RismadarVoice Reporters, May 21, 2026
Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Austin Eguavoen, has expressed confidence in the Super Eagles’ ability to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), while cautioning against underestimating the challenges posed by Group L opponents.
Nigeria was drawn alongside co-host Tanzania, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau during the AFCON qualifying draw conducted on Tuesday at the Egyptian Football Association headquarters in Cairo.
The qualifying competition features 48 nations divided into 12 groups, with the top two teams from each group earning places at the tournament scheduled to be held between June 19 and July 17, 2027.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Eguavoen dismissed suggestions that Nigeria had received an easy path to qualification, stressing that every team in the group presents unique challenges.
According to him, while the Super Eagles possess the pedigree and experience required to advance, success will depend on maintaining focus and approaching each fixture with seriousness.
He noted that Nigeria’s strong showing at the last AFCON tournament provides confidence that the team has the quality to progress.
Eguavoen specifically highlighted Guinea-Bissau as one of the teams capable of causing difficulties, recalling previous encounters in which the West African side tested the Super Eagles.
He observed that past meetings between both nations had been competitive despite Nigeria eventually emerging successful.
The former Nigerian international also warned against overlooking Madagascar and Tanzania, noting that both teams have continued to improve over recent years.
He described Madagascar as a side that has developed considerably and said Tanzania had also demonstrated resilience in previous meetings against Nigeria.
Eguavoen recalled that Tanzania created early difficulties for the Super Eagles during their encounter at the last AFCON before Nigeria eventually gained control of the game.
Despite his concerns about the competitiveness of the group, he maintained that the Super Eagles possess enough quality and experience to secure qualification.
Eguavoen currently combines his role as NFF Technical Director with responsibilities as senior adviser to Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle.
The 2027 AFCON, themed “PAMOJA 2027,” derived from a Swahili word meaning “together,” will be jointly hosted by East African nations and will mark the first time three countries will co-host the tournament, as well as the first AFCON staged in East Africa since 1976.
