Super Eagles: 2 factors that could cost Nigeria an AFCON 2027 spot

The Super Eagles’ hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is already under pressure after a disappointing start to their campaign, and two recurring problems could make the situation worse if not addressed.

The Green and Whites opened Group L with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar but suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their second match. They now have three points from two games and are three behind group leaders Guinea-Bissau.

With Tanzania already qualified as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda, Nigeria are competing with Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar for the group’s only remaining ticket.

However, beyond their performances on the pitch, the Super Eagles must address concerns surrounding discipline and their dependence on Victor Osimhen.

2 factors that could cost Super Eagles AFCON 2027 spot

1. Indiscipline and poor preparation

The Super Eagles have found themselves dealing with avoidable distractions during international windows, with Maduka Okoye’s late arrival for September’s AFCON qualifiers providing a recent example.

The Udinese goalkeeper was the last player to report to camp ahead of Nigeria’s opening fixture against Madagascar, arriving in Uyo on the morning of the match.

His involvement in Udinese’s third-kit presentation during Milan Fashion Week contributed to the delay. Although head coach Eric Chelle said he had permitted Okoye to attend the club engagement, he was still unhappy with the goalkeeper’s lateness.

Okoye missed the Madagascar game and had limited time to prepare, completing just one training session before Nigeria’s next game with Guinea-Bissau.

The contrast was also noticeable ahead of November’s double-header against Tanzania. The Taifa Stars arrived in Uyo on Tuesday, November 10, hours before the first group of Nigerian players reached camp.

Tanzania had planned their early arrival to allow time for acclimatisation, while flight-schedule changes disrupted the Super Eagles’ preparations.

The circumstances were different, but the contrast highlighted the importance of planning ahead. Nigeria cannot afford to lose valuable preparation time when competing for qualification places.

2. Over-reliance on Victor Osimhen

Osimhen’s importance to the Super Eagles is undeniable, but Nigeria’s struggles without their leading striker has become a serious concern.

The Galatasaray forward scored eight goals in seven appearances during Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. However, the Super Eagles collected just four points from a possible 15 in the matches he missed through injury.

His absence was noticeable during the World Cup play-off final against DR Congo. Osimhen was forced off at half-time with an injury, and Nigeria barely threatened afterwards before losing on penalties.

The same concern has resurfaced ahead of the Tanzania fixtures, with the striker unavailable after undergoing surgery for a sprained ankle.

Nigeria have other attacking options, including Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and Taiwo Awoniyi, while Ademola Lookman and Moses Usor can also contribute goals.

However, replacing Osimhen’s movement, physical presence and ability to occupy defenders is not straightforward.

The 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in September, when Nigeria were also without the striker, further exposed the need for a reliable attacking structure that does not depend on one individual.

Chelle must find a way to make the Super Eagles more effective without their talisman. Otherwise, another injury or absence could leave Nigeria struggling to turn attacking possession into the results required to qualify.

With only one group qualification spot available, Nigeria cannot afford to repeat the mistakes that undermined their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.