₦airaland Forum

Congratulations Nigeria 🇳🇬

This doesn't make sense. Can someone explain?

mank1234:
This doesn't make sense. Can someone explain?

To be honest, Zambia were just unlucky. All three teams finished on the same number of points, so CAF didn’t look at the overall goal difference first. Instead, they checked only the matches between Nigeria, Malawi, and Zambia. Nigeria beat Zambia 1–0, Malawi beat Nigeria 3–2, and Zambia also beat Malawi 2-1. Since they were still tied on points after that, CAF used the next tiebreaker, which was goals scored in those head-to-head games. Nigeria ( 3 goals ) and Malawi ( 4 goals ) scored more goals than Zambia, so they qualified, while Zambia were knocked out.

mank1234:
This doesn't make sense. Can someone explain?

If more than 2 teams, as is the case here, are level on points, H2H comes into play.

Because Zambia beat Malawi, Malawi beat Nigeria, and Nigeria beat Zambia, H2H points are out the window, we now go with GD among the three teams in the matches they played among themselves.

Here, the “mini GD” shows all three teams have the exact same 0 GD. Then, we now have to rely on goals scored in the matches that the three teams played with each other.

On that tiebreaker, Malawi scored 4 goals, Nigeria has 3 goals, and Zambia scored 2 goals; that’s why the Zambians have been eliminated.

The last minute goal against Malawi by Uche Kanu saved us and gave us the ticket . Otherwise Zambia would have qualify ahead of Nigeria

I'm glad we qualified but the qualification format is so messy, gotta feel for Zambia honestly.

PDPGuy:
If more than 2 teams, as is the case here, are level on points, H2H comes into play.

Because Zambia beat Malawi, Malawi beat Nigeria, and Nigeria beat Zambia, H2H points are out the window, we now go with GD among the three teams in the matches they played among themselves.

Here, the “mini GD” shows all three teams have the exact same 0 GD. Then, we now have to rely on goals scored in the matches that the three teams played with each other.

On that tiebreaker, Malawi scored 4 goals, Nigeria has 3 goals, and Zambia scored 2 goals; that’s why the Zambians have been eliminated.

All the teams does not have the same GD,

And if H2H does not apply, then it should be Nigeria and Zambia that qualified,
Any sensible format should support that,unless that CAF is confused

Napoleon55:
All the teams does not have the same GD,

If H2H does not apply, then it should be Nigeria and Zambia that qualified,
Any sensible format should support that,unless CAF is confused

Are you sure about that?

Remember that three teams finished on 6 points

The games against Egypt don’t count

Napoleon55:
All the teams does not have the same GD,

ImAnd if H2H does not apply, then it should be Nigeria and Zambia that qualified,
Any sensible format should support that,unless that CAF is confused

Wrong. Based on CAF’s rules, the three teams all have the same GD from matches that they played amongst THEMSELVES. In this scenario, their GD garnered against Egypt wasn’t considered.

Unlimited22:
Are you sure about that?

Remember that three teams finished on 6 points

The games against Egypt don’t count

If Nigeria hadn't scored the last 2 goals against Egypt, do you think we would have qualified?

CAF format is confusing.

Since the 3 teams have equal points(6 each),and the same H2H advantage,
The tiebreaker should be the GD,
Zambia has +6,Nigeria has +4,Malawi +2.

Zambia has better GD.

If it was Malawi that qualified, clarify the rule they used.

PDPGuy:
Wrong. Based on CAF’s rules, the three teams all have the same GD from matches that they played amongst THEMSELVES. In this scenario, their GD garnered against Egypt wasn’t considered.

I understood their confusing rule now,
They used the "the goals scored" between Malawi, Zambia and Nigeria as the tiebreaker,
and Malawi scored the most goals among 3 teams

Hope they don't try this nonsense in WC qualifiers and the AFCON

Napoleon55:
I understood their confusing rule now,
They used the "the goals scored" between Malawi, Zambia and Nigeria as the tiebreaker,
and Malawi scored the most goals among 3 teams

Hope they don't try this nonsense in WC qualifiers and the AFCON

I’m with you hoping that CAF would rather utilize GD in ALL matches amongst ALL the teams in a group, if 2 or more teams have the same number of points, for the 2030 WC qualifiers!

Super Falcons vs Egypt highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJHHSJ_7Jz8

I will keep on coming back to this until we lift no 11 later this month
We are in the quarters now so your second sentence is already false. One more win and your first sentence too will follow. Even with a loss we will have a playoff qualifier spot.

SolaFide:
Nigeria will not pick up the World Cup ticket.
Nigeria will not qualify out of the group.

When we wailed that Madugu was not good enough to lead the SF, they reminded us that he won the WAFCON. The last WAFCON was won by individual brilliance, not Madugu's tactical acumen.

Some players he selected have no business being in the team.
Who chooses old legs above fresh, young quality players? Players like Ohale, Ordega, Uchenna and Oshoala have no business in this present squad.
None of them is CR7.

Perhaps if they fail to pick the World Cup ticket, there will be a massive shake-up in the NSC and NFF.

Malawi were lucky we were not yet in tournament mode!!!!. I was already pitying the goal keeper here as at the end of first half.

BascoVanVeli:
Super Falcons vs Egypt highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJHHSJ_7Jz8

TheSuperNerd:
Agbejoye!!!!!!! Naija wins 4-3 on penalties

Omo.. I already forgot the flying eagles had a match yesterday. I started reading your commentaries few minutes ago. Can't believe the rush of adrenaline as I was reading your commentaries.

Weldone. I'm glad the lad won.
I think it's a semi final next right

Lol, that was the semis. Next is the final vs Burkina faso (Again).

mostob:
Omo.. I already forgot the flying eagles had a match yesterday. I started reading your commentaries few minutes ago. Can't believe the rush of adrenaline as I was reading your commentaries.

Weldone. I'm glad the lad won.
I think it's a semi final next right

The Ivorians came into yesterday's WafuB U20 Semis game with the best defence in the competition, and 3 players listed in the official best XI of the group stage. It included their GK.

The Flying Eagles scored twice against them and went on to absolutely school their GK on penalties.

CIV being the host, added to the fact that they are really a good side makes that result really uplifting. A chance now to right the wrong vs BFA Star man, #8 Mohamed Zongo and his Burkinabe brothers who needed extra time to dispatch Niger 2-0 after playing goalless in 90mins.

TheSuperNerd:
Nigeria U17 Golden Eaglets Prep for 2026 WafuB U17 Afcon Qualifiers Tournament to enter full edge gear...

I hope this Open Camp hits close to the heights of 2013 and 2015. Abeg.

The U17 Golden Eaglets list invite to kick off the Open trials and prep ahead of the WafuB U17....

Note: This means players outside the 61 listed (counted 61) can still break in.

Midfield pearl, Ifeoluwa David Ibrahim, 18 vs Real Betis yesterday. Came off the bench on 62mins for MLS.

Ethan Nwaneri and Josh Ogunnaike played yesterday as well. Nwaneri started and played 77mins. Josh came in on 62mins.

Ife Ibrahim vs Real Betis (05/08/26) pic.twitter.com/IamfLYC9J9

— N5Local (@n5local) August 6, 2026

TheSuperNerd:
Lol, that was the semis. Next is the final vs Burkina faso (Again).

Oohhh... Wishing the boys all the best.
Please when? Let me add it to my calendar 😁

Ethan Nwaneri, a player I hope England do not cap at senior level yet, is now being linked with RB Leipzig.

Some reports say, Arsenal are in discussions with RB Leipzig over a deal for Ethan Nwaneri. The talks are 'advanced' according to these reports with the club demanding €35-40M + a buy-back clause in the deal. AC Milan are also keeping a close eye on the situation. Dortmund, Everton and Fulham also mentioned as interests.

This is Ethan Nwaneri yesterday vs Real Betis

Ethan Nwaneri vs Real Betis. https://t.co/OXeJOk4gj6 pic.twitter.com/pqnbyRTgk3

— River1o_ (@River1o_) August 6, 2026

August 9

mostob:
Oohhh... Wishing the boys all the best.
Please when? Let me add it to my calendar 😁

Double mtcheew. Nigerian players no fit ever make am.

jihday:
mtcheew

Odunayaw:
They ought to investigate how WAFU accepted this evil qualification format.

Leaving out a sfrong team like CIV because of an irrational format is a minus for CAF on the global stage

TheSuperNerd:
The U17 Golden Eaglets list invite to kick off the Open trials and prep ahead of the WafuB U17....

Note: This means players outside the 61 listed (counted 61) can still break in.

I like the transparency in the U17 recruiting and camping process. And if gatecrashers will be given equal opportunity, that makes it even better.

And from the 62 abi 61 man list, the players were selected across different geopolitical zones, which makes it fair enough.

Tochukwu Nnadi, #6 started in Marseille's 3-0 friendly win over Qatari side, Al-Shahaniya SC

Congrats to the girls

But we don't have to concede those cheap goals from a team that lost 2 initial matches with many goals
Our defence is a big worry, we cannot continue with Ohale who has overpaid her dues
Our team is not getting replenished and we shall soon get stuck in the coming years if we fail to do the needful

I have to hail Rinsola Babajide for a WOTM award performance but she has the habit of ghosting and gassing out early.
Alozie needs to wake up, the 2 goals were her fault but she managed to put in a good shift as usual

We need to learn to manage our games; not concede cheap goals and controlling the game
Wish the SF a successful match against Cameroon

CIV bossed the MF yesterday so much that our midfielders were nowhere to be found but we found solace in long throws that eventually gave us the goals.
My excitement is that one Muiz left-footed striker is a huge revelation which I pray pans out good for us; dude is so skillful and a good striker of the ball though he squandered a good opportunity to play his two teammates for a probable goal late into the match

Congratulations to the boys, it was a hard-fought victory

Lets see what Maikaba is cooking for a re-match against Burkina Faso, wish the boys a successful outing in the final

TheSuperNerd:
The Ivorians came into yesterday's WafuB U20 Semis game with the best defence in the competition, and 3 players listed in the official best XI of the group stage. It included their GK.

The Flying Eagles scored twice against them and went on to absolutely school their GK on penalties.

CIV being the host, added to the fact that they are really a good side makes that result really uplifting. A chance now to right the wrong vs BFA Star man, #8 Mohamed Zongo and his Burkinabe brothers who needed extra time to dispatch Niger 2-0 after playing goalless in 90mins.

Whoever has Uganda in their AfconQ group should be mindful because they have a lad who is strongly on the rise in Denmark. A Young Striker.

James Bogere, 18. Saw him at the 2025 U17 Afcon and the 2025 FIFA U17 WC and said, okay, this guy is gonna be a problem someday if he keeps his head down and keeps working hard. Now at Aarhus GF (AGF) in Denmark, he scored his debut senior goals in a 2-1 win over Sabah in UCL Qualification Round 3.

Pied droit, puis pied gauche... deux golazos pour le jeune James Begere 🇺🇬 en qualif' de Champions League hier soir !😳☄️

Aarhus tient là un sacré joueur...pic.twitter.com/UO81SZFkQB https://t.co/ymMoCPjep1

— Nordisk Danemark 🇩🇰 (@NordiskDanemark) August 6, 2026

BOOOOM !💥 Quel missile de James Bogere pour son premier but avec Aarhus !😳

Le jeune ougandais a inscrit un doublé ce soir !👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/kLuuBimeGj

— Nordisk Danemark 🇩🇰 (@NordiskDanemark) August 5, 2026

CIV won the midfield battle but Nigeria won the overall tactical battle and showed more fight. Added to the biased officiating, the Naija lads were up against more than a good team in Hosts, CIV. They were also up against the Referee.
On any other day, a Nigerian team would have lost but this team did not. For that, I commend them and wish them the best in the final vs another good team in BFA.

oloriooko:
CIV bossed the MF yesterday so much that our midfielders were nowhere to be found but we found solace in long throws that eventually gave us the goals.
My excitement is that one Muiz left-footed striker is a huge revelation which I pray pans out good for us; dude is so skillful and a good striker of the ball though he squandered a good opportunity to play his two teammates for a probable goal late into the match

Congratulations to the boys, it was a hard-fought victory

Lets see what Maikaba is cooking for a re-match against Burkina Faso, wish the boys a successful outing in the final

Napoleon55:
I understood their confusing rule now,
They used the "the goals scored" between Malawi, Zambia and Nigeria as the tiebreaker,
and Malawi scored the most goals among 3 teams

Hope they don't try this nonsense in WC qualifiers and the AFCON

That is caf rule now so it will apply both in the afcon tournament and world cup qualifiers if necessary cos it caf rule