Udeze Urges Super Eagles to Respect AFCON 2027 Rivals

Ifeanyi Udeze, a former Super Eagles defender, has cautioned Nigeria's national football team not to underestimate their opponents in the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Nigeria has been drawn into Group L alongside Tanzania, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau.

Udeze emphasized that complacency could be costly, referencing Nigeria's previous struggles in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He noted that Tanzania has expressed confidence, and every team in the group should be taken seriously.

Udeze highlighted that Nigeria has a history of success against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau but stressed the importance of approaching each match with seriousness. The Super Eagles will open their qualifying campaign at home against Madagascar on September 23, 2026.

The qualification series will span three international windows, concluding in March 2027, while the AFCON tournament will take place from June 19 to July 17, 2027, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.