Egypt could topple the Super Eagles to emerge as one of the top five seeds for the 2022 World Cup playoffs after they won their opening FIFA Arab Cup game versus Lebanon today.
Nigeria are currently the fifth top seed with a marginal 29 points ahead of Egypt.
The Pharaohs pipped Lebanon 1-0 to give them much-needed points for the FIFA Rankings, which will be used to determine the five top seeds for the playoffs in March.
While the Super Eagles do not have any international engagements around this time, Egypt will gain valuable points in the FIFA Rankings should they keep winning at the Arab Cup in Qatar.
On Saturday, they take on Sudan, who like the Super Eagles they will also battle in an AFCON group game in January, in continuation of the Arab Cup.
They will then tackle African champions Algeria in a final group game Tuesday.