By Nicholas Obisike
Some football enthusiasts in Aba have expressed optimism that the Super Eagles will qualify easily for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after being drawn in what they described as a favourable group.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2027 AFCON will be jointly hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.
The draw placed Nigeria in Group L alongside Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau.
The enthusiasts, who spoke with NAN on Wednesday in Aba, said the Super Eagles had a relatively easy group and should qualify as group leaders.
A football coach and proprietor of United Football Club, Christian Uduma, described the draw as favourable but stressed the need for adequate preparation.
Uduma urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to commence early preparations to enable the players build understanding and cohesion.
“We have seen many foreign-based players in the national team, but this is the time to also give Nigeria Premier Football League players the opportunity to prove themselves,” he said.
Another football enthusiast, Grace Ogbu, said Nigeria had the quality to qualify comfortably from the group but advised the NFF to take the team’s preparation seriously.
“The team often struggles at continental and international competitions because the NFF does not pay adequate attention to preparation and players’ welfare before and during tournaments,” she alleged.
Also speaking, Chinedu Ojindu, another football enthusiast, described Nigeria’s group as one of the easiest, noting that the Super Eagles were familiar with their opponents.
“We have what it takes to qualify for the 2027 AFCON from any group, but early preparation and determination will make the difference,” he said.
NAN reports that the winners and runners-up from the nine groups will qualify for the tournament, while the three co-host nations have automatic qualification slots.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)