Nigeria haven't reached the World Cup knockout stages since 1998. Nick Hext ponders if it will be different this time?
Tuesday 10 June 2014 09:59, UK
Nigeria are the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions and will be hoping to join Argentina in making it out of Group F.
The Super Eagles look set to compete with Bosnia and Herzegovina for second but will need to up their game from a lacklustre showing in qualifying that saw them progress courtesy of victory over Ethiopia in a play-off.
Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel have both been operating at the top of the Premier League this season and that kind of quality needs to be on show if Nigeria are to cause a stir. They already have experience of playing in Brazil from the Confederations Cup but better is required than the group stage exit in that tournament.
Nigeria’s Group F fixtures
Coach: Stephen Keshi
Keshi has been in charge of Nigeria since 2011 and enjoyed Africa Cup of Nations glory in 2013, beating Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final. The 2013 Confederations Cup saw the Super Eagles beat Tahiti 6-1 but defeats by Uruguay and Spain resulted in an exit at the group stage. Keshi should have been in charge of Togo for the 2006 World Cup but was incredibly harshly replaced by Otto Pfister despite securing the country a place at the finals for the first time.
Star man: Emmanuel Emenike
Emenike is the man for opposition defences to worry about when they face Nigeria. The striker netted both goals in the 2-1 win over Ethiopia in the first leg of their play-off and is sure to be a key man in Brazil. Emenike's club career in Europe has seen him enjoy two spells with Turkish outfit Fenerbahce sandwiched by a stint with Spartak Moscow in Russia. Could a strong World Cup attract attention from elsewhere?
Tournament best: Last 16 1994 and 1998.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be'er Sheva), Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United).
Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Monaco), 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 Obi Mikel (Chelsea), Ramon Azeez (Almeria), Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio), Reuben Gabriel (Waasland-Beveren), Michael Uchebo (Cercle Brugge)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow), Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United), Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce), Peter Odemwingie (Stoke), Victor Moses (Chelsea), Uche Nwofor (Heerenveen), Michael Babatunde (Volyn Lutsk).
British based players: Efe Ambrose (Celtic), Joseph Yobo (Norwich) Shola Ameobi (Newcastle), John Obi Mikel (Chelsea), Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough), Victor Moses (Chelsea), Peter Odemwingie (Stoke).
Sky Bet odds: 200/1
With two second-round exits to their name from their four World Cup appearances, Nigeria are 13/2 to beat their personal best by reaching the quarter finals. However, they face a tough fight to get out of Group F, with Argentina (1/25) and Bosnia (4/5) both odds-on to progress. The Super Eagles can be backed to take one of the two spots at 11/8, or 9/1 to surprise all by topping their table. Should they manage what is likely to be their ultimate aim, they’re 5/2 to go no further than the last 16.
