Nigeria’s quest for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will see the Super Eagles battle Guinea-Bissau, Tanzania, and Madagascar in Group L of the qualifiers.
The draw ceremony for the continental tournament was conducted on Tuesday in Cairo, Egypt, with the three-time African champions handed a familiar set of opponents.
Nigeria have faced Guinea-Bissau several times in recent years, including at the 2021 AFCON and during the qualifiers for the 2023 edition. The Super Eagles also met Tanzania at the 2025 AFCON, where Nigeria secured a 2-1 victory.
Madagascar are another side the Eagles know well, having defeated them 2-0 during the group stage of the 2019 AFCON tournament.
The qualification series for the 2027 AFCON will feature 12 groups, with matches scheduled to run between September 2026 and March 2027. Group winners and runners-up will advance to the tournament, except in groups containing host nations where only one additional team qualifies.
The 2027 AFCON will be jointly hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
Elsewhere in the draw, four-time champions Ghana were paired with defending champions Ivory Coast in a high-profile Group C showdown that also includes Gambia and Somalia.
Morocco will compete against Gabon, Niger, and Lesotho in Group A, while reigning African champions Senegal face Mozambique, Sudan, and Ethiopia in Group J.
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Cape Verde, one of Africa’s surprise qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, were drawn alongside Mali, Rwanda, and Liberia in Group K.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe has meanwhile dismissed concerns over possible delays to the tournament, insisting preparations by the East African co-hosts remain on course.
“The next AFCON is going to be in East Africa during June and July next year. I have no doubts about that, despite all the challenges,” Motsepe said.
The qualification campaign will be played across three international windows:
Matchdays 1 & 2: September 21 – October 6, 2026
Matchdays 3 & 4: November 9 – 17, 2026
Matchdays 5 & 6: March 22 – 30, 2027.