Nigeria will face by far their toughest qualifying campaign for the World Cup after they were dropped by FIFA to Pot 3 of the seedings for Friday’s draw in Egypt.
The Super Eagles, who are aiming for a third straight World Cup qualification, were previously in Pot 2.
It now means they could again draw their nemesis in the 2017 AFCON qualifiers Egypt, who are now promoted to Pot 1, as well as the likes of Tunisia or Cameroon, who are now in Pot 2.
Now in Pot 3, Nigeria will avoid Congo Brazzaville, Morocco, Mali and South Africa, who are also seeded there.
FIFA have adjusted the seedings after complaints from several of the qualifiers led by Egypt.
The draw on Friday will be staged by 4pm Nigerian time.
SEEDING
Pot 1: Algeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Senegal, Egypt
Pot 2: Tunisia, Cape Verde, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Cameroon
Pot 3: Congo Brazzaville, Nigeria, Morocco, Mali, South Africa
Pot 4: Uganda, Burkina Faso, Zambia, Gabon, Libya