Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has admitted that Nigeria faces a difficult task in the race to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations despite the country’s strong football pedigree.
The three time African champions were drawn in Group L for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2027 qualifiers alongside Madagascar, co hosts Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau.
Speaking after the draw conducted by the Confederation of African Football, Troost-Ekong said the Super Eagles should not expect an easy qualification campaign, noting that every team in the group would be highly motivated.
According to the former defender, away matches could play a major role in deciding which countries eventually secure qualification for the historic 2027 tournament to be staged in East Africa.
“It is not an easy group, but I trust them to get over the line,” Ekong said while reacting to Nigeria’s opponents.
The former Super Eagles star, who played a major role in Nigeria’s defence before retiring from international football, also expressed confidence in the team’s ability to qualify despite the expected challenges.
The opening two matchdays of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2027 qualifiers are scheduled to take place during the FIFA window between September 21 and October 6, 2026.
Matchdays three and four are expected to hold from November 9 to November 17, 2026, while the final rounds of qualification games will be played between March 22 and March 30, 2027.
The qualification campaign is expected to determine the final list of countries that will compete at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
