₦airaland Forum

Mujtahida:
I disagree that they tactically defeated us. It was sheer physicality.

Yorubas will say "biting na part of fighting" all join, physicality na the the tactics dem use outsmart us.

Samueltemi337:
How Ghana one take win Colombia?
That's an easy win for Colombia
You are only a dreamer if you think Cape Verde will win Argentina

On a normal day I don't support Argentina but I don't just want them to beat Cape Verde. I want them to smash them. Smash them to pieces.

As much as underdogs makes for romantic dreams, football suppose to get level.

Thank God Argentina does not play that poisoned drag football called tiki taka

AndSunGorilla:
Oh Lord, may you help my African brothers advance to the next round (Viva Africa!!!)

No be only Viva Africa, na Viviana. They must collect woto woto

EElopa:
The Dr. Congo coach is an elite-level coach, and I will be shocked if he stays with that team after this World Cup. Some of these Middle Eastern countries will throw the kind of money at him that Dr. Congo cannot just match. They still have some top attacking talents coming to them after the World Cup, like Senny Mayulu of PSG.

I don't know if he will choose to stay and chase the AFCON title and perhaps a real run in the 2030 World Cup with some big attacking talents that are on their way. The Democratic Republic of Congo will be a problem in Africa for the next foreseeable future.

AFCON, to me, has now established itself as the second most competitive continental tournament, only behind the Euros. He is milking out every ounce of ability in that Dr. Congo team. I love Eric Chelle, but he tactically outmaneuvered him in that playoff finals. England struggled with Ghana's and Panama's low block and physicality, and they can give England problems.

They are now playing with house money. They have nothing to loose anymore. They have outperformed expectations, and all the pressure in the world will be on England on that day. The world will expect England just like they expected Portugal to tame them, but it is now up to Dr. Congo to shock the world like they did against Portugal.

Strong disagree @bold. Eric Chelle actually solved DR Congo and quite easily too. What failed us against DRC was fitness + Osimhen injury. Watch the first 15-20 mins of that game against DRC. We wan kee them. We scored in the first 3 minutes. 3 minutes!! Remember, prior to our game that day, DRC had not conceded any goal that early. One of the most common talking point in previews that time was how difficult it was to score against DRC. In fact, DRC usually scored first against their opponents in the qualifiers. Even the game that Senegal beat them 3-2, it was DRC that was winning 2-0 before the game turned on its head. So we were basically the first team to put DRC one goal behind at that point in time.

And like someone else here said, that Ndidi + Chukwueze miscommunication was going to be our second goal, clean. If that second goal had entered, we would have ran away with that game just like we did with Benin and Gabon.

When we lost footing was towards the end of the second half. The 120 mins we played against Gabon prior started working against us and we started making elementary school mistakes that we don't usually make. Mistimed passes, poor positioning etc. Then Osimhen's injury happened and we completely lost the plot. Confidence plummeted to zero and DRC smelt blood, so they pounced. The only players who bothered to put up a fight that day were Benjamin, Bassey and Nwabali. Every one else was checked out mentally and physically.

Let me not even get started on Arokodare and how he flopped that header that would have effectively changed the game if he had buried it.

Or the penalties that Nwabali basically won for us with two abi even three saves (can't remember how many) but we failed to capitalize.

Woh- we threw the game away at every turn. We had so many chances to finish that game off but we couldn't. Because physically and mentally, the boys weren't there.

Till this day, I don't say DRC won. I say we lost. We had that game in our hands and threw it away.

D'Law had we scored that crucial second the Congolese would have been shaken to their core and we would have played with more confidence.

We slightly dominated the first half but the loss of Osimhen completely demoralized the team before the 2nd half. Unfortunately many of our forwards were also off colour.

Mujtahida:
I disagree that they tactically defeated us. It was sheer physicality.

You've said it all.

To add a little point our failure to train a full day because of the bonus row added to our lack of fitness going against the Congolese.

What I do agree with is that the Dr Congo coach has absolutely figured out their strength and has/is squeezing every drop of tactical advantage from it.

FiveFootNinja:
Strong disagree @bold. Eric Chelle basically solved DR Congo and quite easily too. What failed us against DRC was fitness + Osimhen injury. Watch the first 15-20 mins of that game against DRC. We wan kee them. We scored in the first 3 minutes. 3 minutes!! Remember, prior to our game that day, DRC had not conceded any goal that early. In fact, DRC usually scored first against their opponents in the qualifiers. Even the game that Senegal beat them 3-2, it was DRC that was winning 2-0 before the game turned on its head. So we were basically the first team to put DRC one goal behind at that point in time.

And like someone else here said, that Ndidi + Chukwueze miscommunication was going to be our second goal, clean. If that second goal had entered, we would have ran away with that game just like we did with Benin and Gabon.

When we lost footing was towards the end of the second half. The 120 mins we played against Gabon prior started working against us and we started making elementary school mistakes that we don't usually make. Mistimed passes, poor positioning etc. Then Osimhen's injury happened and we completely lost the plot. Confidence plummeted to zero and DRC smelt blood, so they pounced. The only players who bothered to put up a fight that day were Benjamin, Bassey and Nwabali. Every one else was checked out mentally and physically.

Let me not even get started on Arokodare and how he flopped that header that would have effectively changed the game if he had buried it.

Or the penalties that Nwabali basically won for us with two abi even three saves (can't remember how many) but we failed to capitalize.

Woh- we threw the game away at every turn. We had so many chances to finish that game off but we couldn't. Because physically and mentally, the boys weren't there.

Till this day, I don't say DRC won. I say we lost. We had that game in our hands and threw it away.

chrisooblog:
D'Law had we scored that crucial second the Congolese would have been shaken to their core and we would have played with more confidence.

We slightly dominated the first half but the loss of Osimhen completely demoralized the team before the 2nd half. Unfortunately many of our forwards were also off colour.

You forgot that Nwabali saved our asses in the second half, they had multiple chances to score

This geezer again. 🤧

It's official. South Africa are winning tonight.

Yeah I did concede that we were hanging on for dear life in the second half.

I'm just saying had we gotten that second goal added to Osimhen not getting injured maybe we would now be arguing and debating about our team's performances at the WC.

Subzero047:
You forgot that Nwabali saved our asses in the second half, they had multiple chances to score

Utrecht sign youngster Emmanuel Chigozie Owen from Bayern Leverkusen until 2030

I think it's time we embrace this truth, that DRC has a strong squad.
Well, they equally held Portugal to a 1all draw. I'm sure the Portuguese would be asking how did they play out a draw with DRC. DRC lost by a lone goal to Columbia, that was my first time I watched DRC clearly get dominated.

olavoice:
How did this DRC team deny us from qualifying for the World Cup.

Im betting on SA,
Senegal ( hopefully they have found the resurgence)
CIV
Egypt to qualify to the next round.

Algeria, DRC ,Cabo Verde, Morocco and Ghana will wave good-bye

TheSuperNerd:
Confirmed Round of 32 Fixtures (Updated)...

Germany v Paraguay

France v Sweden

SA v Canada

Netherlands v Morocco

USA v Bosnia-Herzegovina

Brazil v Japan

CIV v Norway

Mexico v Ecuador

Argentina v Cape Verde

Australia v Egypt

FiveFootNinja:
This geezer again. 🤧

It's official. South Africa are winning tonight.

The Drake's curse has been broken ever since he bet on PSG to win Inter in the UCL final 2 seasons ago

FiveFootNinja:
Strong disagree @bold. Eric Chelle actually solved DR Congo and quite easily too. What failed us against DRC was fitness + Osimhen injury. Watch the first 15-20 mins of that game against DRC. We wan kee them. We scored in the first 3 minutes. 3 minutes!! Remember, prior to our game that day, DRC had not conceded any goal that early. One of the most common talking point in previews that time was how difficult it was to score against DRC. In fact, DRC usually scored first against their opponents in the qualifiers. Even the game that Senegal beat them 3-2, it was DRC that was winning 2-0 before the game turned on its head. So we were basically the first team to put DRC one goal behind at that point in time.

And like someone else here said, that Ndidi + Chukwueze miscommunication was going to be our second goal, clean. If that second goal had entered, we would have ran away with that game just like we did with Benin and Gabon.

When we lost footing was towards the end of the second half. The 120 mins we played against Gabon prior started working against us and we started making elementary school mistakes that we don't usually make. Mistimed passes, poor positioning etc. Then Osimhen's injury happened and we completely lost the plot. Confidence plummeted to zero and DRC smelt blood, so they pounced. The only players who bothered to put up a fight that day were Benjamin, Bassey and Nwabali. Every one else was checked out mentally and physically.

Let me not even get started on Arokodare and how he flopped that header that would have effectively changed the game if he had buried it.

Or the penalties that Nwabali basically won for us with two abi even three saves (can't remember how many) but we failed to capitalize.

Woh- we threw the game away at every turn. We had so many chances to finish that game off but we couldn't. Because physically and mentally, the boys weren't there.

Till this day, I don't say DRC won. I say we lost. We had that game in our hands and threw it away.

Let me quote Olamide Badoo, "Story for the gods".

R32
CAF 9/10 -90%
AFC 2/9 - 22%
UEFA 12/16 - 75%
CONMEBOL 4/6 - 67%
CONCACAF 4/6 - 67%
OCEANIA 0/1 0%

Africa leads even though none top the group. Hopefully, most scaled through to last 16 and beyond so we can ask for more slot if we transition to 64 team tournament.

We have the largest number of members and should also have the largest contingent of we are consistent.

Stop focussing on how many AFCON wins and get serious about the world stage.
And this applies to ever sphere of life. arguing about who is the best African country when the imperialists see you all as the same and they keep f'ing you over and over again.

FiveFootNinja:
What is wrong with AFCON trophy?

I never still understand this your argument wey you don dey yarn for how many weeks now. I guess according to your logic, there's no need playing AFCON, so we don't even need to qualify. Afterall WC is more important.

I hope half of them can get to the round of 8

mank1234:
R32
CAF 9/10 -90%
AFC 2/9 - 22%
UEFA 12/16 - 75%
CONMEBOL 4/6 - 67%
CONCACAF 4/6 - 67%
OCEANIA 0/1 0%

Africa leads even though none top the group. Hopefully, most scaled through to last 16 and beyond so we can ask for more slot if we transition to 64 team tournament.

We have the largest number of members and should also have the largest contingent of we are consistent.

M7even:
I think it's time we embrace this truth, that DRC has a strong squad.
Well, they equally held Portugal to a 1all draw. I'm sure the Portuguese would be asking how did they play out a draw with DRC. DRC lost by a lone goal to Columbia, that was my first time I watched DRC clearly get dominated.

Watching Portugal against Colombia, I would say an average but determined team will beat them.
Their defence is good but still easily penetrable and their attack is not elite anymore. Except if Leo is playing and that one with hot temple can lead to him getting red carded. I always feel a Trincao on the left for Portugal will do better than Neto

AndSunGorilla:
Let me quote Olamide Badoo, "Story for the gods".

Nigerians and reductive thinking. 5 & 6.

Joebie:
Stop focussing on how many AFCON wins and get serious about the world stage.
And this applies to ever sphere of life. arguing about who is the best African country when the imperialists see you all as the same and they keep f'ing you over and over again.

Okay. You've made your point.

Therefore the AFCON qualifiers is useless.

There's no need for us to prosecute them. We can forfeit all our matches and lose our spot to either Guinea-Bissau or Madagascar.

We don't need the AFCON. No more AFCON competitions. You're right. Wow. Such an intelligent suggestion. Why didn't I think of this before?

You're very intelligent.

If 5 African teams can get to the round of 16 that means the 2026 representatives from Africa are amazing
5/9 at least would be fantastic

FiveFootNinja:
Strong disagree @bold. Eric Chelle actually solved DR Congo and quite easily too. What failed us against DRC was fitness + Osimhen injury. Watch the first 15-20 mins of that game against DRC. We wan kee them. We scored in the first 3 minutes. 3 minutes!! Remember, prior to our game that day, DRC had not conceded any goal that early. One of the most common talking point in previews that time was how difficult it was to score against DRC. In fact, DRC usually scored first against their opponents in the qualifiers. Even the game that Senegal beat them 3-2, it was DRC that was winning 2-0 before the game turned on its head. So we were basically the first team to put DRC one goal behind at that point in time.

And like someone else here said, that Ndidi + Chukwueze miscommunication was going to be our second goal, clean. If that second goal had entered, we would have ran away with that game just like we did with Benin and Gabon.

When we lost footing was towards the end of the second half. The 120 mins we played against Gabon prior started working against us and we started making elementary school mistakes that we don't usually make. Mistimed passes, poor positioning etc. Then Osimhen's injury happened and we completely lost the plot. Confidence plummeted to zero and DRC smelt blood, so they pounced. The only players who bothered to put up a fight that day were Benjamin, Bassey and Nwabali. Every one else was checked out mentally and physically.

Let me not even get started on Arokodare and how he flopped that header that would have effectively changed the game if he had buried it.

Or the penalties that Nwabali basically won for us with two abi even three saves (can't remember how many) but we failed to capitalize.

Woh- we threw the game away at every turn. We had so many chances to finish that game off but we couldn't. Because physically and mentally, the boys weren't there.

Till this day, I don't say DRC won. I say we lost. We had that game in our hands and threw it away.

You sabi ball
This is top level analysis

mank1234:
R32
CAF 9/10 -90%
AFC 2/9 - 22%
UEFA 12/16 - 75%
CONMEBOL 4/6 - 67%
CONCACAF 4/6 - 67%
OCEANIA 0/1 0%

Africa leads even though none top the group. Hopefully, most scaled through to last 16 and beyond so we can ask for more slot if we transition to 64 team tournament.

We have the largest number of members and should also have the largest contingent of we are consistent.

Fifa have been robbing us our rights for long.
Africa deserves equal representatives

And FIFA should have made it mandatory for every player to feature for the country of his origin.
This French false dominance shouldn't to be allowed to continue.
Let every country compete evenly.

Though there might be consequences, the European clubs may reduce or stop developing young foreign players.

No Canadian name unfortunately but Nigerian boys in that team means the hatewatch is back on. Amen.

Hate watch SA at your emotional risk.

Dem fit win oh.

Napoleon55:
Fifa have been robbing us our rights for long.
Africa deserves equal representatives

And FIFA should have made it mandatory for every player to feature for the country of his origin.
This French false dominance shouldn't to be allowed to continue.
Let every country compete evenly.

Though there might be consequences, the European clubs may reduce or stop developing young foreign players.

Haba those French players are born and bred in France na make France no reap the fruit of their labour?

It’s actually African nations that are profiting more from these foreign born players. I think this is fair enough when you consider that depending on personal choice everyone gets an opportunity to showcase themselves

Mujtahida:
No be only Viva Africa, na Viviana. They must collect woto woto

😂 😂
Ogun kill viva Africa 🌍 😂

JohnBullMySon:
Hate watch SA at your emotional risk.

Dem fit win oh.

Delay is not Delilah then

Swanzi:
Oya bring ur account 🤣🤣

You don disappear

JohnBullMySon:
Hate watch SA at your emotional risk.

Dem fit win oh.

Personally I'm watching the game void of emotion, and just focusing on the football. Hot take but South Africa football can be fun to watch sometimes. The issue is always just their limp and toothless attack. I expect them to win this game.

Canada is obviously the better team on paper but they already look shaky and nervous. Playing in the US may not work in their favour. I imagine it's like Nigerians playing in Ghana or vice versa. Lol.

JohnBullMySon:
Hate watch SA at your emotional risk.

Dem fit win oh.

Unless through penalty shootout

Both teams are not good enough for the knockout stages

Odunayaw:
No Canadian name unfortunately but Nigerian boys in that team means the hatewatch is back on. Amen.

I will join you on this one. Yu have a convert.