Nigeria’s route to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations remains open, but the Super Eagles have little room for another slip-up as Éric Chelle’s men prepare for a decisive double-header against co-hosts Tanzania, with their qualification hopes hanging on a series of results across Group L, Footynaija.com reports.
The 2027 tournament will be held in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda between June 19 and July 17, marking the return of the competition to East Africa for the first time in 51 years.
However, the qualification format has created an unusual situation for Nigeria. Although 48 countries were divided into 12 groups of four, only the highest-placed team outside the host nation will qualify from Groups D, H and L.
Related Post
This means Tanzania have already secured their place as co-hosts, leaving Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar to compete for the remaining ticket in Group L.
Guinea-Bissau currently have the advantage after winning their opening two matches, while Nigeria have already suffered a damaging defeat that has complicated their campaign.
How Super Eagles can secure AFCON 2027 ticket
Nigeria opened their qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo on September 25, with George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scoring after Ehsan Kari had given the visitors an early lead.
However, the Super Eagles suffered a 3-0 defeat away to Guinea-Bissau four days later, leaving them with three points from two matches.
Guinea-Bissau, meanwhile, collected six points after also defeating Tanzania 2-0, while Madagascar and Tanzania have one point each following their 1-1 draw.
The immediate assignment for Chelle’s side is a double-header against Tanzania, beginning at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, November 13, before the return fixture on November 17.
Winning both matches would take Nigeria to nine points and give them a much stronger position ahead of their final two fixtures in March 2027.
Those encounters will see the Super Eagles face Madagascar away from home before hosting Guinea-Bissau, giving Nigeria an opportunity to settle the qualification contest against their direct rivals.
However, Guinea-Bissau’s results against Madagascar will also matter. The Djurtus face Madagascar on Thursday before meeting them again on November 17.
If Nigeria collect maximum points against Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau drop points against Madagascar, the gap at the top could narrow considerably.
The Super Eagles therefore need more than victories in their own matches. They must also keep a close eye on Guinea-Bissau, particularly with their final meeting against the group leaders still to come.
