FIFA To Group Nigeria; 19 Other African Countries June 24

The world football governing body, FIFA have announced via

their website that the draws for the group stage for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers will take place in Cairo on 24 June 2016.

The process which began with 53 countries now has 20 finalists, which  4 emerging countries from 4 groups will progress to represent the African continent in Russia in 2018 edition of the once-in-four-years global championship.

“This is the latest step in a qualifying campaign that began for Africa in October 2015 with 53 nations taking part. Round 1 was contested by the 26 lowest-ranked member associations, the 13 winners from which went on to a second stage against the Confederation's remaining 27 nations,” FIFA stated.

“Just 20 teams now remain from that second round, all of whom will be eagerly awaiting this Round 3 draw, the procedures for which - including pots and seeded teams - will be announced in due course.”