Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been drawn against familiar West African rivals Benin Republic and Sierra Leone in the qualification race for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The three-time African champions were placed in Group L alongside Madagascar and co-host Tanzania during the CAF AFCON 2027 qualifying draw, setting up another competitive campaign for Nigeria on the road to East Africa.
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However, with Tanzania already qualified automatically as one of the tournament hosts, only one ticket remains available in Group L for the qualification series. That means the Super Eagles must finish top of the group ahead of Benin Republic, Sierra Leone, and Madagascar to secure a place at the tournament.
The draw also renews recent rivalries for Nigeria, especially against Benin Republic and Sierra Leone, two sides that have troubled the Super Eagles in previous qualification campaigns.
Benin famously defeated Nigeria during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, while Sierra Leone remain remembered for their dramatic comeback from four goals down in a thrilling AFCON qualifier against the Super Eagles in Benin City.
With the qualifiers scheduled to run from September 2026 to March 2027, Nigeria will be expected to assert their dominance despite the tricky nature of the group.
CAF also confirmed that Groups D, H, and L will each produce only one qualifying team because hosts Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have already secured automatic qualification slots for the tournament.
The 2027 AFCON will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda — marking the first time the competition will be staged across East Africa in modern history.
For the Super Eagles, attention will now gradually turn toward preparations as fans hope the team can secure qualification smoothly and continue the push for a fourth AFCON crown.
