The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series will include the three host nations, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, despite their automatic qualification for the tournament. The Confederation of African Football has clarified the implications for teams drawn in groups with these co-hosts, particularly for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Co-Hosts in AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are set to co-host the Pamoja 2027 AFCON, marking the first time three nations will jointly host the tournament and the first in East Africa since Ethiopia hosted in 1976. The draw for the qualifiers took place in Cairo, Egypt, on May 19, 2026, featuring football legends William Troost-Ekong, Trésor Mputu, Max Gradel, and Essam El Hadary.
Qualification Rules for Groups with Hosts
Forty-eight teams were drawn into 12 groups of four teams each. Under standard rules, the top two teams from each group qualify for the finals. However, for the three groups containing a co-host, only one additional team will qualify alongside the host. CAF confirmed that Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will participate in the qualifiers to maintain competitive readiness. If a host finishes top of their group, the second-placed team qualifies. If the host finishes in any other position, only the group winner qualifies.
Super Eagles' Situation in Group L
Nigeria has been drawn in Group L alongside co-host Tanzania, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau. This means the Super Eagles must either win the group or finish second if Tanzania tops the group. The Nigeria Football Federation noted that Nigeria has strong records against all three teams, suggesting a high likelihood of topping the group.
Other Groups with Co-Hosts
In Group D, South Africa, Eritrea, and Malawi compete for the sole qualifying spot alongside Kenya. In Group H, Tunisia, Libya, and Botswana vie for the slot with Uganda.
Message from William Troost-Ekong
Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, who retired days before the 2025 AFCON, acknowledged that Nigeria faces a challenging group but expressed confidence in his former teammates' ability to qualify.
