AFCON 2027 QUALIFIERS: NIGERIA FACE CRUNCH TANZANIA TEST AS 12-GROUP RACE HEATS UP

The race for places at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is set to intensify as the qualifying campaign enters a decisive stage, with the third round of matches scheduled for November 12–14 and the fourth round from November 16–17, 2026. The November double-header could significantly reshape the standings across the 12 qualifying groups.

In Group A, Morocco will aim to maintain their perfect record against Niger after winning their opening two matches. Egypt and Angola, meanwhile, are locked on four points in Group B, with Malawi close behind, while Ivory Coast and Gambia lead Group C with maximum points. South Africa also top Group D with six points as they prepare to face co-hosts Kenya.

DR Congo will seek to extend their winning run against bottom-placed Sierra Leone in Group E, while Benin and Burkina Faso face crucial tests in a tightly contested Group F. Cameroon take on Namibia in Group G, while Tunisia face Libya and Uganda meet Botswana in Group H. Algeria will also look to strengthen their position against Togo in Group I.

Senegal and Mozambique are battling for supremacy in Group J, with Sudan also firmly in contention. Mali and Rwanda, both with maximum points, are set for a potentially decisive top-of-the-table clash in Group K. Meanwhile, Guinea-Bissau lead Group L with six points after defeating Nigeria 3-0.

The Super Eagles face Tanzania in a crucial encounter, knowing that a positive result is important to their qualification ambitions. Nigeria currently have three points and will be under pressure to close the gap on Guinea-Bissau, who face Madagascar in their bid to maintain a perfect record.

With established contenders seeking to consolidate their positions and struggling teams desperate to revive their campaigns, the November fixtures promise intense battles across the continent. For Nigeria, the clash with Tanzania represents an important opportunity to get their AFCON 2027 qualification campaign back on track.