GistReel
Nigeria national team will soon discover their qualification pathway for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations as the draw date has been confirmed.
The Confederation of African Football has scheduled the qualifiers draw for 19 May, with 48 nations set to compete for a place at the continental tournament.
Qualification format confirmed
The qualification structure is straightforward but demanding. The 48 teams will be divided into 12 groups of four, with each side playing home and away fixtures.
Only the top two teams in each group will qualify, producing the 24-team lineup for the tournament. Co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are already guaranteed places but will still participate in the qualifiers.
Nigeria’s strong pedigree
Nigeria enter the campaign with established continental credentials. They finished third at the 2025 AFCON, defeating Egypt in the third-place match.
The Super Eagles are three-time champions, having lifted the title in 1980, 1994 and 2013, and remain one of Africa’s most consistent performers.
Notably, they have reached the semi-finals a joint-record 17 times and have never lost a third-place playoff.
Long-term target in sight
The tournament is scheduled to run from 19 June to 17 July 2027, although the venues for the opening match and final have yet to be confirmed among the host nations.