Sani Kaita Sets AFCON Title Target For Eric Chelle And Super Eagles

Sani Kaita Sets AFCON Title Target For Eric Chelle And Super Eagles

Former Super Eagles midfielder Sani Kaita has challenged Nigeria to look beyond simply qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, insisting that the ultimate target for Eric Chelle’s team should be winning the continental title. Kaita believes Nigeria must turn the disappointment of missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup into motivation as the Super Eagles begin their campaign to qualify for the 2027 AFCON. Nigeria will compete in a qualifying group featuring Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania, with the three-time African champions expected to secure one of the available qualification spots.Kaita, who represented Nigeria at the 2006 and 2010 AFCON tournaments and featured at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, said the Super Eagles possess enough quality to overcome their qualifying opponents. “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, according to The Nation. However, the former midfielder believes qualification should only be the beginning of Nigeria’s ambitions. Kaita urged Chelle and his players to set their sights on competing for the trophy rather than merely securing a place at the tournament. “It is not only about qualifying. Nigeria has the quality to compete for the AFCON title, and that should be the target,” he said. The comments come after Nigeria suffered the disappointment of missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a setback that has increased pressure on the national team to deliver a strong performance at the next major continental tournament. The Super Eagles will begin their AFCON qualifying campaign at home against Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later. Those opening fixtures could prove important in determining Nigeria’s position in the group and building momentum under Chelle. The Malian tactician is expected to use the qualifying campaign to further develop his squad and establish a team capable of challenging Africa’s strongest sides. Nigeria has won the AFCON three times, with its most recent triumph coming in 2013. The Super Eagles also finished third at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. Kaita’s call for a title challenge therefore reflects the expectations surrounding a team with Nigeria’s football pedigree. For Chelle, the immediate task will be ensuring qualification, but the former international believes the coach should already be preparing the Super Eagles for a much bigger objective. With the World Cup disappointment still fresh, Nigeria will hope that the AFCON campaign provides an opportunity for redemption and a chance to restore confidence among supporters.