By Teddy Nwanunobi
The Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Austin Eguavoen, has described Nigeria’s group ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as “a very tough group,” but has expressed confidence that the West African nation “will qualify” to the knockout stages.
Eguavoen, however, advised that the three-time champions must remain focused to successfully navigate a tricky, difficult Group L in the qualifiers.
Daily NewsCraft reports that Nigeria is drawn alongside co-hosts, Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau during Tuesday’s draw held at the Egyptian Football Association headquarters in Cairo.
The 48 participating teams were drawn into 12 groups of four teams each, with the top two teams from every group qualifying for the tournament scheduled from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
“A lot of people think it’s an easy group, but I don’t think so. However, considering our pedigree and our performance at the last AFCON, where we did brilliantly well, I believe we can scale through. We just have to approach it one game at a time,” Eguavoen said on Thursday in Abuja.
Eguavoen, who handled the Super Eagles against Guinea-Bissau at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, recalled the difficult encounters against the West African side.
“I remember Guinea-Bissau gave us a run for our money. They are not a bad side, at all. When Jose Peseiro was in charge, it was also a very tight game, although we eventually overcame them,” he said.
The former international also warned against underrating Madagascar and Tanzania.
“Madagascar are another hard nut to crack. They are a good side that has improved, and evolved seriously.
“Tanzania will also be a stubborn opponent. We met them at the last AFCON, and they were tough in the first 15 to 20 minutes before we eventually came out on top.
“I still believe we will qualify, but it is going to be a very tough group,” he said.
Eguavoen currently combines his role as NFF Technical Director with duties as senior adviser to Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle.
The 2027 AFCON tagged ‘PAMOJA 2027’ initiative emanated from a Swahili word meaning ‘together’; it symbolises regional unity and collaboration.
The tournament will mark the first AFCON to be hosted by three countries and the first to be staged in East Africa since 1976.
It would be recalled that Nigeria defeated Madagascar home and away during the qualifiers for the 2012 AFCON.
In the build-up to the 2023 AFCON, Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau shared victories, with Guinea-Bissau winning in Abuja, before the Super Eagles secured victory in the reverse fixture in Bissau.