Austin Eguavoen Warns Super Eagles Against Complacency Ahead of AFCON 2027 Qualifying Group L Campaign

Nigeria Football Federation Technical Director Austin Eguavoen has issued a firm warning to the Super Eagles following their placement in Group L of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, cautioning that the draw presents genuine challenges that should not be underestimated.

The Super Eagles were drawn alongside Tanzania, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau during the qualification draw held in Cairo on Tuesday. While many observers have characterised the group as favourable for Nigeria, Eguavoen was quick to challenge that assessment when speaking in Abuja on Thursday.

“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,” the former Super Eagles coach said.

Eguavoen, who has previously served as interim head coach of the national team, drew particular attention to Guinea-Bissau as a side capable of testing Nigeria. He cited prior meetings between the two nations as evidence that the West African nation should not be taken lightly. “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 explained.

He reserved similar words of caution regarding the remaining two opponents in the group. “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,” Eguavoen added.

Under the qualification format, the top two teams from each group will advance to the tournament proper. Nigeria, a record 11-time AFCON champion, will be expected to secure one of those spots, though Eguavoen’s remarks reflect a broader awareness within Nigerian football circles that continental competition has grown markedly more competitive at all levels.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, officially branded “PAMOJA 2027,” is scheduled to take place from June 19 to July 17, 2027. The tournament will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda — marking the first time in the competition’s history that three nations have shared hosting duties. It will also represent the first time the AFCON has been held in East Africa since 1976, adding considerable historical significance to the edition.

Nigeria’s most recent AFCON appearance came at the 2025 edition, where the Super Eagles reached the final before falling to hosts Morocco. That run, which Eguavoen referenced in his remarks, demonstrated both the team’s quality and their capacity to perform under pressure on the continental stage. Current head coach Eric Chelle, who guided the side through that campaign, has recently received public backing from Eguavoen for a long-term contract extension.

The qualification campaign will represent an early test of Chelle’s tenure as Nigeria looks to maintain momentum and secure a place at a tournament that carries renewed prestige given its landmark hosting arrangement.