Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations remain alive, but the Super Eagles face a difficult task as they prepare for two important matches against Tanzania.
The three-time African champions are second in Group L with three points from two games, three behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, who have won both of their opening fixtures.
Nigeria began the qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau four days later.
The results have left Eric Chelle’s side needing a strong response against Tanzania, whom they will face in Uyo on Friday, November 13, before travelling to Zanzibar for the return fixture on Tuesday, November 17.
Although four matches remain, Nigeria cannot rely on finishing second to qualify, because Tanzania have already secured a place at the tournament as co-hosts.
Can Nigeria still qualify for AFCON 2027?
Yes, Nigeria can still qualify for AFCON 2027.
The Super Eagles have 12 points available from their remaining four matches and can finish the qualifying campaign with a maximum of 15 points.
Guinea-Bissau currently lead with six points, while Tanzania and Madagascar have one point each.
This means Nigeria can still overtake the group leaders, depending on their own results and those of their rivals.
However, the qualification rules make Group L different from most other groups.
According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the top two teams normally qualify from each group.
But where a group contains one of the three host nations, only the highest-placed team outside the host country will advance.
Tanzania are one of the three hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda.
Consequently, Nigeria must finish above Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar to qualify, even if Tanzania finish ahead of everyone.
What Nigeria must do against Tanzania
The Super Eagles will host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, November 13.
The match will kick off at 5pm Nigerian time, according to the Nigeria Football Federation.
The return fixture is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, with kick-off at 2pm Nigerian time.
Winning both matches would take Nigeria from three points to nine.
That would considerably strengthen their position before the final two qualifiers in March 2027.
However, six points against Tanzania would not automatically guarantee qualification.
If Guinea-Bissau also win their two November matches against Madagascar, they will move to 12 points and remain three ahead of Nigeria.
The Super Eagles would then need to close the gap during the March international window.
Why Guinea-Bissau remain Nigeria’s biggest obstacle
Guinea-Bissau have emerged as Nigeria’s principal rivals in the qualification race after winning their first two matches.
They defeated Tanzania 2-0 away before beating Nigeria 3-0.
The second result was particularly damaging because it left the Super Eagles trailing both on points and goal difference.
Nigeria have scored two goals and conceded four, giving them a goal difference of minus two.
Guinea-Bissau, meanwhile, have scored five without conceding.
This means Nigeria may need to improve their goal difference as well as their points total, although the applicable CAF tie-breaking rules would determine how teams level on points are separated.
The two countries are also scheduled to meet again during the final qualifying window in March 2027.
That encounter could become particularly significant if the qualification race remains close.
What happens if Nigeria lose or draw against Tanzania?
A draw or defeat against Tanzania would not immediately eliminate Nigeria from the competition.
However, either result would reduce the number of points available to the Super Eagles and increase their dependence on other results.
If Nigeria win one match and draw the other, they will finish November with seven points.
If they win one and lose one, they will have six.
Two draws would leave them on five points, while two defeats would leave them on three.
The implications of each outcome will depend partly on Guinea-Bissau’s results against Madagascar.
Nigeria therefore have two challenges: collecting points against Tanzania and hoping their direct rivals do not build an insurmountable advantage.
Nigeria’s remaining AFCON 2027 qualifying matches
The Super Eagles have four matches left in the campaign.
| Date | Fixture |
|---|---|
| November 13, 2026 | Nigeria vs Tanzania |
| November 17, 2026 | Tanzania vs Nigeria |
| March 2027 | Madagascar vs Nigeria |
| March 2027 | Nigeria vs Guinea-Bissau |
CAF has scheduled the final two rounds for March 22–30, 2027, with the precise match dates subject to the official fixture arrangements.
The tournament itself will take place in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
For Nigeria, the immediate priority is clear: take as many points as possible from the Tanzania double-header and remain within reach of Guinea-Bissau before March.