Anything short of victory over the Central African Republic on Sunday would be a massive blow to Nigeria’s ambitions of qualifying for the 2022 Fifa World Cup.
Prior to the reverse clash staged in Lagos on Thursday, Gernot Rohr’s men maintained a perfect start that saw them lead Group C with six points.
Nevertheless, the Wild Beast scored a late winner on matchday three as super-sub Karl Namnganda beat goalkeeper Francis Uzoho after taking advantage of some sloppy defending by Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong.
Although the three-time African champions remain as leaders in the zone, they must pick up a win against Raoul Savoy's men on Sunday to avoid another tortuous route to a major tournament.