Former Super Eagles midfielder Sani Kaita has called on Nigeria to turn the disappointment of missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup into motivation as the team begins its campaign to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Kaita believes Nigeria has enough quality in its squad to secure a place at the continental tournament and go beyond qualification by challenging for the AFCON title.
The former international urged the Super Eagles to respond positively after failing to secure a place at the World Cup.
“As Nigerians, we expect the Super Eagles to show their strength and qualify for the AFCON. We have the quality to do it, and we should use the disappointment of missing the World Cup as motivation,” Kaita said.
Nigeria is drawn in Group L alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania. Tanzania, one of the tournament’s co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda, already has a guaranteed place at the 2027 competition.
The Super Eagles are expected to begin their qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.
For Kaita, however, qualifying for the tournament should not be considered the ultimate objective.
“It is not only about qualifying. Nigeria has the quality to compete for the AFCON title, and that should be the target,” he added.
Kaita was part of Nigeria’s squad at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and also represented the country at the 2006 and 2010 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
The upcoming qualifying campaign will also mark a new competitive chapter for the Super Eagles under coach Eric Chelle.
With the disappointment of the World Cup still fresh, Kaita believes the team can use the setback as a source of motivation and build towards a strong AFCON campaign.
Nigeria will be expected to make a convincing start against Madagascar and establish itself as one of the leading contenders in the group.
