Draw for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers has officially been concluded, with CAF conducting the ceremony in Cairo on May 19.
All 48 participating nations were divided into twelve groups of four teams each as countries begin their journey toward qualification for Africa’s biggest football tournament.
The qualification format will see the winners and second-placed teams from each group secure spots at the 2027 AFCON tournament.
However, the situation is different for the host nations Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania who have already qualified automatically as co-hosts of the competition.
As a result, only one additional country from the groups containing the host nations will qualify for the tournament.
This creates a tense and highly competitive situation for teams drawn alongside the hosts.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been placed in Group L alongside Madagascar, Tanzania, and Guinea-Bissau.
With Tanzania already guaranteed qualification as one of the tournament hosts, Nigeria effectively have just one qualification slot to fight for in the group.
The development makes Group L particularly dangerous for the Super Eagles.
Also read: Nigeria Not Hosting AFCON Since 2000 Is a Big Shame – Obinna Nsofor
Any slip-up could prove costly, as only the top eligible team will advance to the AFCON tournament.
Nigeria will need to be at their very best to avoid what would be considered a major disappointment for one of Africa’s football giants.
The Super Eagles are expected to face stern competition from both Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, teams that have shown significant improvement in recent years.
Meanwhile Tanzania could still play a decisive role despite already qualifying automatically.
Full AFCON 2027 Qualifying Groups
Group A: Morocco, Gabon, Niger, Lesotho
Group B: Egypt, Angola, Malawi, South Sudan
Group C: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Gambia, Somalia
Group D: South Africa, Guinea, Kenya, Eritrea
Group E: DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe
Group F: Burkina Faso, Benin, Mauritania, Central African Republic
Group G: Cameroon, Comoros, Namibia, Congo
Group H: Tunisia, Uganda, Libya, Botswana
Group I: Algeria, Zambia, Togo, Burundi
Group J: Senegal, Mozambique, Sudan, Ethiopia
Group K: Mali, Cape Verde, Rwanda, Liberia
Group L: Nigeria, Madagascar, Tanzania, Guinea-Bissau
CAF has confirmed that the qualification series will be played across three international windows between 2026 and 2027:
Matchdays 1 & 2: September 21 – October 6, 2026
Matchdays 3 & 4: November 9 – 17, 2026
Matchdays 5 & 6: March 22 – 30, 2027
With the draw now conducted, attention will gradually turn to preparations as Africa’s top nations battle for a place at AFCON 2027.
For Nigeria, the mission is clear, avoid mistakes, dominate Group L, and secure qualification without drama.
