Former Super Eagles striker Benedict Akwuegbu has warned that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be significantly more competitive than previous editions, saying the impressive performances of African nations at the recently concluded FIFA World Cup have transformed the continent’s football landscape.
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The tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, will mark the first time three East African nations stage the competition, with expectations already growing that it could produce one of the most fiercely contested AFCONs in history.
According to Akwuegbu, the gap between Africa’s traditional powerhouses and the continent’s emerging football nations is becoming increasingly smaller, making every match far more unpredictable.
«”The next AFCON will be much more difficult because African football has improved tremendously. What we saw from African countries at the World Cup is proof that many teams are now capable of competing at the highest level,” Akwuegbu said.»
The former Nigeria international believes the World Cup served as a clear indication that several nations once regarded as outsiders have developed the quality and confidence to challenge the continent’s established giants.
He singled out Cape Verde as one of the teams capable of causing major upsets, praising the island nation’s recent progress on the international stage.
«”Countries like Cape Verde have shown what they can do. They surprised many people at the World Cup, and I believe they will be one of the teams to watch at the AFCON,” he added.»
Akwuegbu also noted that the expanding competitiveness of African football should be welcomed, arguing that stronger opposition will ultimately improve the overall quality of the tournament and force leading nations to maintain higher standards.
For Nigeria, the warning comes as the Super Eagles continue rebuilding under head coach Eric Chelle, with the team aiming to challenge for continental honours after reaching the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations before narrowly losing to hosts Côte d’Ivoire.
With nations across the continent investing heavily in youth development, coaching and infrastructure, Akwuegbu believes the days of easy victories at AFCON are over.
As preparations begin for the 2027 tournament, his message is clear: reputation alone will no longer guarantee success, and only the best-prepared teams will have a realistic chance of lifting Africa’s biggest football prize.
