Russia 2018:Nigeria ‘drawn’ in group of death

After coming through from ‘Group of Death’ in the African qualifiers, Nigeria could again find themselves in another intimidating group at Russia 2018, according to a dry run conducted by draw host and former England striker Gary Linekar.

A lowly FIFA ranking of 41st in the world has seen the Super Eagles in Pot 4 and they look set to be drawn in another difficult-looking group at Russia 2018.

Lineker revealed that Thursday’s practice run pitted the Eagles against Argentina, France and Mexico.

The ex-England star will conduct the draw in Moscow with Russian sports journalist Maria Komandnaya and seven superstar ‘assistants including Maradona and Brazil’s Cafu.

Lineker said Nigeria was pitched against Argentina for the fifth time, France who knocked Nigeria out at the round of 16 three years ago in Brazil and Mexico, who have never played against the Super Eagles at the World Cup.

“Group of Death: Argentina, France and Mexico,” he tweeted.

However, the snag is that both Argentina, who the Super Eagles defeated 4-2 in a recent friendly, and France are in Pot 1 and two teams from the same pot cannot be drawn against each other.

The actual draw will be at the State Kremlin Palace in Moscow next Friday.