African teams will have to haal uit en wys at this World Cup after getting some really tough draws.
Egypt and Senegal have a pretty good chance of advancing, while Tunisia and Morocco are grouped with two European heavyweights.
Nigeria need to battle past Argentina and Croatia.
According to the Fifa rankings, Tunisia are the continent’s top team, followed by Senegal, Morocco, Egypt and Nigeria.
But in reality, things could turn out very different.
Egypt face Uruguay tonight and talisman Mo Salah is expected to be ready for that game after his shoulder injury in the Champions League final.
SUPER EAGLE: Jon Obi Mikel. Photo: REUTERS STAFF
After that, the Pharaohs will fancy their chances against hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia.
While there are obviously no guarantees, the Egyptians will be too much for those teams with Salah back.
Morocco will be in action tonight too and will look for three points against Iran. And it’s not going to be easy. But after that, it gets even tougher with Spain and Portugal lying in wait.
Nigeria come up against Croatia this weekend, before facing Iceland. They are going to need some points in the bank when they come up against Leo Messi and Argentina.
For top-ranked Tunisia, England and Belgium will test them before they face World Cup debutants Panama. They will have to have a behoorlike plan to get something out of the Three Lions and the Red Devils.
Senegal should also feel confident in a group where every team has a chance to advance, with clashes against Colombia. Japan and Poland.