Super Eagles: Ex-Nigeria star explains how Chelle’s men can qualify for AFCON 2027

Former Flying Eagles of Nigeria defender Taju Disu has shared his thoughts on the Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, Afrik-Foot reports.

The three-time African champions will begin their qualification campaign for the next edition of the continental tournament in September, with the qualifiers running through to March next year to decide the teams that will advance to the main competition, which will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group L alongside co-host Tanzania, as well as Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. However, while two teams will qualify from most groups, only one team is expected to advance from Nigeria’s group, making the challenge even tougher.

The Super Eagles finished second at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and went on to claim third place at the 2025 edition in Morocco, where they impressed under Eric Chelle and did not lose a match in normal time.

Taju Disu sends warning to Super Eagles ahead of AFCON 2027 qualifiers

The Super Eagles head into the qualifying campaign for the 2027 AFCON tournament in September, hoping to secure another appearance as they aim to end their long wait for continental glory.

Following that triumph in the 2013 edition in South Africa, Nigeria went on to miss out on the next two editions of the tournament, but have since finished second and third in the last two. However, they have also missed out on two consecutive World Cup tournaments and will be determined to avoid another AFCON disappointment.

Speaking on the situation, former Nigerian international Taju Disu warned against underestimating any opponent, stressing that African football has evolved and no team can be taken lightly anymore.

“They should prepare very well and be ready for every match. There are no easy teams anymore in African football”, Disu said, via Footy-Africa.

“These countries are no longer afraid when they play Nigeria. It was different before. In those days, if you came to Nigeria, you already felt beaten. And when Nigeria travelled away, opponents were under pressure because of our reputation.

“But things have changed now because other countries know Nigerian football is not what it used to be. The players must go there, do their best and represent the country well. From what I have seen recently, I don’t think we have much of a chance, but I still wish them the very best”, he concluded.

For now, the Super Eagles will turn their attention to their Unity Cup final against Jamaica on Saturday at The Valley in London, as they aim to continue their strong run in the competition.

They will then face Poland and Portugal in two friendly matches in June before kicking off their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign in September.