Super Eagles Set For AFCON 2027 Qualifiers As CAF Holds Draw
CAF Draw Signals Start of Qualification Race
NIGERIA’S Super Eagles are poised to begin their journey toward the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations as the Confederation of African Football prepares to conduct the official qualifying draw in Cairo, Egypt.
The ceremony will determine Nigeria’s group-stage opponents, marking the formal kickoff of the qualification series for the continent’s flagship football tournament.
Expanded Qualification Format Takes Centre Stage
According to CAF, 48 countries will compete in the qualifiers, divided into 12 groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group will automatically qualify for the tournament.
However, with co-hosts — Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda — already guaranteed places, only one additional team will qualify from their respective groups.
The qualification matches will be played across three FIFA international windows between September 2026 and March 2027.
Strong Field Awaits Nigeria
Nigeria will face stiff competition from Africa’s football heavyweights, including Senegal national football team, Morocco national football team, Egypt national football team, and Algeria national football team.
Emerging sides such as Comoros national football team and Gambia national football team are also expected to challenge traditional powers, reflecting the growing competitiveness of African football.
Historic Tournament Awaits in East Africa
Branded “AFCON PAMOJA 2027”, the tournament will run from 19 June to 17 July 2027, marking the first time three nations will jointly host the competition.
It will also represent the return of the Africa Cup of Nations to East Africa for the first time since Ethiopia hosted the tournament in 1976.
For Nigeria, the upcoming draw is more than procedural—it is the first step in a high-stakes journey toward continental glory.
