Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been drawn against Guinea-Bissau, Tanzania, and Madagascar in Group L of the qualification series for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The draw ceremony for the qualification race was held on Tuesday in Cairo, Egypt, as teams across the continent learned their paths to the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
Nigeria are familiar with all three opponents, having faced them in recent years. The Super Eagles met Guinea-Bissau during the group stage of the 2021 AFCON and also clashed with them during the qualification campaign for the 2023 tournament as well as at the finals in Côte d’Ivoire.
The three-time African champions also played Tanzania at the 2025 AFCON, where Nigeria secured a 2-1 victory. Against Madagascar, Nigeria recorded a 2-0 win during the group stage of the 2019 AFCON.
The Super Eagles head into the campaign after finishing third at the last AFCON tournament and emerging runners-up in the 2023 edition.
A total of 12 groups will compete in the qualification series, with the winners and runners-up in each group advancing after six matchdays scheduled between September and March.
Elsewhere, four-time African champions Ghana were drawn in Group C alongside Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, and Somalia in one of the standout fixtures of the qualification race.
Cape Verde, among Africa’s qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will face Mali, Rwanda, and Liberia in Group K, while South Africa were placed in Group D with Guinea, co-host Kenya, and Eritrea.
Morocco were drawn in Group A alongside Gabon, Niger, and Lesotho, while Senegal will take on Mozambique, Sudan, and Ethiopia in Group J.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe recently dismissed reports suggesting the 2027 AFCON could be postponed or moved from East Africa due to concerns over preparations.
“The next AFCON is going to be in East Africa during June and July next year. I have no doubts about that, despite all the challenges,” Motsepe said.
Meanwhile, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe have formally submitted a joint bid to host the 2028 AFCON. If successful, it would mark the first edition of the tournament hosted by four countries.
