(Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)
Although the Super Eagles were the only team in CAF Group 2 qualifying with a 100% record, the fans are still not happy—critical of local coach Shaibu Amodu's management methods.
Tunisia are bidding for a fourth straight World Cup. Disappointing in recent finals, captain Karim Hagui will strive to show that a country boasting a fine African club record can translate that onto the international game.
With Kenya and Mozambique expected to offer little resistance, the heavyweight clashes between Tunisia and Nigeria will determine Group B's outcome.
Just like Nigeria in Group B, Egypt's Pharaohs will hog the limelight in Group C—which also features Zambia, Rwanda, and two-time finalists Algeria.
Claiming six African Cup of Nations championships and an unprecedented 20 continental club titles, Egypt's claim to being Africa's greatest footballing nation should be undeniable—yet it is let down by their paltry two World Cup appearances.
This is less than Cameroon, Nigeria, Morocco and Tunisia, meaning a heavy burden is on the reigning African champions to reach their first finals since 1990. With an ageing but settled side, and a respected coach in wily Hassan Al Shehata, Egypt must make it through their group to dispel their doubters.
Egypt will face stiff competition from fellow North Africans Algeria, who already knocked out Senegal, and Zambia. The Chipolopolo are desperate to partake in the football festival on their doorstep next year.
Rwanda will surely bring up the rear unless they can produce a qualification miracle to match the one where they contested the 2004 Nations Cup.
The final two groups’ field just one World Cup finalist apiece with Ghana (Group D) and Ivory Coast (Group E) both having made it to the last finals.
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