EXPLAINER: Why Nigeria qualified for World Cup playoff despite having fewer points

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Nice 2 months ago

A very stupid rule. Who introduced this shit at caf

A very stupid rule. Who introduced this shit at caf
KD 2 months ago

Someone who wanted to favour Nigeria and Cameroon!

Someone who wanted to favour Nigeria and Cameroon!
Nana Kwaku 2 months ago

Go to CAF website and check. An official letter was sent out on this rule on 14th March 2025 to all the 54 countries who started the qualifiers. Eritrea pulled out of the qualifiers very early so that prompted this decision.

Go to CAF website and check. An official letter was sent out on this rule on 14th March 2025 to all the 54 countries who started the qualifiers. Eritrea pulled out of the qualifiers very early so that prompted this decision.
P Djamgbe 2 months ago

Guys, calm down, don't lose sleep - Nigeria is not going to qualify. The playoffs are a lot more difficult than qualifying from the group stages - whoever wins the playoff in Africa still have to play another playoff against ...
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Guys, calm down, don't lose sleep - Nigeria is not going to qualify. The playoffs are a lot more difficult than qualifying from the group stages - whoever wins the playoff in Africa still have to play another playoff against other teams from the other continents
Ignoramus 2 months ago

Is it that bad?
Why would you want to lose sleep over Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup.

Are you that much an enemy of progress?

Is it that bad?
Why would you want to lose sleep over Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup.

Are you that much an enemy of progress?
P Djamgbe 2 months ago

Enemy of what progress, rather more like a lover of banter. In case you haven't seen it on tiktok, when Ghana had all but qualified and were about to play our last game against Comoros, Nigerians were still hoping Ghana would ...
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Enemy of what progress, rather more like a lover of banter. In case you haven't seen it on tiktok, when Ghana had all but qualified and were about to play our last game against Comoros, Nigerians were still hoping Ghana would not qualify - go on social media and see how they were calculating and deducing how we could lose and not qualify.
Yaw 2 months ago

That is not banter that is bitterness. Even in the world cup Ghana will still end up frustrated and cry back home ..mind what you wish others.

That is not banter that is bitterness. Even in the world cup Ghana will still end up frustrated and cry back home ..mind what you wish others.
P Djamgbe 2 months ago

@Yaw, those who went and came back empty-handed are still and always better than those who never went. And if you say my wish for them to not qualify is not banter but bitterness, well, the same can be said about them - it ta ...
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@Yaw, those who went and came back empty-handed are still and always better than those who never went. And if you say my wish for them to not qualify is not banter but bitterness, well, the same can be said about them - it takes two to tango
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ST Ghfuo: Canadians are dishonest, liars, Gh leaders are fools 2 months ago

Over reliance on one striker that's what had brought nigria here..so no other players can score goals aside from Victor osimhen on this team? Idiots!

Over reliance on one striker that's what had brought nigria here..so no other players can score goals aside from Victor osimhen on this team? Idiots!

Yaw 2 months ago

Because God come from your reckless village abuaaa

Because God come from your reckless village abuaaa
Newself 2 months ago

This rule doesn't make sense. This rule assumes that by withdrawing from the competition Eritrea is automatically a weak team and that Nigeria. CAF should have weighted results from each match and each group. Thus Group E, wh ...
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This rule doesn't make sense. This rule assumes that by withdrawing from the competition Eritrea is automatically a weak team and that Nigeria. CAF should have weighted results from each match and each group. Thus Group E, which is the group of concern should have had their points multiplied by 1.25 (i.e. 10÷8, to raise points obtained from 8 to equivalent for 10 games). Niger would have had 17.85 points, even more than that of Nigeria. Besides and simply, this would have been the only result needing adjustment. For me teams like Niger, Burkina Faso, which suffered to play games have been cheated using a strange rule that has unjustifiably benefitted Nigeria.
Newself 2 months ago

The CAF rule arrogantly assumes that by withdrawing from the competition, Eritrea is automatically the weakest team in the group. Very condescending to say the least. Doesn't CAF have good analysts?

The CAF rule arrogantly assumes that by withdrawing from the competition, Eritrea is automatically the weakest team in the group. Very condescending to say the least. Doesn't CAF have good analysts?
Jonathan 2 months ago

At all, if Zimbabwe is regarded a weak team and Nigeria could not beat them, why not deduct the two points they earned from these matches? This is also a clear indication that the Nigerian team is weak that is why they could ...
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At all, if Zimbabwe is regarded a weak team and Nigeria could not beat them, why not deduct the two points they earned from these matches? This is also a clear indication that the Nigerian team is weak that is why they could not beat Zimbabwe.
CAF has not been fair to Burkina Faso who played their hearts out.
Then let's apply this rule to the group leaders also in order to be fair to all.
Fortune 2 months ago

I don't know why there's so much bitterness in this thread. Your analogy doesn't hold water, one bit. The way CAF adjudicated this matter is the best course of action. Eritrea withdrew, how would they not have finished bottom ...
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I don't know why there's so much bitterness in this thread. Your analogy doesn't hold water, one bit. The way CAF adjudicated this matter is the best course of action. Eritrea withdrew, how would they not have finished bottom of the group, when they get walked over for all of the games in their group. If we go by your other analogy of deducting points for everyone in the group, Nigeria would finish top of the group. CAF has a lot of issues but this they managed right, remember this rule was introduced in March 2025, so there's no way it was meant to favour one nation over the other.
Yaw 2 months ago

Is not Ghana government rule is Fifa rule so keep quiet

Is not Ghana government rule is Fifa rule so keep quiet
COD 2 months ago

@ Nice: Never knew there is such a serious mental sickness at CAF, but no one paid any close attention to challenge such a crazy and dumb rule inserted in African football.
Why allow teams to play for points and turn around ...
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@ Nice: Never knew there is such a serious mental sickness at CAF, but no one paid any close attention to challenge such a crazy and dumb rule inserted in African football.
Why allow teams to play for points and turn around to throw some of the points earned away as thrash?
Are competitions not made up of strong and weak teams?
As, Africans, we often showcase our unique level of foolishness and stupidity to world too much.
Yaw 2 months ago

Your father did

Your father did
Dealome 1 month ago

HOW? just one world cup, plenty stories

HOW? just one world cup, plenty stories
WATCHMAN 2 months ago

Every Group had weak teams. Chad and CAR were the two weak teams in Group I. So why use such a rule to favour Nigeria?

Every Group had weak teams. Chad and CAR were the two weak teams in Group I. So why use such a rule to favour Nigeria?

Nana Kwaku 2 months ago

There were 9 groups of 6 countries in each group. Eritrea pulled out in Morocco's group reducing the group to 5 countries. With 8 matches in that group how do you expect to do a fair & proper comparison?

There were 9 groups of 6 countries in each group. Eritrea pulled out in Morocco's group reducing the group to 5 countries. With 8 matches in that group how do you expect to do a fair & proper comparison?
Clavin Magnus 2 months ago

A fair way would have been to let the second placed team in the Morocco group play a one off game with the team with the lowest points (of the 4 teams which qualified for the payoffs), to determine the 4th team for the playof ...
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A fair way would have been to let the second placed team in the Morocco group play a one off game with the team with the lowest points (of the 4 teams which qualified for the payoffs), to determine the 4th team for the playoffs.
123 2 months ago

Your approach could lead to match fixing.

Your approach could lead to match fixing.
Paa Pee 2 months ago

Just award the points to the teams as the Eritea team did not play. But canceling a game that was played is a very stupid rule. Funny it did not even helped the second placed team in Morocco's group.

Just award the points to the teams as the Eritea team did not play. But canceling a game that was played is a very stupid rule. Funny it did not even helped the second placed team in Morocco's group.
Richard 2 months ago

Do your checks well before posting any updates, right after the match you broke the news of Nigeria been crashed out of the qualifiers, now your are walking us through how they qualified for playoff. Ghanaweb, until when?

Do your checks well before posting any updates, right after the match you broke the news of Nigeria been crashed out of the qualifiers, now your are walking us through how they qualified for playoff. Ghanaweb, until when?
@Godisking 2 months ago

Shameful. Then deduct the points accumulated by all countries who played weaker teams. And if you presume some countries are weak, why include them in the draw?

Shameful. Then deduct the points accumulated by all countries who played weaker teams. And if you presume some countries are weak, why include them in the draw?
THINK DEEP 2 months ago

You're ignorant and have a weak brain to understand the explanation. No country has been cheated with this ranking bcoz they all had a prior notice.

You're ignorant and have a weak brain to understand the explanation. No country has been cheated with this ranking bcoz they all had a prior notice.
Kissangani 2 months ago

Besides the the rule talks about last placed teams. Last placed teams are not synonymous with weak teams. There was no way CAF can determine weak teams. Get it right and straight. No emotions bro.

Besides the the rule talks about last placed teams. Last placed teams are not synonymous with weak teams. There was no way CAF can determine weak teams. Get it right and straight. No emotions bro.
Kofi Mensah 2 months ago

@Think Deep
Eritrea withdrew from the competition sometime in November 2023. CAF would wait until March of this year, 2025, when Nigeria was already drawing with the so-called "weak teams" like Zimbabwe, to come up with the ...
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@Think Deep
Eritrea withdrew from the competition sometime in November 2023. CAF would wait until March of this year, 2025, when Nigeria was already drawing with the so-called "weak teams" like Zimbabwe, to come up with their ridiculous points deduction rules. Sounds right to you? Find out where a certain Samson Adamu of CAF hails from. Hint: Nigeria. Who signed the letters bearing the shameful points deduction rules sent to football federations across the continent, again in March this year? The very same Samson Adamu. Do the math...
Adebayor 2 months ago

Show us ur proof of what u are saying... haters

Show us ur proof of what u are saying... haters

Ketteku 2 months ago

CAF is corrupt football Administration. If they consider a nation or team as weak then why did they put them into the groups draw in the the first place? There must be a law suit from the countries with most points ahead of N ...
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CAF is corrupt football Administration. If they consider a nation or team as weak then why did they put them into the groups draw in the the first place? There must be a law suit from the countries with most points ahead of Nigeria from this unfair practices
Ignoramus 2 months ago

Stop crying and cut short your celebration about Nigeria being eliminated from World Cup qualification. You can resume after November or March if Nigeria now fail to scale either hurdle.

Stop crying and cut short your celebration about Nigeria being eliminated from World Cup qualification. You can resume after November or March if Nigeria now fail to scale either hurdle.
So sad.. 2 months ago

Are you surprised???
These are people from very dark places..
Their mothers are witches.
Their fathers abandoned their witch mothers with them hence why they are children of abandoned witches.. they'll cry till thy kingd ...
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Are you surprised???
These are people from very dark places..
Their mothers are witches.
Their fathers abandoned their witch mothers with them hence why they are children of abandoned witches.. they'll cry till thy kingdom come.
LEARN SENSE! 2 months ago

THE PLAYOFF IS NOT AN AUTOMATIC QUALIFICATION FOR THE WINNER, SINCE THEY WILL HAVE TO FACE OTHER PLAYOFF WINNERS FROM DIFFERENT ZONES TO SECURE COMPLETE QUALIFICATION TO THE WORLD CUP. IT'S STILL NOT OVER FOR ANY OF THEM.

THE PLAYOFF IS NOT AN AUTOMATIC QUALIFICATION FOR THE WINNER, SINCE THEY WILL HAVE TO FACE OTHER PLAYOFF WINNERS FROM DIFFERENT ZONES TO SECURE COMPLETE QUALIFICATION TO THE WORLD CUP. IT'S STILL NOT OVER FOR ANY OF THEM.
Kelechi 2 months ago

Stupid fool even Benin played far better than Ghana in the Qualifiers...South Africa cheated by playing almost all their matches in South Africa...that includes matches between Lesotho and Zimbabwe
Why are you guys not compl ...
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Stupid fool even Benin played far better than Ghana in the Qualifiers...South Africa cheated by playing almost all their matches in South Africa...that includes matches between Lesotho and Zimbabwe
Why are you guys not complaining about that cheat or are you obsessed with Nigeria...Victor Osihmen has put u fools to shame ...evil Ghanaians
Kantoose 2 months ago

If it favours you, you DONT want to understand. But if it was you in the other end, you will understand. WHY CANCEL POINTS FROM LEGITIMATE GAMES? Forget Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, just imagine yourself at the treatment end ...
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If it favours you, you DONT want to understand. But if it was you in the other end, you will understand. WHY CANCEL POINTS FROM LEGITIMATE GAMES? Forget Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, just imagine yourself at the treatment end!
Roy 2 months ago

If they played better, why did u guys finish ahead of them? The fact u lot finished ahead of them showed their level.

If they played better, why did u guys finish ahead of them? The fact u lot finished ahead of them showed their level.
Adebayor 2 months ago

Nothing sooths me than seeing my enemies fighting each other over my success in life. What God has done, no man can curse.... Lolzzzzzxxx

Nothing sooths me than seeing my enemies fighting each other over my success in life. What God has done, no man can curse.... Lolzzzzzxxx
KD 2 months ago

Well, I guess you also know God is fair in His dealings, and that's why He won't be so unfair to Gabon.
I love Nija, but I hate backdoor business.
We don't want no backdoor qualifiers representing Africa at the WC!

Well, I guess you also know God is fair in His dealings, and that's why He won't be so unfair to Gabon.
I love Nija, but I hate backdoor business.
We don't want no backdoor qualifiers representing Africa at the WC!
Kojo K 2 months ago

And did Naija tell you that they are afraid to play Gabon?

And did Naija tell you that they are afraid to play Gabon?
Roy 2 months ago

If there is one thing l dont like about Nigerians, it is this. U lot were bantering and teasing us after our failure to qualify for the afcon. We didn't take that as hatred. You are struggling to qualify for the world cup and ...
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If there is one thing l dont like about Nigerians, it is this. U lot were bantering and teasing us after our failure to qualify for the afcon. We didn't take that as hatred. You are struggling to qualify for the world cup and the same thing is being to you and you are calling us haters and enemies of progress. So did u lot hate us when u were teasing and bantering us for failing to qualify for afcon?
Some Naija Guy 2 months ago

And for some reason you think that the hatred being referred to here stems only from this world cup qualifiers? At the back of your mind you believe that nobody sees the amount of disparaging commentary and the level of vitri ...
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And for some reason you think that the hatred being referred to here stems only from this world cup qualifiers? At the back of your mind you believe that nobody sees the amount of disparaging commentary and the level of vitriol spewed against Nigeria and Nigerians in general by some of your nitwit comrades on this platform.

If there is anything I also dislike about you lot, it's this level of sheer hypocrisy. Whatever dislike you have towards Nigerians is based purely on your envy and evil mindedness, so please just shut the fxxx up and let people enjoy their satisfaction in peace.
You. Are difficult to understand. An. English words 2 months ago

No Brainly person in caf.
Who even intruded such. Unfair rule.? Nonsense.

No Brainly person in caf.
Who even intruded such. Unfair rule.? Nonsense.
Adebayor 2 months ago

Some dullard are still finding it hard to understand simple arithmetic.. lolzzzzzzz

Some dullard are still finding it hard to understand simple arithmetic.. lolzzzzzzz
stevoo 2 months ago

nigeria are not going to qualify

nigeria are not going to qualify
stevoo 2 months ago

nigeria will crash out they think they will qualify

nigeria will crash out they think they will qualify
Kelechi 2 months ago

Stupid fool even Benin played far better than Ghana in the Qualifiers...South Africa cheated by playing almost all their matches in South Africa...that includes matches between Lesotho and Zimbabwe
Why are you guys not compl ...
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Stupid fool even Benin played far better than Ghana in the Qualifiers...South Africa cheated by playing almost all their matches in South Africa...that includes matches between Lesotho and Zimbabwe
Why are you guys not complaining about that cheat or are you obsessed with Nigeria...Una go cry taya fools
FRANCIS 2 months ago

The best way to settle this weak-team issues is to first identify the weak teams; let them play in their own league; then promote them to the elite division for the composure of the final play-offs. The top teams all picked u ...
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The best way to settle this weak-team issues is to first identify the weak teams; let them play in their own league; then promote them to the elite division for the composure of the final play-offs. The top teams all picked up points from the weak bottom teams, so why should only the second-best teams suffer this heart-breaking formular after putting a spirited performance.
Jonas 2 months ago

@Francis, you still don't understand it. CAF wouldn't have done this but because Eritrea withdrew that's why. I alll groups were 6 teams it would have been a straight forward highest points system without any deductions.

@Francis, you still don't understand it. CAF wouldn't have done this but because Eritrea withdrew that's why. I alll groups were 6 teams it would have been a straight forward highest points system without any deductions.
Tony Kweku 2 months ago

Because the top teams have automatic qualifications from their groups already, so whether you deduct points or not they will still top their group. It's a Fifa rule/guideline which CAF is only enforcing!

I wonder why some ...
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Because the top teams have automatic qualifications from their groups already, so whether you deduct points or not they will still top their group. It's a Fifa rule/guideline which CAF is only enforcing!

I wonder why some Ghanaians are getting so worked up because Nigeria is going through an almost impossible route of playoffs to WC qualification! We have qualified already the simple way and the 4 teams in the playoffs may end up not going to North America in 2026 WC.

Rules are rules and must be abide by every national team.
wofa yaw 2 months ago

It is not about qualifying and Nigeria!!! It is about fairness FIFA or not. The reason we use pots & balloting is to remove biases and to make sure strong teams do not aggregate in a particular group.
They could have annulle ...
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It is not about qualifying and Nigeria!!! It is about fairness FIFA or not. The reason we use pots & balloting is to remove biases and to make sure strong teams do not aggregate in a particular group.
They could have annulled the results of Eritrea and that would have been it. Why should affect other groups.
It does not make sense; Nigeria or another country will not matter.
Fastook 2 months ago

Very stupid logic. Rewarding losers is not the way to go . How can they qualify for playoffs when they were one of the worst teams

Very stupid logic. Rewarding losers is not the way to go . How can they qualify for playoffs when they were one of the worst teams
Adebayor 2 months ago

Its all bcoz u are a dullard that can never understand simple arithmetic

Its all bcoz u are a dullard that can never understand simple arithmetic
Kelechi 2 months ago

Stupid fool even Benin played far better than Ghana in the Qualifiers...South Africa cheated by playing almost all their matches in South Africa...that includes matches between Lesotho and Zimbabwe
Why are you guys not compl ...
read full comment

Stupid fool even Benin played far better than Ghana in the Qualifiers...South Africa cheated by playing almost all their matches in South Africa...that includes matches between Lesotho and Zimbabwe
Why are you guys not complaining about that cheat or are you obsessed with Nigeria...hatred filled Ghanaians
Solo akonor 2 months ago

So does this make common sense? Is FiFa serious? All playing all forms of qualifications and this nonsense explanation to qualify some people?.so is it good for you to play well and win? Did FIFA tell the countries about this ...
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So does this make common sense? Is FiFa serious? All playing all forms of qualifications and this nonsense explanation to qualify some people?.so is it good for you to play well and win? Did FIFA tell the countries about this nonsense rule of qualifications? It doesn't make sense.
NDC NPP SAME DEVILy 2 months ago

This does not make sense. Then also deduct the same points from the qualified groups which they got from playing the button teams .This is completely stupid formula from caf. Just pick the best four runners up period.

This does not make sense. Then also deduct the same points from the qualified groups which they got from playing the button teams .This is completely stupid formula from caf. Just pick the best four runners up period.
no name 2 months ago

robbery ..CAF is the most corrupted institution on the planet .. why in the first place they didnt made this rules known .. after Nigeria paid them they came up with this stupid and foolish analogy of qualification .. so now ...
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robbery ..CAF is the most corrupted institution on the planet .. why in the first place they didnt made this rules known .. after Nigeria paid them they came up with this stupid and foolish analogy of qualification .. so now with this rules ..no big team will play seriously or play to win against any weak team .. WHAT A FRAUD BY CAF TO INCLUDE NIGERIA IN ...
Adebayor 2 months ago

Cry cry baby.. you will explain urself tire. Nobody is coming to save ur ass

Cry cry baby.. you will explain urself tire. Nobody is coming to save ur ass
Cooon 2 months ago

There is no logic in that rule at all. Teams should have qualified directly from the points earned from their groups. CAF is a mess

There is no logic in that rule at all. Teams should have qualified directly from the points earned from their groups. CAF is a mess
Jonas 2 months ago

Hmmm, if this were a comprehension test a lot of people will fail here. THE COUNTRY ERITREA WITHDREW!! OR SOME OF YOU HAVEN'T HEAD OF SUCH A COUNTRY BEFORE??? BECAUSE OF THAT THEIR GROUP WERE ONLY 5 TEAMS. SO THIS DEDUCTIONS ...
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Hmmm, if this were a comprehension test a lot of people will fail here. THE COUNTRY ERITREA WITHDREW!! OR SOME OF YOU HAVEN'T HEAD OF SUCH A COUNTRY BEFORE??? BECAUSE OF THAT THEIR GROUP WERE ONLY 5 TEAMS. SO THIS DEDUCTIONS WERE TO EVEN THINGS OUT!!!!
Kantoose 2 months ago

You can even things out within the group that has occurred. That is a bonafide property of that group, which was assembled by a lottery draw anyway. Where in the world do you notice 6 points dissapear from a legitimate game? ...
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You can even things out within the group that has occurred. That is a bonafide property of that group, which was assembled by a lottery draw anyway. Where in the world do you notice 6 points dissapear from a legitimate game? Only when Naija is involved hahahaaa . Even common points dissapear.
no name 2 months ago

CAF AND NIGERIA ARE THE SAME THE BIGGEST AND MOST FRAUDULE ENTITY ON EARTH.. NO WONDER THEY WORK HAND IN HAND ... SO NOW THAT THEYVE INCLUDED NIGERIA IN THE PLAYOFFS ..THATS MEANS BIG NATIONS DONT HAVE TO WIN AGAINST THE SMA ...
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CAF AND NIGERIA ARE THE SAME THE BIGGEST AND MOST FRAUDULE ENTITY ON EARTH.. NO WONDER THEY WORK HAND IN HAND ... SO NOW THAT THEYVE INCLUDED NIGERIA IN THE PLAYOFFS ..THATS MEANS BIG NATIONS DONT HAVE TO WIN AGAINST THE SMALLER ONES OR THEY RISK QUALIFICATION .. WHAT AN UBSURD AND CRIMINAL RULES ... CAF SHOULD BE DISOLVED AND INVESTIGATED AND ALL THE BIG MEN/WOMEN IN CHARGE SHOULD BE ARRESTED FOR TAKING BRIBES AND FOR CONIVING WITH NIGERIA FOR ALL WE KNOW THEY ARE THE MOST CORRUPTED AND DEVIOUS INSTITUTION OF ALL TIME ...
Nana Koffi 2 months ago

Remember Nigeria is called the GIANT of Africa for a reason. You gat to respect Nigeria. Stop insulting Naija.

Remember Nigeria is called the GIANT of Africa for a reason. You gat to respect Nigeria. Stop insulting Naija.
Tony Kweku 2 months ago

When the same CAF made Ghana qualified in place of Nigeria, after an aggregate home and away 1-1 draw for the Qatar 2022 World Cup, on the basis of "away goals" rule, those of you crying unnecessarily now, nor Nigerians did n ...
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When the same CAF made Ghana qualified in place of Nigeria, after an aggregate home and away 1-1 draw for the Qatar 2022 World Cup, on the basis of "away goals" rule, those of you crying unnecessarily now, nor Nigerians did not call CAF fraudulent then, even when UEFA and CONCAF and other Federations have voided "away goals" rule. So why the hue and cry now because some myopic and hate-filled Ghanaians feel Nigeria is benefiting from this "earned deductions" rule.

A rule/guideline is there for everybody to abide by. The rule was not made yesterday and we should leave those countries affected to do their own crying by themselves. We have nothing to benefit whether or not Nigeria goes to World cup!
BAG 2 months ago

Masa, an away goal rule has been there since Adam. CAF could have reorganise the entire qualification when Eritera withdrew. We could have played a league. First 9 teams qualify simple.

Masa, an away goal rule has been there since Adam. CAF could have reorganise the entire qualification when Eritera withdrew. We could have played a league. First 9 teams qualify simple.
Stephen K Duah 2 months ago

CAF should go back and look at the rule because it's not fair.
Why didn't CAF apply the rule to include the group leaders as well

CAF should go back and look at the rule because it's not fair.
Why didn't CAF apply the rule to include the group leaders as well
Nana Koffi 2 months ago

Nigeria is the Giant of Africa.

Nigeria is the Giant of Africa.
Mike 2 months ago

But Nigeria still has a worse goal difference than Burkina Faso. This makes 0 sense

But Nigeria still has a worse goal difference than Burkina Faso. This makes 0 sense
kwaku 2 months ago

Because FIFA/CAF robbed other deserving countries

Because FIFA/CAF robbed other deserving countries
Kojo 2 months ago

Stupid rule. All they should have done was to give 3 points 3 goals to all Eritrea's opponents

Stupid rule. All they should have done was to give 3 points 3 goals to all Eritrea's opponents
Kissangani 2 months ago

Your heading is misleading. Nigeria has won a spot for the playoffs among 4 countries. They have not qualified.

Your heading is misleading. Nigeria has won a spot for the playoffs among 4 countries. They have not qualified.
Tomtom 2 months ago

Stupid rule…Burkina Faso needs to sue CAF/FIFA ass big time

Stupid rule…Burkina Faso needs to sue CAF/FIFA ass big time
Ketteku 2 months ago

They brought in such changes in the playoffs pattern knowing that, the so called big football nations in the likes of Cameroon , Nigeria etc. are struggling to top their assigned groups. European formats have many weakest nat ...
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They brought in such changes in the playoffs pattern knowing that, the so called big football nations in the likes of Cameroon , Nigeria etc. are struggling to top their assigned groups. European formats have many weakest nations some even lost games 9- 0 but EUFA has never brought such decisions of deductibles but what if for instance lowest teams beats the top rankings teams then it's ok to top their groups. Burkina Faso needs to file an injuction to freeze the playoffs very unfair decision made by CAF.
Nana Koffi 2 months ago

Please, do not disrespect the GIANT of Africa, Nigeria.

Please, do not disrespect the GIANT of Africa, Nigeria.
Kantoose 2 months ago

When Naija dey inside, points dissapear! Hahahaa

When Naija dey inside, points dissapear! Hahahaa
Nana Koffi 2 months ago

Do you realize what CAF and FIFA will be missing if Naija is not in the world cup? Nigerian jersey alone at the world cup is what some fans are eager to see.

Do you realize what CAF and FIFA will be missing if Naija is not in the world cup? Nigerian jersey alone at the world cup is what some fans are eager to see.
Jonas 2 months ago

Most people who are a bit slow won't understand this technicality. CAF came up with this deductions because Eritrea withdrew from the qualifyers so they left their group short so only five countries were playing each other in ...
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Most people who are a bit slow won't understand this technicality. CAF came up with this deductions because Eritrea withdrew from the qualifyers so they left their group short so only five countries were playing each other instead of six. So it won't be fair as all the other groups will get more points due to more matches they will play. CAF then deducted all second placed teams by the points they gained against the bottom placed countries to create fairness for those countries in the group that Eritrea withdrew from. I hope it's clear now for some here?? If not then you need to go back to school to learn a bit of mathematics!!!
Kantoose 2 months ago

Stop explaining stupidity. Ok?

The question is WHY CANCEL POINTS FROM LEGITIMATE GAMES? So CAF just wanted the money from those games? What was the value for the players who risked their legs and energies??? Does this sou ...
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Stop explaining stupidity. Ok?

The question is WHY CANCEL POINTS FROM LEGITIMATE GAMES? So CAF just wanted the money from those games? What was the value for the players who risked their legs and energies??? Does this sound like football to you?
jagadu 2 months ago

This is not fair. Nigeria is bribing their way to the world cup.

This is not fair. Nigeria is bribing their way to the world cup.
Kelechi 2 months ago

A fool has commented.....Stupid fool even Benin played far better than Ghana in the Qualifiers...South Africa cheated by playing almost all their matches in South Africa...that includes matches between Lesotho and Zimbabwe
W ...
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A fool has commented.....Stupid fool even Benin played far better than Ghana in the Qualifiers...South Africa cheated by playing almost all their matches in South Africa...that includes matches between Lesotho and Zimbabwe
Why are you guys not complaining about that cheat or are you obsessed with Nigeria...hatred filled Ghanaians
You can't fixed stupid for real !!! 2 months ago

Alata Ni Aboa loser,,, Go home and leave we Ghanaians alone... what do you need from us??? Enough is enough,, Y'all go home

Alata Ni Aboa loser,,, Go home and leave we Ghanaians alone... what do you need from us??? Enough is enough,, Y'all go home
Adebayor 2 months ago

It is u Ghanaians that should leave us alone.. look at the way u are all commenting on our matters.. stupid banku haters

It is u Ghanaians that should leave us alone.. look at the way u are all commenting on our matters.. stupid banku haters
BAG 2 months ago

I must say this rule is so cruel. Next time, do not mix the big boys with the small ones. Looking at how Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Niger played some exciting football only to use this rule to brush them aside is so unaccept ...
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I must say this rule is so cruel. Next time, do not mix the big boys with the small ones. Looking at how Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Niger played some exciting football only to use this rule to brush them aside is so unacceptable. CAF can also write open letters to countries who would love to participate in the qualifiers. Imagine Madagascar beating Portugal or Spain or Argentina at the world cup finals.
Oklemekuku 2 months ago

Na back door be that

Na back door be that
PITO 2 months ago

This is unfair. The bottom placed team in each group performed differently. So you cannot paint them all with one brush. That policy of point deduction is wrong. Burkina Faso should have qualified with their raw points. All c ...
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This is unfair. The bottom placed team in each group performed differently. So you cannot paint them all with one brush. That policy of point deduction is wrong. Burkina Faso should have qualified with their raw points. All counties should qualify with their raw points. It is not reasonable to deduct points for any reason in football other than the team losing or committing an offense (like in the case if South Africa fielding an ineligible player). If CAF wants us to believe that all the countries ended up in their respective groups by a LUCK of the draw. Then if a country ends up in a group where a team forfeits by their own decision, should that not be counted towards all the countries in that group as luck? The grounds for deducting fair points and calling it Fair Play is faulty. This has to be corrected.
Jay 2 months ago

Absolutely spot on. Teams played their asses off and were penalized for winning. In Nigeria's case, they couldn't even beat the worst team and were rewarded for a draw.

Absolutely spot on. Teams played their asses off and were penalized for winning. In Nigeria's case, they couldn't even beat the worst team and were rewarded for a draw.
Discipline 2 months ago

But what is written is written

But what is written is written
Chris 2 months ago

The only caf criticizing comment that made sense and also showing that the person is smart is the person that said the rules should have applied to every other teams in each group and if that the case too Nigeria would have t ...
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The only caf criticizing comment that made sense and also showing that the person is smart is the person that said the rules should have applied to every other teams in each group and if that the case too Nigeria would have topped the group and qualify
Maybe Ghana would have not qualify (I have not done math for Ghana group to say for sure)

For the write up they forgot to add that all the goals scored playing with the weak team was also deducted as well and that is Nigeria qualify with goal difference
X 2 months ago

Why will one country's withdraw affect another's performance. The rule is so stupid that it says not winning is a win

Why will one country's withdraw affect another's performance. The rule is so stupid that it says not winning is a win
Domo 2 months ago

Oh Africa! Why couldn't CAF invite the runners-up in Eritrea's qualifying group to take up their place when they withdrew from the finals?
UEFA did something similar some years back when Denmark was called in replace Yugosla ...
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Oh Africa! Why couldn't CAF invite the runners-up in Eritrea's qualifying group to take up their place when they withdrew from the finals?
UEFA did something similar some years back when Denmark was called in replace Yugoslavia in the Nations Cup. In fact the Danes went on to win the tournament.
Jay 2 months ago

They should have just awarded 6 points to each time that played Eritrea. They just forfeit each game and move on. Nigeria is so bad, they were unable to beat the last team in their group, and get rewarded for not winning. Had ...
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They should have just awarded 6 points to each time that played Eritrea. They just forfeit each game and move on. Nigeria is so bad, they were unable to beat the last team in their group, and get rewarded for not winning. Had they beat them, they would not be going on to the playoffs.

The article states that they played tougher teams. No. They're going because they were unable to beat the worst team in their group.
Big papa 2 months ago

Such a bad rule

Such a bad rule
Yaw 2 months ago

I will always say it and say it loud we Ghanaians are fool we have no sense we talk as the lliterate we are at all level . Hope you understand now why Nigeria stand tall there in that play off group. Why we complain about Nig ...
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I will always say it and say it loud we Ghanaians are fool we have no sense we talk as the lliterate we are at all level . Hope you understand now why Nigeria stand tall there in that play off group. Why we complain about Nigeria too much are they owing us ?
Sam osei 2 months ago

The worse rule in sports ever. Only in Africa

The worse rule in sports ever. Only in Africa
Blaise mwinkyebakangbuobukaraa 2 months ago

That's a wrong analysis and decision by CAF. They should have used higher earned points teams to headoff against each. When was this decision taken?
If it was the rule planned at the scratch, fine.

That's a wrong analysis and decision by CAF. They should have used higher earned points teams to headoff against each. When was this decision taken?
If it was the rule planned at the scratch, fine.
BLACK MAN DOESN'T READ 2 months ago

If you want to hide something from the black man put it in a book
THE LAW IS THE LAW

If you want to hide something from the black man put it in a book
THE LAW IS THE LAW
The Law/Rule isn't necessarily Justice Indeed. 2 months ago

I have a few questions.

1. After these points deductions, are the goals scored by individual players in the specific games concerned be credited as official goals to their names?

2. What's the worth fans buying tickets ...
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I have a few questions.

1. After these points deductions, are the goals scored by individual players in the specific games concerned be credited as official goals to their names?

2. What's the worth fans buying tickets and travelling to attend these games?

3. Were the risks in travels (flights, trains, roads) by players and technical teams, fans, journalists, etc not considered at all.

4. Were the anxiety, passion, fear, jubilation etc of fans watching from the stands or in their homes not even given the slightest of respect?

5. What about the efforts of players and tactics of managers in winning such games? Have they all become worthless?

Hmmmm. No Further Comments!!!
Nananom 2 months ago

CAF didn't reason well at all. Eritrea could have been replaced since they pulled out very early in the group and all these nonsense would have been solved. Empty heads at CAF.

CAF didn't reason well at all. Eritrea could have been replaced since they pulled out very early in the group and all these nonsense would have been solved. Empty heads at CAF.
Menssa 2 months ago

I think there is no reasonable person in that country called Ghana, is like you guys breath from your anus because of too much egg stupid and local people of egg Republic

I think there is no reasonable person in that country called Ghana, is like you guys breath from your anus because of too much egg stupid and local people of egg Republic
Laye 2 months ago

Accept Jesus today as your Lord and Savior

Accept Jesus today as your Lord and Savior

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EXPLAINER: Why Nigeria qualified for World Cup playoff despite having fewer points

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