Austin Eguavoen, Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, has warned against underrating the teams in Group L of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, insisting that the Nigeria national football team must stay fully focused to secure qualification.
Nigeria was drawn alongside co hosts Tanzania, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau during the qualifying draw held in Cairo, Egypt.
The qualifiers will feature 48 nations divided into 12 groups, with only the top two teams from each group advancing to the tournament scheduled to hold from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
Speaking in Abuja, Eguavoen dismissed suggestions that Nigeria had been handed a straightforward group, stressing that every opponent in African football now poses a serious challenge.
According to him, many people may see the group as favourable for the Super Eagles, but the reality on the pitch could be very different. He, however, expressed confidence that Nigeria has the quality and experience needed to qualify, especially after the team’s strong showing at the last AFCON tournament.
The former Super Eagles coach recalled Nigeria’s difficult encounters with Guinea Bissau in recent years, noting that the West African side gave the team a serious test whenever they met.
He also cautioned against overlooking Madagascar, describing them as a rapidly improving side that has grown stronger over time. Eguavoen further pointed to Tanzania as another team capable of causing problems, reminding fans that Nigeria struggled against them during the early stages of their last AFCON meeting before eventually securing victory.
Despite the tough nature of the group, the NFF technical director maintained that he believes the Super Eagles will qualify if they approach each match with seriousness and concentration.
Zoyols News gathered that Eguavoen currently serves as the NFF Technical Director while also working as senior adviser to Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle.
The 2027 AFCON tournament, tagged “PAMOJA 2027,” will be jointly hosted by three East African countries and will mark the first time the competition will be staged across three nations. The word “Pamoja,” derived from Swahili, translates to “together,” symbolising unity and regional collaboration.
Nigeria previously defeated Madagascar home and away during the qualification series for the 2012 AFCON. The Super Eagles also shared victories with Guinea Bissau during the build up to the 2023 tournament, losing in Abuja before bouncing back with a win in the reverse fixture away from home.
