 2026

Na person wey no play street football go Dey overreact to wetin happen yesterday

The more reason now Chelle should continue to lock journalists and all those content creators out of training sessions. I was of the opinion earlier that he should be diplomatic but now make e lock door throw away key sef 😂

He's not suspended. The yellow he picked up in the group stage has been cancelled.

Danielnino00:
Bassey is suspended for the Quarter finals...
IMO, this could have been avoided if he didn't play the Uganda game and pick up an unnecessary booking in the final minutes yesterday..

Now, it's either Ogbu or Awazeim to partner Ajayi...

I hope Chelle and the NFF technical crew are aware of this suspension

What a game of football yesterday!

Our best game not only of the tournament but in many years. All the players deserve big praise for a virtuoso performance.

My Ratings:

Nwabali (7) - On holiday throughout. Barely tested. Clean sheet will boost his confidence.

Osayi (7) - Solid game defensively. Tried contributing offensively. Still needs to work on his end product when crossing and attacking.

Bruno (7.5) - Defensively astute. Has cemented his position as the first choice LB at least for the foreseeable future until a better option arrives on the scene.

Ajayi (8.0) - Calm composed defending. Love his neat and timely interceptions. Professional performance.

Bassey (8.5) - Unmovable unshakeable rock. Picked up a needless yellow though.

Onyeka (7.5) - Struggled a bit in the first half but improved in the second half. Full of energy as usual. Unlucky to get a yellow following the theatrics of the Mozambican player.

Ndidi (8.0) - Good performance slightly below the output from his last game against Tunisia but good enough, nevertheless. Did well to maintain possession and keep the midfield ticking.

Iwobi (9.5) - My personal man of the match. Best performance ever for the SE without a doubt. If sexy penetrating passes were in the dictionary Iwobinho's name will be beside it. Pre-assists smoother than a new born's skin. Goodness gracious is this what it means to have someone wey sabi control and pass ball? E remain small I for shed tears of joy.

Akor (9) - Excellent performance capped off with a well-deserved goal. Precise and direct movement. Once he masters being more efficient in front of goal, he will be a menace to world football.

Osimhen (8.5) - Our attacking talisman took his goals well. Was having a great game until his temper tantrum. Pity his rotten attitude turned what should have been a standing ovation into a chorus of well-deserved boos.

Lookman (9.5) - Tournament Lookman is a cheat code. Cemented his place as a contender for the AFCON 2025 MVP.

Subs:

Onyedika (7) - Nothing fancy kept midfield ticking should have scored though.

Moses Simon (7.5) - Was a nuisance to the Mozambican defense. Linked up well with Ademola for Akor's goal. Could have scored towards the end.

Onuachu (N/A) - Came in late didn't affect the game much.

Fisayo (7) - Nothing spectacular but kept our midfield dominant.

Chukwueze (N/A) - Came in late didn't affect the game much.


Eric Chelle (10/10) - Tactical setup that suppressed and strangled the Mozambicans. Turned the game into a glorified training session.

All round dream display. Statement win. On to the next one.

Thank God!

Good morning everyone.

Will come to my player ratings in a bit but I would like to speak about Osimhen's rotten behavior yesterday.

I like Victor pieces and have been one of his biggest advocates on this thread even before he became a mainstay in the SE, so I speak as someone who has his best interests at heart.

His attitude yesterday was a disappointment to put it lightly. Quarreling with teammates and disrespecting the team and coach with his on-field reaction was painful. He honestly needs to fix up. No be only him get passion and wan win match.

Going off on your teammates for not giving you balls on time when you yourself miss chances and build a bungalow in the offside position is hypocrisy promax.

Victor is an important asset to the national team however he isn't indispensable. Nigeria was winning games before he came on the scene and will continue to win when he's no longer able to wear the GWG so he should stop with the main character syndrome.

That said I think Victor's reaction yesterday is beyond what happened on the pitch maybe something personal because it doesn't make sense that you scored twice your team won yet you're behaving like someone stole your property.

The group including the coach, NFF officials, and players will definitely sort things out, but I think senior men like Ekong and Mikel should have a heart to heart with Osimhen on how to manage his anger.

Plus Victor should apologize to his teammates pronto.

Decent line up but Akor should replace Onuachu. He has the best chemistry with Osimhen.

BankyGee:
My preferred XI

Subs ♻️ starting from the 65th minute:
- Awaziem for Osayi-Samuel
- Akor for Onuachu
- Onyedika for Onyeka
- Dele-Bashiru for Iwobi

Prediction:
🇳🇬 Nigeria [5]–[2] Mozambique 🇲🇿

Game day!

Expect the Mozambicans to play a tough and hard match but I think we will be too strong for them.

Optimistic of a great result by God's grace.

LET'S GO SUPER EAGLES!

Great to have you on our forum.

The unsportsmanlike behavior of some North African teams and fans makes it very hard to root for them a lot of times.

I've personally witnessed this kind of awful treatment shown to Nigerian national teams and club sides.

That said we acknowledge and respect your teams like Algeria, Egypt, and Morocco. It's just the gamesmanship that ruins your reputation.

Bouadi97:
I didn’t know how to reply to each of you individually,
so I hope this can be taken as a general response.
I — or rather, all of us — admit that corruption exists within our African continent, and that everyone uses their influence. A clear example of this today is Motsepe and Lekjaa.
I also do not deny the negative behavior of some of our fans (in North Africa), but that does not justify all this hatred.
I love Nigeria, and I have been with you on this forum since 2018. However, recently I have noticed many people expressing hatred toward North Africa, which is why I decided to respond.
My dream is to see Nigeria crowned champions of Africa, to make up for our disappointment of not qualifying for the World Cup.

Benji is not 6 "2.

Looks 5 "11 or 6 foot at best.

Doesn't mean Fredericks can't reach the biggest heights of his career.

Joebie:
6 "2 no too short na

Bassey is 6 "1

Na Morocco will wipe Tanzania like a pick pocket caught in Balogun market.

They simply don't have the quality personnel and character to withstand the Moroccans.

Zambia and Comoros that are slightly better body tell it will now be Tanzania that will survive?

Blueelf:
Unpopular opinion

Morocco may loose to Tanzania in dramatic fashion

I think I read somewhere Noriega was CIA trained.

Anybody who has read the Confessions of an Economic Hitman won't be surprised by events in Venezuela.

The US has had their eyes on latin oilfields for ages.

afrodoc2:
If you read about Noriega, he was a rough and rugged military officer who swam through the shark-infested waters of Panama's military to rise to the top before taking over. Maduro is a bloody civilian and ex-bus driver who was handpicked for the job.

The Venezuelan equivalent of Noriega was Chavez.

Good news. I think he could play a crucial part.

EEGA:
Blackburn medical officers say' Ryan's injury is not serious, and he could as well finish the rest of the tournament'.

Nwabali still understandably feeling the loss of his parents.

These players are at the end of the day still human and deserve grace and empathy.

Remember posting a comment that Stanley was a ticking time bomb which on reflection was harsh.

Yes it's fair to criticize players but insults or abuse shouldn't follow.

Stanley Nwabali; "I almost quit football when my parents died."

This is sad. Footballers are humans as well. 🥲🥲🥲

Nwabali critics should watch this emotional video.
pic.twitter.com/C2EB4TCKZs

— OgaNlaMedia 🇳🇬 (@OgaNlaMedia) December 31, 2025