AFCON & Nations League Kick Off: Early Shocks!

The international football season is in full swing with the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers and the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 league phase now underway. Teams across Africa and Europe are competing intensely for crucial points.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, marking a return to East Africa after over five decades. The qualifying competition features 48 teams, with the top two from each group advancing. However, due to the host nations' automatic qualification, only the highest-placed non-host team will secure a spot from specific groups.

Nigeria launched their AFCON 2027 qualifying journey with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Group L. The Super Eagles secured three points, positioning them well in a group that includes co-hosts Tanzania. The qualifying matches for AFCON are scheduled across several matchdays, concluding in March 2027.

Meanwhile, the UEFA Nations League league phase commenced on September 24 and will run until November 17, 2026. League A, B, and C teams will play six matches, while League D teams will play four. Early results have already established some group leaders and created early point gaps.

Notable opening fixtures in the Nations League included Belgium's win over Italy, France's victory against Türkiye, and Spain's 3-2 triumph over England. The competition progresses rapidly with multiple matchdays scheduled in September and October, followed by the final league phase games in November.

Both competitions, while distinct in their objectives, are generating significant excitement. AFCON qualifiers directly determine places at the 2027 finals, while the Nations League offers progression between divisions and a pathway to further competition stages. The immediate focus for Nigeria is their upcoming crucial match against Guinea Bissau, while European giants prepare for more intense Nations League clashes.