The Super Eagles have been grouped alongside former African champions
Algeria, Cameroon and Zambia in qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup in
Russia.
Nigeria, Algeria and Cameroon were all in Brazil for the last World
Cup were both the Super Eagles and Algeria advanced to the second
round two years ago.
With this group, it means, the trio might not make it to the
tournament in Russia, while it is certain that two of the last African
representatives would not make it to Russia.
The Super Eagles will have to sort out their away form if they are to
qualify for their sixth World Cup in Russia. With no substantive coach
in place, the NFF would have to quickly resolve the uncertainty over
that position as well as the venue where Nigeria would play their
matches.
Algeria, who are the highest ranked side in Africa have enjoyed a
steady rise on the continent since they started calling on players on
where born in Europe to Algerian parents following FIFA's rule change.
They will arguably be Nigeria's strongest opponent in the group, and
on current form would pose the greatest obstacle to the Super Eagles
chances of qualifying for Russia.
The indomitable lions, Cameroon is another team with a pedigree that
could hurt Nigeria's chances. They have been to the World Cup a record
seven times. With so much at stake, there will be no margin for error
for the Super Eagles in qualifying.
While Zambia will equally not be pushovers as the 2012 African
champions are a good footballing side on their day, and are strong at
home.
Nigeria will have to negotiate the qualifiers knowing that they have
no margin for errors if they are to be in Russia.
Full group.
Group A
Tunisia, Libya, DR Congo, Guinea
Group B
Nigeria, Cameroon, Zambia, Algeria
Group C
Gabon, Mail, Ivory Coast, Morocco
Group D
Senegal, South Africa, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde
Group E
Ghana, Egypt, Congo, Uganda
The group winners will qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The
qualifying campaign starts in October, while the second round of
matches will be in November. The concluding rounds will be in 2017.