Eguavoen warns Super Eagles against complacency in AFCON 2027 qualifiers

Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, Austin Eguavoen, has cautioned the Nigeria national football team against underrating their opponents in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, insisting that Group L will be far from easy.

Nigeria was drawn alongside Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau during Tuesday’s draw held at the headquarters of the Egyptian Football Association in Cairo.

The qualifying series involves 48 teams divided into 12 groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the tournament scheduled for June 19 to July 17, 2027.

Speaking to NAN in Abuja on Thursday, Eguavoen said many football fans were underestimating the difficulty of Nigeria’s group.

“A lot of people think it’s an easy group, but I don’t think so,” he said.

“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 recalled Nigeria’s previous encounters with Guinea-Bissau, noting that the team had consistently proved difficult to play against.

“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 stated.

Eguavoen also described Madagascar as an improving side capable of causing problems for stronger opponents.

“Madagascar is another hard nut to crack. They are a good side that has improved and evolved seriously,” he said.

On Tanzania, he noted that the East Africans had also shown resilience during recent meetings with Nigeria.

“Tanzania will also be stubborn opponents. 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,” he added.

Despite the expected challenges, Eguavoen expressed confidence that Nigeria would qualify from the group.

“I still believe we will qualify, but it is going to be a very tough group,” he said.

Eguavoen currently serves as NFF Technical Director and senior adviser to Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle.

The 2027 AFCON, tagged “PAMOJA 2027,” will be jointly hosted in East Africa and marks the first time the continental tournament will be organised by three countries.

The word “PAMOJA” comes from Swahili and means “together,” symbolising unity and regional cooperation.

Nigeria defeated Madagascar in both legs of the 2012 AFCON qualifiers, while Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau shared victories during the build-up to the 2023 AFCON.

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