Malawi were held 2-2 by Kenya in a World Cup qualifier Wednesday, opening the door for Nigeria to win Group F.
Nigeria have a one-point lead over Malawi and victory in a late Wednesday fixture away to Namibia will give them an unassailable four-point advantage.
They would be the first country to reach the final Africa zone round, which comprises five home-and-away ties with the winners qualifying for Brazil.
Malawi led twice at Kamuzu Stadium in commercial capital Blantyre only for Kenya to get a last-minute reprieve when Chimango Kayira scored an own goal.
Striker Robin Ngalande put the home team ahead a minute into the second half on an artificial pitch and midfielder Jamal Mohamed levelled soon after.
A goal from veteran midfielder Robert Ng’ambi 10 minutes before time offered Malawi hope of a rare home win only for substitute Kayira to blunder.
The sole Malawi victory in five mini-league qualifiers was away to Namibia three months ago with all three home games drawn.
Namibia host Nigeria just 48 hours after Sweden-born national coach Roger Palmgren quit owing to unspecified death threats against him and his family.-nation.co.ke
