AFCON 2027: Super Eagles Expected to Advance from Group L – Eguavoen

The technical director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Austin Eguavoen, emphasised that the Super Eagles must stay focused to navigate the challenging Group L in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Nigeria was drawn with co‑hosts Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea‑Bissau during the draw held on Tuesday at the Egyptian Football Association headquarters in Cairo.

Out of 48 teams, the draw produced 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the tournament scheduled for 19 June to 17 July 2027.

Speaking with NAN on Thursday in Abuja, Eguavoen dismissed claims that Nigeria had been given an easy group.

“A lot of people think it’s an easy group, but I don’t think so,” he said. “However, considering our pedigree and our performance at the last AFCON, where we did brilliantly well, I believe we can scale through. We just have to approach it one game at a time.”

Eguavoen, who managed the Super Eagles against Guinea‑Bissau at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, recalled the tough matches against the West African side.

“I remember Guinea‑Bissau gave us a run for our money. They are not a bad side at all. When Jose Peseiro was in charge, it was also a very tight game, although we eventually overcame them,” he said.

The former international also warned against underrating Madagascar and Tanzania.

Madagascar is another hard nut to crack. They are a good side that has improved and evolved seriously.

Tanzania will also be stubborn opponents. We met them at the last AFCON, and they were tough in the first 15 to 20 minutes before we eventually came out on top.

I still believe we will qualify, but it is going to be a very tough group,” he added.

NAN notes that Eguavoen currently combines his role as NFF Technical Director with duties as senior adviser to Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle.

NAN also reports that the 2027 AFCON, branded “PAMOJA 2027,” derives its name from a Swahili word meaning “together,” symbolising regional unity and collaboration.

The tournament will be the first AFCON hosted by three countries and the first staged in East Africa since 1976.

NAN reports that Nigeria defeated Madagascar home and away during the qualifiers for the 2012 AFCON.

In the build‑up to the 2023 AFCON, Nigeria and Guinea‑Bissau shared victories, with Guinea‑Bissau winning in Abuja before the Super Eagles secured victory in the reverse fixture in Bissau. (NAN)

The post AFCON 2027: Super Eagles will survive Group L – Eguavoen appeared first on Vanguard News.