The final group matches in AFCON Groups E and F today will determine the team who will face the high-flying Super Eagles in Sunday’s round of 16 clash.
The Eagles were runaway winners of Group D with nine points from three matches and will now battle third best losers from Groups B, E or F.
Malawi have already finished third in Group B with four points, but like the Super Eagles, they will have to wait till the final matches today to know whether they are still alive at this AFCON.
All four teams in Group E – Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea,Cote d’Ivoire and Algeria – could snatch the third losers slot to face the Eagles Sunday.
Cote d’Ivoire are top of this group with four points, Equatorial Guinea second on three points, Sierra Leone have two points, while defending champions Algeria are rooted at the bottom of the standings.
Sierra Leone will need to win today against Equatorial Guinea to be in reckoning, while the Guineans need to win to stand any chance.
A draw will be enough for Cote d’Ivoire in their heavyweight bout with the Algerians, who need to win by at least two goals to get their title defence back on track.
In Group F, Gambia, Tunisia and Mali could still end up as Nigeria’s opponents this weekend.
Both leaders Gambia and Mali are on four points apiece, while Tunisia have three points.
A draw between Gambia and Tunisia will keep them in contention, while a point for Mali in their final group game with pointless Mauritania will also keep their hopes alive.
