Nigeria’s Super Eagles have joined several other national teams to book their ticket to the next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted in Ivory Coast in January 2024.
Nigeria secured their place with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Sierra Leone in Monrovia, thanks to Victor Osimhen’s brilliant brace and a last-minute goal from substitute Kelechi Iheanacho.
Three-time champions Nigeria sit comfortably atop Group A with 12 points, followed by Guinea-Bissau with ten points.
Sierra Leone, with five points, cannot catch up to the top two teams in their remaining match, opening the door for Nigeria to mark their 20th appearance at the AFCON.
In Group B, both Cape Verde and Burkina Faso secured their places at the continental championship after the Cape Verdeans emerged victorious over Burkina Faso with a 3-1 win.
Egypt dominated Group C, securing their qualification with an impressive 12 points from four wins out of five matches. In Group F, Algeria became the first team to qualify, boasting a perfect record of five wins in as many games.
Mali clinched their spot in the tournament with a remarkable 2-0 away victory against Congo in Group G, courtesy of goals from Ibrahima Koné and Nene Dorgeles.
Group H witnessed a stunning performance from Zambia, securing a resounding 3-0 home victory over AFCON hosts Côte d’Ivoire. Both teams are guaranteed to finish at the top of the group and qualify.
In Group I, all four teams still have a chance to qualify depending on the outcomes of matchday six.
However, Group J has already been decided, with Equatorial Guinea and Tunisia securing their spots. Equatorial Guinea currently leads the North Africans after defeating them 1-0 in Malabo.
South Africa secured their place in the tournament with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Morocco, marking their first win in six attempts against the North African powerhouse.
Morocco also secured qualification, while Liberia trails behind in third place with one game remaining.
Defending champions Senegal have confirmed their presence at the AFCON in Ivory Coast, despite drawing 1-1 with Benin. They have already secured the top spot in Group K.
With Nigeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Algeria, Mali, Zambia, Equatorial Guinea, Tunisia, South Africa, Morocco, and defending champions Senegal all qualifying, the 2023 AFCON promises to be a highly competitive and exciting tournament, showcasing the best of African football talent in Ivory Coast.
Qualified Teams
Nigeria
Côte d’Ivoire (hosts)
Guinea-Bissau
Burkina Faso
Cape Verde
Egypt
Algeria
Mali
Zambia
Equatorial Guinea
South Africa
Morocco
Tunisia
Senegal
