Football teacher and goalkeeping coach Michael Soniregun has backed the Super Eagles to complete the summit in their AFCON 2027 qualifying squad, but insists that Nigeria must live alert if they are to avoid pointless setbacks.
The draw for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) POMOJA 2027 qualifiers to be held on May 19, 2026, placed Nigeria in Group L alongside Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau
On paper, Nigeria goes in as clean favourites, but Soniregun believes African qualifiers often don’t adhere to the script. Speaking to Sports247 soon after the draw, he mentioned that the three-time African champions should show away games wide open.
“I think there is a strong threat to the Super Eagles being at the top of Group L, he said. “Nigeria remain and enjoy the most important footballing state within the group in terms of the best but the African qualifiers are consistently tough, especially away from home.”
Tanzania’s automatic qualification as co-hosts provides another slight layer of stress, leaving only one guaranteed slot at the back of Nigeria within the group Soniregun says raises the stakes significantly for each in size.
“And every entertainment is very expensive. Can’t imagine money being a factor in dropping the Super Eagles especially away from home,” he added.
He additionally chose Guinea-Bissau as the riskiest opponent within the organisation, praising their structure and increasing enjoyment at the continental level.
Soniregun believes that Nigeria’s biggest task will no longer be skills, however consistency and discipline on the campaign trail.
