The Indomitable Lions have a 100 percent record after five games in Group A and even a draw against second-placed Angola in Luanda would give leave them in an almost unassailable position to make it to Japan/Korea 2002.
A Cameroon-Angola draw would also leave Zambia, who lie third and are away at Togo on Sunday, with only a remote mathematical chance of catching them.
Cameroon, who are the current Olympic Football champions, have represented Africa at the last three World Cups - in Italy in 1990 where they reached the quarter-finals, in the USA in 1994, and in France in 1998.
Desperate Nigeria
The most decisive battle in Africa this weekend has to be the one scheduled to take place in the Nigerian city of Port Harcourt on Saturday, when Nigeria make a last-ditch attempt to stay in the World Cup race in their game against group leaders Liberia on Saturday.
The Super Eagles trail the Lone Star by five points in Group B and must win in Port Harcourt to retain interest in the qualifying campaign.
Nigeria's key game comes just a week after the sacking of coach Jo Bonfrere and Nigeria's preparations have been overshadowed by the refusal of several key players to join up with the squad.
Their action is thought to be a protest against the dismissal of the out of favor Dutchman.
Striker Nwankwo Kanu is doubtful, as he has told officials he wants to play for his English club Arsenal this weekend, while captain Sunday Oliseh, defender Taribo West and midfielder Austin Okocha told officials last week they would be unavailable.
Lone Star surprise
Liberia's surprise elevation to serious World Cup contenders has captured the imagination of many, with former World Footballer of the Year George Weah acting both as coach and inspiration in their campaign.
The Lone Stars beat Nigeria at home last July and also won a crucial qualifier in Ghana earlier this year to set themselves up for a first-ever World Cup finals appearance.
Group E leaders South Africa could also secure their place at next year's finals by beating Zimbabwe in Johannesburg on Saturday.
The Bafana Bafana have injury problems and unseasonal rain has also hampered their training this week.
But coach Carlos Queiroz is still confident of a victory that would leave them needing one point from their last two games to reach a second successive World Cup.
Tight Group C
In Group C, joint leaders Senegal and Morocco play away from home in matches which could allow their opponents, Egypt and Algeria, an opportunity to catch up with them in the standings.
Morocco will be without Mustapha Hadji for their trip to Algeria on Friday - the midfielder has asked to be excused to play the next day for relegation-threatened Coventry City in their English Premier League derby against Aston Villa.
Egypt's veteran striker Hossam Hassan pulled out of his country's squad for Sunday's group C match against Senegal in Cairo, leaving coach Mahmoud Al Gohari to rely on two teenage strikers to ensure a much-needed win.
Algeria will be without Moussa Saib, who has withdrawn from the squad through injury.
Tunisia's opportunity
Tunisia have a chance to go three points clear in group D but will need to overcome erratic hosts Madagascar in Antananarivo on Saturday.
There is relief for the Tunisians as their doubtful German-based playmaker Zoubier Baya, has passed the fitness.
The North Africans can go three points clear of second-placed Ivory Coast in their group if they win but the Ivorians will have a game in hand.
There are two other qualifiers this weekend - Congo-Brazzaville against Congo-Kinshasa and Sierra Leone versus Ghana - but none which have any bearing on the battle for World Cup places.
Only the winners of the five African qualifying groups will make next year's tournament in Japan and South Korea.