Nigeria
Nigeria - Group F (Argentina, Bosnia, Iran)
The Super Eagles of Africa is one of the strongest African teams in the World Cup. Their flawless qualifying campaign and the squad with a right balance of experienced and youth players. The reigning African Champions are managed for the first time by a Nigerian coach at the World Cup finals
Profile - The Green Eagles
Having appeared in five of the last six editions of the Cup, Nigerians doesn't lack in experience to participate at the big stage, but their shortfall in making an impact is the biggest concern. Before their World Cup debut in 1994, Nigeria ranked their career best 5th in FIFA World Rankings
Nigeria has developed a knack of scoring in every match, witnessed in their qualifying campaign, but their inability to score heavily would certainly count against them at the big stage. Their defense appears solid enough but are prone to fail against long range attacks
Confederation: CONMEBOL (South America)
Coach: Stephen Keshi (NGA)
FIFA Ranking: 44 (8-May-2014)
Nickname: Super Eagles
Key Players: Obi Mikel, Moses, Enyeama
Legends: Kanu, Okocha, Yekini
History - African Regulars
They have missed the 1990 and 2006 finals narrowly but have appeared in four editions during the period. They have reached the round of 16 in their first two appearances, exceeding expectations by topping their group in 1994 on debut. But they have failed to produce results of the same caliber in their last two outings
They had been the African champions thrice, in 1980, 1994 and 2013
Qualification - Unbeaten
They had an impressive qualifying campaign, having cruised through unbeaten. But their moment of crisis arrived in their home match against Kenya where they scraped through by drawing the game 1-1, equalizing in injury time. But they regained command with a string of wins, which includes an impressive playoff defeat of Ethiopia over both the legs
Prospects - Tough Draw
Although they have low hopes on mastering Argentina in their Group encounter, Nigeria would be hoping to getting a better game against Bosnia in their bid to qualify from the group. That game would define the group's final composition as Nigeria's better record against Iran would assist their cause. Getting out of the group would directly put them in the paths of former champions France and Germany
Squad
Goalkeepers:
Vincent Enyeama (Lille FC), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be'er Sheva), Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United)
Defenders:
Efe Ambrose (Celtic), Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough), Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC), Joseph Yobo (Norwich City), Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars)
Midfielders:
John Mikel Obi (Chelsea), Ramon Azeez (Almeria FC), Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio), Reuben Gabriel (Waasland-Beveren), Michael Babatunde (Volyn Lutsk), Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers)
Forwards:
Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow), Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United), Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce), Michael Uchebo (Cercle Brugge), Victor Moses (Liverpool), Uche Nwofor (Heerenveen)
June 8: Elderson Echiejile has been ruled out due to injury
May 6: Coach Stephen Keshi announced a 30-man provisional World Cup Squad
June 8: Elderson Echiejile has been ruled out due to injury
May 6: Coach Stephen Keshi announced a 30-man provisional World Cup Squad
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