₦airaland Forum

Papi85:
bro the Moroccans didn’t allow our players hv a sniff of their goal post especially Lookman who they know has the ability to shot with both legs

What about Diaz? Na both teams abeg. Ref no allow players play ball.

minfelix:
one of these guys will score after that Morocco miss to give us a 2-1 advantage

Simple!
That's all we needed
If that kick had gone in, our spirits would have been lifted
Every other kicker would know he just needs to score and we win

A lot was hinged on that kick, because Morocco had just lost
That kick suddenly became our most important kick
Lookman or Simon should have taken it
Someone who understands the stakes, not someone with a lackadaisical attitude

Morocco, Senegal and CIV got the best of their dual nationals and see how those players have elevated them to the next level...we are still here struggling to even get a nearly 30 year old Tosin to play for us lmao 🤣😂😂😂

Anyway for the 3rd place game, let's just see all our fringe players against Egypt, let's see more of Nnadi, Usman and Akin in that midfield and Fago, Ejuke and Akor in attack...Ogbu and Awaziem in defence etc, could care less about golden bronze anyways.

minfelix:
i will keep saying, some of the OG’s here on nairaland are losing their post-match analytic credibility….Cameroon suffered a 2-0 loss for not learning that “you dont play morocco pressure for pressure….you calm d game down and slowly build up pass from the back…to me oo, we played them the best football, i knew we were gonna lose in the pk shootout….our boys are not penalty material….but the way we played morocco yesterday,a top team! is just the best way to play them….this is exactly how they played Portugal and spain at the last world cup…and that was Exactly how Italy lifted the 2006 world cup…France tried to build with calm and collected passed but italy was always sitting back to wait for moments of ghen ghen pressure…such games lead to pk or a 1-0 win

sit back, allow your team to build the pass from their defense, then come out and “ghen-ghen press them” then quickly go back again and defend waiting for same cycle to keep reoccurring…these kinda game only lead to penalty shoot out or a 1-0 winner

no b wetin dem use jah spain b that for world cup? no b pk?

Thank you my bro....120 minutes game and Morocco failed to find our net but to some we should have done this that as if we watched different game

Papi85:
I’m really proud of Chelle and his boys

Same here.

Despite the biased officiating, mammoth home support, pitch familiarity, and absence of Ndidi, Morocco could only defeat us via penalties. That says a lot.

The 2027 AFCON in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will be a more level playing ground and hopefully we can win it.

Eric Chelle has done well. He deserves a long term contract.

Papi85:
If this afcon was hosted outside of Morocco I bet you that they highest they can get is the second round or quarter finals

Exactly 💯

SymphonyRad:
Morocco, Senegal and CIV got the best of their dual nationals and see how those players have elevated them to the next level...we are still here struggling to even get a nearly 30 year old Tosin to play for us lmao 🤣😂😂😂

and who told you we are still chasing Tosin?

Oga rest

elyte89:
Una don start 🙄

Na sakasim. I no say na wetin im wan talk be dat and I have been vindicated.

lbrichman2:
Rest Osimhen and Akor..
Let's see Fago and Onuachu

Rest Iwobi, Ndidi and Onyeka
Let's see Akinsanmiro, Nnadi and Usman

Rest Bruno and Osayi
Let's see Zaidu, igoh, Awaziem and Ajayi

Let's see uzoho

Simon can captain them

I support this.

Honestly, I really pity Senegal right now. First Ref Atcho of Gabon removed 2 of their main men for the final (Egypt too got carded & got a suspension just in case). People felt he was being fair but he favored neither team. He had a job and he did it. Morocco will get their wish. They will head to WC 2026 as African Champs.

Faouzi Lekjaa will again have his way.

The way we determine Champions in Africa is so corrupt in several editions yet people still ask why Nigeria has only 3 Afcon titles and multiple podium finishes.

AAA593:
You can't play good football against Morroco. The ref will frustrate you. CAF will arrange another Joy killer referee for the final.

Papi85:
bro the Moroccans didn’t allow our players hv a sniff of their goal post especially Lookman who they know has the ability to shot with both legs

There were moments our attackers had the ball in the box but they were still looking for each other for that kind of combo against Algeria whereas the Moroccans were faster. Sometimes you got to be dynamic. This is why we had like just one or two shots at goal haba

minfelix:
Games like yesterday is where we needed the individual brilliance of Lookman…just cut in and wipe shot..forget teamwork abeg

Even Osimhen
E get one ball he trap finish
Wipe shot!
Guy go pass ball
Omo
I shout

Morocco that had 15 shots, no be outside shot Dem dey play?
Plus all those dubious free kicks

In all this was a successful Afcon for us in the light of a woeful wcq series. I never gave this team so much chance like that and they delivered excellently.

But lessons must be learnt especially by our players as for nff I have no hope but let the players know that moments redefine their careers. I see players like Bassey making a big move soon and that’s what great performances brings. Nwabali deserves a better club he’s that good.

lbrichman2:
Even Osimhen
E get one ball he trap finish
Wipe shot!
Guy go pass ball
Omo
I shout

Morocco that had 15 shots, no be outside shot Dem dey play?
Plus all those dubious free kicks

Experience matters a lot! I hope dude will see this as a major lesson next time!

Na where oliseh go Dey yab osihmen be this 😂

TheSuperNerd:
Honestly, I really pity Senegal right now. First Ref Atcho of Gabon removed 2 of their main men for the final (Egypt too got carded & got a suspension just in case). People felt he was being fair but he favored neither team. He had a job and he did it. Morocco will get their wish. They will head to WC 2026 as African Champs.

Faouzi Lekjaa will again have his way.

The way we determine Champions in Africa is so corrupt in several editions yet people still ask why Nigeria has only 3 Afcon titles and multiple podium finishes.

I think it's deliberate self deception..
The big teams if they host will feel they have to win as some form of compensation for hosting ..

How our own people have not caught on even with tangible evidence everywhere is truly shocking..

Like I opined earlier..
CAF and Morocco left no stone unturned
I make bold to say Osimhen would have received a yellow card too if he was his usual aggressive self and we were on the front foot..

See how the ref rushed to show Bassey a yellow card!
That tells you everything

Abeg make we leave story!
Until our FA step up and start playing these boardroom and administrative games, we will keep getting close and missing out, especially if we meet a tier 1 host nation

Kog45:
Oga you're too theoretical when it comes to analysis,you don't normally face reality and you're always trying to tell us what to do in a situation when we cannot not do anything.... yesterday game was too obvious that we just need to soak Morocco pressures which we did for 120 minutes,common man Morocco defeated Portugal and Spain to reached World Cup semi final,do you think it was lucky,forget stories,they're the best in Africa,they play good football

Thank you!!!! Very good team.

To our dear Nigerian football family 💚🤍💚
We feel the pain, the silence, and the heavy hearts that came with yesterday’s loss to Morocco. It hurts because we believed, because we hoped, and because this team has given us reasons to dream again. Losing is never easy, especially when the love for the Super Eagles runs so deep in our veins.
But let us remember this: one match does not erase the pride, passion, and progress we have seen. Our boys fought with courage, carried the flag with honor, and reminded Africa and the world that Nigeria remains a force in football. Sometimes the journey teaches lessons that victories cannot, and from these moments, stronger teams are built.
To every fan who stayed up late, prayed, shouted, and believed — your love is not wasted. This setback is not the end of our story. Brighter days will come, and when they do, the joy will be even sweeter because of moments like this.
Heads up, hearts strong.
We rise, we rebuild, and we move forward together.
Nigeria will shine again 🇳🇬🇳🇬

Odunayaw:
E de troll Joe

Have u seen his response?

Greetings my great Comrade's,
Trust we all had a splendid night rest, 😎😎

I want to use these medium to express my heartfelt Appreciation to you all for making yesterday, which was my birthday, more than special

For a moment I felt like crying yesterday, the oit pouring of love was nothing I had never have before, ahhh I was truly touched

From the Dept of my Soul I say thanks to you all, who took out time to share with me my special moment,
Your acts and message of love, make more colorful

Truth is words alone can't express how thanksful I am,, you all made it more than special,


GOD bless and replenish you all richly Amen 🙏
Thanks once again I 💕💕💕

And Doc @TheSuperNerd yes you were right, it's from my birthday the 14th came


@everyone

SIGNED
DO4LUV14

This is actually true.

Do you know even in 1976, when Morocco won in Ethiopia, it was not via knockout? It was a league phase thing. Easily manipulated.

It is shameful that Morocco with all the stars they have still have to resort to dirty tactics from their men in the higher ups (e.g. Lekjaa) at CAF to win.

Is there any law that says a team that reached the WC semis have to be Afcon Champs?? They had the squad back in Afcon 2023 but they could not do it. South Africa knocked them out without stress. Then they force their way through in this one.

When Morocco tried to play fair a bit vs Tanzania and Mali, we saw how they struggled. This is how they knew they should not play fair going forward against the more powerful football teams in Africa.

It is just bad, really bad.

Papi85:
If this afcon was hosted outside of Morocco I bet you that they highest they can get is the second round or quarter finals

TheSuperNerd:
Onyedika fall my hand in that Physical aggression aspect. Yes, he helped out a few times defensively and progressively BUT on the whole he was timid in duels. Like a soft ginger breadman. Haba! I know he is technically brilliant and can pull off great passing but he was being tossed in nearly every duel and in nearly every moment he was pressed.


If I have 2 or 3 more midfield lads built and aggressive like Bassey and they have the technical and tactical traits to excel, then forget it, it is over for Africa and the world too. Add those 2-3 to Ndidi and Onyeka and we are really cooking. Add the experienced Iwobi creative spice and it is the top off.

Akor tried ooo. Akor did use his physicality in certain passages of plays. I remember him powering past 2-3 markers on the right, holding them off with a fine mix of raw power and technical nous and won a throw in the offensive half.
If Onyedika was like Akor in the physical aggression aspect... he would have coped better against the Moroccan press as he had the technical part on lock already.


My midfield scouting just got narrowed. Easy to find midfielders but are they technical, progressive and aggressive? Na the main focus be this, all 3 must be present not 2/3 but if it is 2/3 then one of the 2 must be physical aggression. Would be a huge advantage too if the MFs have fine height. I am now more obsessed with the Yaya Profile.

Calvin chukwuemeka is another option. Needs to leave dortmund for regular play time. Another is that former chelsea boy at Torino

semid4lyfe:
Same here.

Despite the biased officiating, mammoth home support, pitch familiarity, and absence of Ndidi, Morocco could only defeat us via penalties. That says a lot.

The 2027 AFCON in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will be a more level playing ground and hopefully we can win it.

Eric Chelle has done well. He deserves a long term contract.

The surest way to win afcon is if the afcon knockout stage(quarterfinals/Semifinal) is crowded by less fancied opponets causing upsets on big boys in the previous stage …
maybe like SA removing Morocco to enter the quarterfinals and Benin removing senegal to reach Semifinals and Mali beating Egypt to meet Nigeria at the final….super eagles over the years till date is not looking like a team that can win a final against powerhouse..
Vs Senegal
Vs Morocco
Vs CIV
Vs Ghana
Vs Cameroon
Vs Algeria

make luck just help us align 2027 Afcon knockout stage in this way:👇🏽
Nigeria Vs a lesser opponent (R16) maybe B/faso
Nigeria Vs a Stronger rival (quarterfinals) maybe Egypt
Nigeria Vs a lesser underdog who just made an upset(Semifinal) maybe Capeverde
Nigeria Vs a lesser opponent (Final) South Africa or Zambia

Goke7:
There were moments our attackers had the ball in the box but they were still looking for each other for that kind of combo against Algeria whereas the Moroccans were faster. Sometimes you got to be dynamic. This is why we had like just one or two shots at goal haba

You've said it all
E pain me we didn't really test Bono

Goke7:
In all this was a successful Afcon for us in the light of a woeful wcq series. I never gave this team so much chance like that and they delivered excellently.

But lessons must be learnt especially by our players as for nff I have no hope but let the players know that moments redefine their careers. I see players like Bassey making a big move soon and that’s what great performances brings. Nwabali deserves a better club he’s that good.

I think Nwabali will get a big move this summer

lbrichman2:
Even Osimhen
E get one ball he trap finish
Wipe shot!
Guy go pass ball
Omo
I shout

Morocco that had 15 shots, no be outside shot Dem dey play?
Plus all those dubious free kicks

aahh yes oo this very one made me shout…im like baba play am anyhow….no pass abeg…everywhere dom choke…just knack leg ontop the ball make e even go off target

Chukwueze hmmm, make I no talk 🚶🚶🚶🚶🚶

Afcon history have never been kind to us whenever we come up against a tier 1 host nation.

Algeria in 1990 - Final

Tunisia in 2004 - Semis

Ghana in 2008 - Quarter final

CIV in 2024 (Afcon 2023) - Final

All laced with controversies especially with 1990 and 2004 being far worse.

2025 edition vs Morocco we witnessed one that tops the rest.

lbrichman2:
I think it's deliberate self deception..
The big teams if they host will feel they have to win as some form of compensation for hosting ..

How our own people have not caught on even with tangible evidence everywhere is truly shocking..

Like I opined earlier..
CAF and Morocco left no stone unturned
I make bold to say Osimhen would have received a yellow card too if he was his usual aggressive self and we were on the front foot..

See how the ref rushed to show Bassey a yellow card!
That tells you everything

Abeg make we leave story!
Until our FA step up and start playing these boardroom and administrative games, we will keep getting close and missing out, especially if we meet a tier 1 host nation

minfelix:
aahh yes oo this very one made me shout…im like baba play am anyhow….no pass abeg…everywhere dom choke…just knack leg ontop the ball make e even go off target

Asin!!!

Omoh


Hours later and the only name ringing in my head is

C H U K W U E Z E

TheSuperNerd:
Afcon history have never been kind to us whenever we come up against a tier 1 host nation.

Algeria in 1990 - Final

Tunisia in 2004 - Semis

Ghana in 2008 - Quarter final

CIV in 2024 (Afcon 2023) - Final

All laced with controversies especially with 1990 and 2004 being far worse.

2025 edition vs Morocco we witnessed one that tops the rest.

We just have to step up and play the game
These nations are clearly playing a game with CAF
Na we dey do gentlemen and fair play
Others do not send
They just want to win by all means!

Can't we be that ruthless for once??

See me wey don dey hope say our rankings fit push sub 20..
Chai
Omo!

Carney Chukwuemeka
Faustino Anjorin
Lesley Ugochukwu

They are all 3/3 midfielders (Technical, tactically progressive and also importantly, Physically built & aggressive).

My only issue is if we can recruit them or if they will honor our interest.

segestical10:
Calvin chukwuemeka is another option. Needs to leave dortmund for regular play time. Another is that former chelsea boy at Torino