Nigeria’s Super Eagles have received a boost in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign after Group L leaders Guinea-Bissau were held to a 1-1 draw by Madagascar on Thursday.
Guinea-Bissau had the opportunity to move nine points clear by winning both matches against Madagascar. However, Thursday’s draw leaves them top of the group with seven points, while Nigeria remain second with three points and Madagascar third with two.
The result has given the Super Eagles an opportunity to close the gap when they face Tanzania in Uyo on Friday, November 13. A victory would take Nigeria to six points, one behind Guinea-Bissau.
If Nigeria win both legs against Tanzania, they will move to nine points and could go top of the group if Guinea-Bissau drop points again when they host Madagascar on Tuesday.
Tanzania are co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON alongside Kenya and Uganda and have already secured automatic qualification. Under the Confederation of African Football (CAF) rules, only one additional team from Group L will qualify for the tournament.
This means Nigeria are effectively competing with Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar for the group’s remaining qualification spot, rather than Tanzania.
Guinea-Bissau defeated Nigeria 3-0 in Bissau in September and hold the head-to-head advantage. Consequently, the Super Eagles cannot afford to finish level on points with them and must secure outright first place to qualify.