Michael Soniregun has warned the Super Eagles they can’t afford any slip-ups in their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria landed in Group L on Monday when the draw for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations POMOJA 2027 qualifiers took place at the Egyptian Football Association headquarters in Cairo. Madagascar, Tanzania, and Guinea-Bissau complete the group.
Because Tanzania head into the campaign already guaranteed a place at the tournament, only one automatic qualification spot remains in the group.
Soniregun, a football coach and goalkeeper trainer, told Sports247 that the math alone should eliminate any temptation for complacency.
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“Every match becomes extremely important,” he said. “The Super Eagles can’t afford dropped points, especially in away fixtures where African qualifiers are usually very competitive.”
He’s confident Nigeria have the tools to come through. On paper, he argues, there’s a gap in class between the Super Eagles and the three sides they’ll face. But he was also quick to stress that paper counts for little once a team crosses into hostile territory on the continent.
Of the three opponents, Soniregun rates Guinea-Bissau as the one most likely to cause problems. The Djurtus have grown considerably as a side over recent years, building a reputation for organisation and physical intensity that he believes makes them awkward opponents over two legs.
“They have become a very organised and disciplined side and have gained valuable experience from recent AFCON tournaments,” he said, adding that he’d have preferred to face Madagascar instead.
Beyond the group stage, Soniregun also pointed to areas Nigeria need to sharpen if they’re to compete at the tournament itself.
“Nigeria has enough individual talent,” he said. “But success will depend on building a disciplined and balanced team capable of performing consistently under pressure.”
