Former Super Eagles defender Ben Iroha believes Nigeria could run into trouble in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers if the players assume qualification will come easily.
Ben Iroha has warned the Super Eagles against underrating their opponents in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign after Nigeria were drawn alongside Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau.
The former Nigerian international admitted many fans see the group as favourable on paper, but he believes recent struggles in major qualifiers should serve as a serious lesson for Eric Chelle’s squad.
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Iroha Wants Full Focus From Super Eagles
Iroha said African football has changed significantly over the last decade, with smaller nations becoming more organised and tactically disciplined. He pointed to Nigeria’s difficult World Cup qualifying campaign as proof that reputation alone no longer guarantees victories.
The Super Eagles recently discovered their AFCON 2027 opponents after CAF conducted the draw in Cairo. Nigeria will begin the campaign against Madagascar in Uyo before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau days later.
“There are no small teams anymore in African football,” Iroha reportedly stated while reacting to the draw. “The players must stay serious and avoid complacency because every country now has quality.”
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Pressure Growing After World Cup Disappointment
The pressure around the national team remains high following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That disappointment still hangs heavily over supporters, especially after the team reached the playoff stage before losing to DR Congo.
Across Nigerian football circles, many supporters have questioned the consistency of the Super Eagles despite the quality available in the squad. Online discussions among fans have repeatedly focused on mentality, tactical discipline and player commitment during crucial matches.
Eric Chelle is now expected to rebuild confidence quickly before the AFCON qualifiers begin in September. The Malian coach has already started introducing younger players into the squad while demanding more intensity and concentration from established stars.
Tanzania Could Pose Serious Threat
Tanzania’s presence in the group has already attracted attention because they are one of the tournament co-hosts. Although the Taifa Stars qualify automatically, they remain eligible to influence the standings and could still complicate Nigeria’s path.
Guinea-Bissau have also become familiar opponents for the Super Eagles in recent AFCON cycles. The West Africans defeated Nigeria during the 2023 qualifying series in Abuja, a result many supporters still remember painfully.
As reported by FootballInNigeria.com.ng, Chelle’s staff are already studying all three opponents carefully ahead of the opening round in September.
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📌 Did You Know?
- Ben Iroha was part of Nigeria’s historic 1994 AFCON winning squad that later reached the second round of the FIFA World Cup in the United States.
- Nigeria have won the Africa Cup of Nations three times, in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
- Guinea-Bissau shocked the Super Eagles 1-0 in Abuja during the AFCON 2023 qualifying series.
- Tanzania will co-host AFCON 2027 alongside Kenya and Uganda under the “Pamoja” tournament banner.
- Madagascar reached the AFCON quarterfinals in their debut appearance at the 2019 tournament in Egypt.
- The Super Eagles have reached more AFCON semifinals than any other African national team.
- Eric Chelle became Nigeria’s head coach after previously managing Mali at international level.
