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Nigeria

FIFA World Ranking: 21st

Nigeria

The Super Eagles sneaked into the World Cup finals thanks to a hard-earned 3-2 win over Kenya, and other results going their way on the last day of qualifying. That team, under Coach Shaibu Amodu, was a far cry from the sides that thrilled the world in their surge to the round of 16 in both 1994 and 1998. After much internal strife during the qualification campaign, Amodu was replaced by veteran manager Lars Lagerback, and the nation will be hoping that the Swede can work some magic for the Africans and unite the team before the tournament begins.

The Nigerian squad boasts plenty of pace and power, as well as an even blend of youth and experience. Up front, Obafemi Martins and Aiyegbeni Yakubu are both Premier League veterans and have proven that they have the ability to score against top defences, while winger Peter Odemwingie has long been linked with a move to one of Europe’s larger clubs. Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu has also had a stellar season at the club level and will be expected reproduce this form for his national side, while the evergreen veteran Nwankwo Kanu’s vast experience will be an asset to the squad.

Defensively, the Nigerians are no slouches either – captain Joseph Yobo has been solid at the back for Everton for the past few seasons, while Taye Taiwo comes off the back of winning the Ligue 1 title with Marseille. The Nigerian side is blessed with a number of talented players, and if Lagerback can get them to play as a team, the fact that they know the African conditions well may help them in getting past the first stage.

Key Player: Jon Obi Mikel

The Chelsea midfielder will be familiar to Premier League fans, and has been nothing short of impressive since joining the London side after a transfer saga in 2005. Mikel has earned 114 caps for Chelsea and has much experience at Europe’s top level, which will certainly be invaluable in South Africa. A capable defensive midfielder, Mikel won Chelsea’s Young Player of the Year award in 2007 and 2008 and was also named the Best Young African Player in the world in 2006. He will be expected to play the anchor’s role for the Super Eagles, and his acute passing and strong tackling will be important if Nigeria are to progress out of a challenging group.

What they said

“I expect the Eagles to prepare well and win this trophy. That will be a birthday gift for our country and set the stage for a golden jubilee celebration of our independence as a nation.” – Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan seems to know far less about football than he does about politics.

What we think

Newly appointed coach Lars Lagerback has brought some stability to a side that struggled during the qualification campaign, and under his guidance they will be hoping to make it past the group stage. Even so, Argentina, Greece and South Korea will all be difficult opponents, and the Nigerians will need all of their pace and power to make it to the last 16. Anything beyond that would be a bonus, but their dark horse status and the fact that they will certainly have a large contingent of supporters at the tournament may inspire them to a few upsets.