World Cup 2018 Draw: Nigeria to Battle Argentina while Tunisia Face Panama

The draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals was conducted at the State Kremlin Palace in Moscow on Friday. Thirty-two teams including five African nations were drawn into eight groups of four. Nigeria’s World Cup 2018 fate has been decided after the Super Eagles of Nigeria are to face Albicelestes of Argentina while Tunisia will battle with Panama in Group G at Friday’s star-studded event in Moscow.

While Gernot Rohr’s men have avoided the likes of holders Germany, European champions Portugal, France, Brazil and Spain, they have nevertheless been given a challenging test against their familiar enemies, the Argentines.

Egypt, who qualified for the finals for the first time since 1990, were pitted against Saudi Arabia, Uruguay and the host nation, Russia.

Their North African rivals Morocco were drawn into Group B along with Portugal, Spain and Iran. Morocco will make their sixth appearance in the finals next year.

Three-time African champions Nigeria, who will also make their sixth appearance in the finals next year, were drawn into Group D along with Argentina, Iceland and Croatia.

North African giants Tunisia were pitted against Panama, England and Belgium in Group G. Tunisia qualified for the finals for the first time since 2006.

Lastly, West African side Senegal are in Group H along with Poland, Colombia and Japan. Senegal will make their second appearance in the finals in Russia.

According to the latest FIFA rankings, Belgium are the fifth best team in the world, with England ranked 15th, Tunisia 27th and Panama 56th – only three countries, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and hosts Russia are ranked lower in the entire competition. The draw, hosted by Gary Lineker, took place in the Russian capital, with Portugal and Spain arguably providing the most exciting match-up of the group stages.

Check out the full draw below…

Group A – Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uruguay

Group B – Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Iran

Group C – France, Australia, Peru, Denmark

Group D – Argentina, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria

Group E – Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Serbia

Group F – Germany, Mexico, Sweden, Korea Republic

Group G – Belgium, Panama, Tunisia, England

Group H – Poland, Senegal, Colombia, Japan

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