Draws for the 2018 Russia World Cup happened today in Moscow, Russia.
African representatives namely Nigeria, Egypt, Senegal, Morocco and Tunisia have been placed in groups A, B, D, G and H in what many observers believe is a fair draw for the continent.
Egypt, who are making a return after the Italy 1990 edition have been booked in Group A which has the hosts Russia, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
The Pharaohs will face the two times champions Uruguay in their opening group match.
Fellow North Africans Morocco will battle it out for the two top spots with European champions Portugal, 2010 winners Spain and Iran in a tough Group B.
The Atlas will return to the biggest football platform for the fifth time in a while against Iran in their opening match.
Brazil 2014 qualifiers Nigeria are in Group D alongside one time winners Argentina, Iceland and Croatia.
The Super Eagles were grouped together with Argentina for the fourth time in the Brazil edition.
Despite losing to the South American powerhouse, they managed to get out the group but were unlucky to exit the tournament at the round of 16.
The 2015 African champions will start against Croatia in the group.
Like Morocco, Tunisia are seen to be in a tough group alongside Belgium, Panama and England in group G.
They will kick-start their campaign against one time winners England.
1998 quarterfinalists Senegal, who are making a second appearance, have been placed with Poland, Colombia and Japan in group.
The group is viewed as favorable and the Teranga Lions can battle their way out.
CAF media expert Collins Okinyo holds that as usual the World Cup draws remains a “tricky” affair.
“I believe African teams have a good chance, nothing is cast in stone,” Collins said.
He tips Egypt to have an easy ride in their group, “Egypt, perhaps are in the easiest group and can even top it.”
Collins doesn’t think Tunisia will make it past the group stage, but overall he projects a good outing for the African representatives.
“This is the time for Africa.”
