Cameroon's hopes of reaching the 2018 World Cup rest on securing back-to-back victories over Nigeria as the two sides meet in a double-header on Friday and Monday.
The Indomitable Lions are four points behind their rivals in Group B and failure to close the gap would mean the African champions would miss out on a place in the tournament.
The Super Eagles, on the other hand, have surged into a formidable position after collecting maximum points from their opening two games and they can further extend their lead with wins over their rivals in the coming days.
Uyo's Godswill Akpabio International Stadium hosts the first game on Friday, with Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaounde the venue for the second meeting on Monday.
Game | Nigeria vs Cameroon |
Date | Friday, Sept. 1 |
Time | 17:00 BST / 12:00 ET |
TV CHANNEL & LIVE STREAM
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In the UK, the game will be available to watch live on television on BT Sport 2, as well as being available to stream online using the BT Sport app.
UK TV channel | Online stream |
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BT Sport 2 | BT Sport Player |
In the U.S., the match will not be available to watch live on television or using an online stream.
US TV channel | Online stream |
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N/A | N/A |
SQUADS & TEAM NEWS
Position | Nigeria players |
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Goalkeepers | Ezenwa, Akpeyi, Alampasu |
Defenders | Echiejile, Abdullahi, Troost-Ekong, Balogun, Awaziem, Ebuehi, Aina |
Midfielders | Mikel, Onazi, Ogu, Ndidi, Agu, Oghenekaro |
Forwards | Musa, Moses, Simon, Ighalo, Iheanacho, Nwakaeme |
John Obi Mikel and Odion Ighalo have returned to the Nigeria squad, while Leon Balogun also resumes his place in the panel after missing games against Algeria and South Africa.
Chelsea winger Victor Moses has also been called up again after sitting out the clash against South Africa due to injury. However, Alex Iwobi has been forced to withdraw and has been replaced by Aaron Samuel.
Potential starting XI: Ezenwa; Echiejile, Balogun, Troost-Ekong, Abdullahi; Mikel, Onazi, Musa, Moses; Iheanacho, Ighalo.
Position | Cameroon players |
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Goalkeepers | Ondoa, Bokwe, Goda |
Defenders | Ngadeu, Teikeu, Mabouka, Castelleto, Leuko, Fai, Banana, Nouhou, |
Midfielders | Djoum, Mandjeck, Siani, Anguissa |
Forwards | Choupa, Aboubakar, Moukandjo, Bassogog, Toko, Nsame, Ngamaleu, Olinga |
Cameroon boss Hugo Broos has called up 23 players for the qualification double-header and the Belgian has stuck largely with the panel that competed in the Confederations Cup.
They will look to Porto striker Vincent Aboubakar for goals, while captain Benjamin Moukandjo, who plies his trade in China with Jiangsu Suning, will be expected to provide inspiration in midfield.
Potential starting XI: Ondoa; Mabouka, Fai, Teikeu, Ngadeu; Anguissa, Siani, Djoum, Moukandjo, Bassogog; Aboubakar.
BETTING & MATCH ODDS
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Nigeria are 17/20 favourites to win, according to dabblebet, with Cameroon priced at 3/1 to overcome the Super Eagles. A draw is available at 9/4.
GAME PREVIEW
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Nigeria can deal a serious blow to Cameroon's chances of reaching the World Cup when the sides meet in Uyo on Friday as a win for the Super Eagles would see them move seven points clear with just three games to go.
However, victory for the Indomitable Lions could see that lead scythed to just one point, so this double header is crucial for both teams. Indeed, Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel is fully aware of the task that lies ahead of his side.
"As everyone knows, they are a very good team,” Mikel told FIFA.com ahead of the game.
"They are strong and they play with confidence. We must get ourselves well prepared for this game and try our best to get on top against them. It won't be easy but these are important matches. If we win both, we will be almost there."
Reigning African champions Cameroon may have competed in the Confederations Cup in Russia this summer, but they could well be denied a return to the country should they fail to overturn Nigeria, with only the group winners progressing. And Christian Bassogog has urged his team-mates to battle for the victory.
"Nigeria are a strong team,” the Henan Jianye forward told FIFA.com. “They have very good players and many of them are playing in Europe. But we must defeat them if we are to maintain our qualifying hopes. We should take the game to them. We need to fight to defeat them."