The Super Eagles are searching for a fast start against AFCON debutants Burundi tonight but failed to score in their previous two warm-up matches before the tournament.
A goalless draw at home to Zimbabwe was followed by a 1-0 defeat to Senegal in Egypt, meaning the pressure is on Arsenal ace Alex Iwobi and his team-mates to start firing.
The 23-year-old is expected to be deployed in a central role behind the former Premier League pair of Odion Ighalo and Ahmed Musa, completing one of the most potent attacking forces in the competition.
And this is even without Leicester striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who was cut from the final squad by manager Gernot Rohr.
Nigeria are expected to line up in a traditional 4-3-3 formation, with Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo and captain John Obi Mikel anchoring the midfield.
The former Chelsea midfielder is expected to come into the side despite missing the entire qualification campaign, with his experience likely to prove invaluable over the next few weeks.
Kenneth Omeruo could be given the nod at full-back, with the Leganes defender just one of three remaining players from the 2013 AFCON victory – along with Mikel and Musa.
The rest of the back four should be made up of William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun and Jamilu Collins, although Ola Aina will hope to feature after his recall to the squad.
In goal, Francis Uzoho faces competition from Daniel Akpeyi after the latter impressed in the warm-up matches.
Rohr has no injury issues to contend with before the competition and will expect a positive result against a side ranked 89 places below Nigeria in the FIFA rankings.
The Super Eagles will also face Guinea and another AFCON debutant Madagascar in Group B.
Progressing to the knockout stages is a minimum expectation, although overall victory will be a tall order with the likes of Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana and hosts Egypt all heavily fancied.
