The draw for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers has produced several high-profile clashes, with Nigeria placed in Group L alongside Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The draw ceremony was conducted in Cairo on Tuesday ahead of the qualification campaign for the continental tournament, which Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will jointly host from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
For Nigeria’s Super Eagles, the draw presents a familiar East African challenge against co-host Tanzania, while Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau are also expected to test the three-time African champions in a competitive qualifying race.
Tough Battles Across the Continent
Defending African champions Ivory Coast were drawn in Group C alongside Ghana, Gambia and Somalia in one of the standout groups of the qualifiers.
North African heavyweights Morocco will face Gabon, Niger and Lesotho in Group A, while seven-time champions Egypt were paired with Angola, Malawi and South Sudan in Group B.
Other notable groups include:
- Group D: Eritrea, Kenya, Guinea, South Africa
- Group G: Congo, Namibia, Comoros, Cameroon
- Group H: Botswana, Libya, Uganda, Tunisia
- Group I: Burundi, Togo, Zambia, Algeria
- Group J: Ethiopia, Sudan, Mozambique, Senegal
- Group K: Liberia, Rwanda, Cape Verde, Mali
Qualification Format
The top two teams from each group will qualify automatically for the 24-team tournament.
However, because Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are co-hosts and already guaranteed qualification spots, Groups D, H and L will operate slightly differently. In those groups, only the highest-placed team apart from the host nation will secure qualification to the finals.
The qualifying series will be played across three international windows:
- September 21 to October 6, 2026
- November 9 to 17, 2026
- March 22 to 30, 2027
Each team will play two matches during every qualifying window.
Focus on Super Eagles
For Nigeria, the qualifiers are expected to serve as another major test under growing pressure to restore continental dominance after inconsistent performances in recent international campaigns.
Football analysts say the Super Eagles must avoid complacency despite being favourite on paper, especially against improving African sides capable of causing upsets in qualification tournaments.
The 2027 edition will also mark a historic moment for East African football, as Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda jointly host Africa’s biggest football competition for the first time.
