Chuks Akuneto, Nigeria-born Manchester City U-17s Head Coach, has exclusively told Completesports.com that only victories in their 2027 AFCON qualifying matches can guarantee the Super Eagles a place at the tournament despite being drawn in what he described as a “good group”.
Three-time champions Nigeria were drawn in Group L alongside Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau during the draw conducted in Cairo, Egypt, on Tuesday, 19 May, 2026.
Also Read: AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Super Eagles To Face Madagascar, Tanzania, Guinea- Bissau
The 2027 AFCON will, for the first time, be jointly hosted by three countries — Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania — with the tournament scheduled to hold from 19 June to 17 July 2027, also marking the first summer edition of the competition.
Super Eagles Drawn In ‘Good Group’ For AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
“I will say it is a ‘good group’ to be in,” Akuneto told Completesports.com on Wednesday morning following the draw, about the Super Eagles’ group opponents.
“But there are no easy groups in football anymore. There are no more minnows in football.
“You have to play and win the matches before you can qualify for the tournament.”
Akuneto Warns Against Complacency In Super Eagles Campaign
Akuneto’s warning is rooted in the team’s failure to secure qualification for the 2026
FIFA World Cup finals to be held in Mexico, the USA and Canada despite being in a relatively easy group.
Also Read: AFCON 2027Q: Super Eagles Begin Journey With Madagascar Test
A somewhat lackadaisical approach in the early rounds of the qualifiers eventually cost Nigeria a place at the Mundial, following their earlier failure to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Lessons From World Cup Qualification Failure
The former youth coach stressed that the Super Eagles must approach every qualifying fixture with seriousness and determination to avoid another disappointing campaign.
By Sab Osuji
