Nigeria will begin their quest for a place in the 2018 World Cup in Russia on Friday with a second round qualifying match against Swaziland.

The Super Eagles are facing the Swaziland side for the first time in an international game at the artificial Somhlolo National Stadium in Lombaba.

Sunday Oliseh's team were drawn bye so did not take part in the first round games likewise many superpowers on the African continent while Swaziland defeated Djibouti 8-1 on aggregate in the first round to set up a meeting against the Eagles.

Swaziland have won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five matches while Nigeria's statistics read three games won,  one defeat and one draw in their last five international matches.

The game is Oliseh's first in a World Cup qualifier since taking charge of the Eagles.

Oliseh is likely to field recalled Seattle Sounders striker Obafemi Martins and possibly Manchester City's Kelechi Iheanacho who has earned his first senior Nigeria call-up following good form with the Citizens.

Swaziland are ranked 130th by FIFA while the Super Eagles are ranked 59th.

Both teams will clash again in Port Harcourt next week, with the winner going straight into the 20-team, mini-league phase beginning next year which will produce Africa's five representatives in Russia.

Nigeria have appeared at the last two World Cup finals in 2010 and 2014.

Friday's match kicks off 6pm Nigerian time.

[Complete Sports]