There’s no African heavyweight in greater peril, with only four matches still to play, than Nigeria, who are six points off group leaders South Africa heading into the international break.
The Super Eagles need maximum points from their outstanding matches – including against Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein on September 9 – to stand a chance of progression, although the CAF playoffs and the inter-continental playoffs might represent a more realistic route to the competition.
Before the Bafana game, Nigeria host Rwanda on Saturday, with the Amavubi — currently on eight points — representing a veritable banana skin.
The West African giants will be harbouring hope that South Africa will be punished by FIFA for playing the ineligible Teboho Mokoena in their March victory over Lesotho. If that result is overturned and Bafana punished, then Nigeria may start fancying their chances of an unlikely escape act.
Under-pressure Eric Chelle can call upon Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman and many others as he looks to improve dramatically on Nigeria’s recent performances.
