The West African nation takes on surprise package Central African Republic at 15:00 GMT at the National Stadium in Lagos on Friday, September 14.
The Group F game tips off a six game schedule on the first of a three day window to determine which teams represent the continent in China next year.
Angola’s tie against Cameroon in Group E in Rades, Tunisia comes off immediately after Mali’s game; Africa has five slots at the next World Cup.
Continental powerhouse Senegal plays Rwanda in the third game on Friday; Senegal is in line to host future qualifiers after recently opening a brand new arena.
Morocco plays reigning African Champions Tunisia in all North African show down before a West African showdown between Nigeria and Ivory Coast.
Chad and Egypt face off in the final game of the day.
By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@YawMintYM on Twitter