Football coach and goalkeeper trainer Michael Soniregun has expressed confidence in the ability of the Nigeria national football team to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, while warning that the Super Eagles must remain focused throughout the qualification campaign.
The draw for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) POMOJA 2027 qualifiers was conducted on May 19, 2026, at the headquarters of the Egyptian Football Association in Cairo.
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Nigeria was drawn in Group L alongside Madagascar national football team, Tanzania national football team, and Guinea-Bissau national football team.
Speaking with Sports247 after the draw, Soniregun acknowledged Nigeria’s superiority on paper but stressed that African qualifiers are often unpredictable, particularly during away matches.
“I believe the Super Eagles have a strong chance of topping Group L of the AFCON POMOJA 2027 qualifiers,” he said.
“Nigeria remains the biggest football nation in the group in terms of quality, experience, and squad depth. However, African qualifiers are always difficult, especially away from home, so the team must stay focused and avoid complacency.”
With Tanzania already qualified automatically as tournament co-hosts, only one additional team from the group is guaranteed qualification — a situation Soniregun believes increases the pressure on Nigeria.
“Tanzania qualifying automatically definitely increases the pressure on Nigeria because it leaves just one guaranteed qualification spot available,” he explained.
“That means every match becomes extremely important, and the Super Eagles cannot afford dropped points, especially in away fixtures where African qualifiers are usually very competitive.”
The experienced coach identified Guinea-Bissau as the team most capable of challenging Nigeria in the group due to their recent development and tactical discipline.
“For me, Guinea Bissau could pose the biggest challenge to Nigeria. They have become a very organized and disciplined side over the years and have gained valuable experience from recent AFCON tournaments.”
Soniregun also admitted he would have preferred Nigeria facing Madagascar rather than Guinea-Bissau.
“While Madagascar can still be dangerous, I believe Guinea Bissau’s recent growth, physical approach, and tactical discipline make them a more difficult opponent over two qualification fixtures.”
Looking ahead, the coach highlighted key areas he believes the Super Eagles must improve to qualify successfully and compete strongly at the tournament.
“The team must improve in consistency, defensive organization, midfield creativity, and game management,” he stated.
“Nigeria has enough individual talent, but success will depend on building a disciplined and balanced team capable of performing consistently under pressure.”
