Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been drawn in Group L of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where they will face Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar and São Tomé and Príncipe in the race for a place at the continental tournament.
The draw, conducted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has set up another challenging qualification campaign for the three-time African champions as they aim to secure a place at AFCON 2027.
Among Nigeria’s opponents, Guinea-Bissau are expected to provide the toughest challenge, having become familiar rivals for the Super Eagles in recent years. The two countries faced each other during the qualification campaign for AFCON 2023, with Guinea-Bissau famously defeating Nigeria 1-0 in Abuja before the Super Eagles responded with victory in the reverse fixture.
Madagascar also remain a dangerous opponent after their memorable run to the quarter-finals of AFCON 2019, where they stunned several established African sides with disciplined performances. São Tomé and Príncipe complete the group and are considered outsiders, though Nigeria will be expected to approach every fixture with caution.
The Super Eagles will enter the qualification series carrying increased expectations following their strong recent performances under the current technical setup and the emergence of several in-form stars across Europe.
Nigeria are among the most successful nations in AFCON history, winning the competition three times — in 1980, 1994 and 2013 — while also finishing as runners-up on multiple occasions.
With qualification now officially underway, attention will gradually turn toward squad selection, fixture scheduling and the battle for top position in Group L as Nigeria seek another appearance at Africa’s biggest football tournament.
The Super Eagles are expected to begin their qualification campaign later this year as CAF finalises the official match calendar for all participating nations.