The upcoming international break will see Nigeria facing Algeria and Argentina in a World Cup qualifying dead rubber and friendly fixture respectively, offering Gernot Rohr and his team the opportunity to assess some of the squad's fringe players.
With opportunities between November and the global showpiece in Russia limited to just one international break - in March 2018 - Rohr will be under no illusion as to the value of the Super Eagles' upcoming fixtures.
Don't be surprised to see the German coach invite a bloated squad of 30 players for the upcoming fixtures as he looks to give some of the team's lesser lights the opportunity to impress him.
The prospect of Nigeria fielding a 'B Team' away in Algeria cannot be ruled out, with Rohr perhaps preferring to use his key men in the prestige fixture against Argentina in Krasnodar four days later.
It remains to be seen whether he will also risk a trio of key players - Victor Moses, Leon Balogun and Elderson Echiejile - should they recover from their current injury concerns, although expect Rohr to assess his alternatives for all three - particularly the injury-prone Balogun. The issue of a reliable and trusted goalkeeper still remains unresolved with the World Cup fast approaching.
Vincent Enyeama, back in training after a lengthy injury layoff, is not yet a valid option as he hasn't publicly stated his intention to come out of international retirement, and may not be considered for the upcoming fixtures.
Ikechukwu Ezenwa will have been inactive since the end of the Nigerian Professional Football League season in September, raising a concern here, perhaps opening the door for the new kid on the block - Deportivo La Coruna wonderkid Francis Uzoho.
The upcoming fixtures may be an ideal opportunity for Rohr to hand the wonderkid his international debut and assess his undisputed qualities.
Henry Onyekuru has been impressive for Anderlecht since his season-long loan switch from Everton in the summer and will surely relish the opportunity to prove to Rohr that he belongs in the squad ahead of, for example, Ahmed Musa or Moses Simon.
Expect the former KAS Eupen man to lead a young contingent of players including Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Ola Aina, Chidozie Awaziem and Oghenekaro Etebo
Experienced heads may include the aforementioned Musa, Kenneth Omeruo and John Ogu, all of whom are battling for their place in Russia after featuring only sporadically during Rohr's recent tenure.
All three will not only be looking to convince the coach of their worth for the travelling party to Russia, but also demonstrate that they deserve consideration as potential starters for the global showpiece.
Certainly, it's not stretching fact to suggest that any new faces who aren't included for the upcoming international break and any 'stalwarts' who fail to impress may begin to be considered outsiders for a place on the plane for next summer's fiesta.