Time for Nigeria to fly higher than last 16

Nigeria was the first African team to book its place at this year’s World Cup and finished its campaign unbeaten despite having to deal with Cameroon, Algeria and Zambia. Super Eagles fans can be quietly confident the days when Nigeria went to World Cups as competitors as opposed to tourists are firmly back. There were glimpses of a resumption of normal service at Brazil 2014 when the Nigerians negotiated their group, but with the steady hand of German tactician Gernot Rohr and a potent attack, they have the potential to post their best result yet by not just emerging from the group, but possibly going further than the Round of 16.

How they play:
Nigeria under Gernot Rohr combines flair with pragmatism, so expect more defensive discipline, greater tactical organisation and efficiency in attack, with most chances created on the break via the team’s speedy wingers.

Strengths:
The Super Eagles’ attackers might all be a level below world class, but they are still very good; from Victor Moses to Alex Iwobi to Kelechi Iheanacho. A midfield patrolled by Ogenyi Onazi, Wilfred Ndidi and John Obi Mikel should match what their Group D opponents have to offer.

Weaknesses:
Coach Rohr came out second best against the federation president in a battle to have experienced goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama reinstated to the side. Considering that Carl Ikeme who had replaced Enyeama as first choice was ruled out by leukaemia, you worry for Nigeria in the goalkeeping department.
Star Man:
Victor Moses was one of the outstanding players in an impressive qualifying campaign and will be key to whatever the team has to offer in attack.

One to watch:
Alex Iwobi has yet to show the kind of growth that would have been expected of him at club level but he tends to play better for his country than he does for Arsenal.
Prospects:
Nigeria appears to have found stability, an elusive quality for Super Eagles squads through the years. That means they can focus on being better than two of their Group D opponents, and while that is a target that is far from straight forward in a group featuring Argentina, Croatia and Iceland, it is still within reach. If they manage to get out of the group, the real challenge will be to push themselves to a first quarter-final appearance.
FIFA Ranking: 47

Coach: Gernot Rohr

Fact file

How they qualified: Topped Group B of the
Caf qualifying section
World Cup Appearances: 5
World Cup Record: 1994 - Second round;
1998 - Second round; 2002 - First round;
2010 - First round; 2014 - Second round
Overall Record: P18, W5, D3, L10
Best Performance: Second round in 1994,
1998 and 2014
World Cup High: Beating Spain 3-2 in their
opening game during the 1998 finals, having
twice come from behind.
World Cup Low: A 4-1 annihilation by
Denmark in the second round of France’98
when they were favourites.
World Cup Legend: Jay-Jay Okocha burst
onto the World Cup scene in 1994 and
played in 1998 and 2002 as well.

Probable line-up

1. Ikechukwu Ezenwa
2. Shehu Abdullahi
3. Elderson Echiejile
4. William Troost-Ekong
5. Leon Balogun
6. Wilfred Ndidi
7. Ogenyi Onazi
8. John Obi Mikel (captain)
9. Victor Moses
10. Alex Iwobi
11. Kelechi Iheanacho