World Cup Record: Last 16 1994 & 1998

Manager: Shaibu Amudo
Key Player: Mikel John Obi
Qualified: 1st Africa Group 4
Odds: 80/1

After a torrid qualification campaign, Nigeria finally qualified coming from behind to beat Kenya 3-2 thanks to a late winner by Obafemi Martins. The Super Eagles do not make life easy for themselves and it is this trait that will give some cause for concern. After respectable efforts in the World Cups of 1994 & 1998 they seem to have fallen behind some of the emerging African national football teams. Head Nigeria coach Shaobu Amudo has already spoken of the need to focus in this tournament and how he plans to balance young and old to make the most powerful Nigeria team ‘the world has ever seen’.

Mikel John Obi

Age: 22
Position: Midfield
Club: Chelsea (England – Premier League)
Caps: 28 (2 goals)

Mikel John Obi made his international debut against Libya in 2005 at the age of 18, although progress at international level has not been as rapid as many expected – with many of his 28 appearances coming from the bench. However, he quickly came to prominence at club level culminating in a protracted move to English Premier League club Chelsea from rivals Manchester United in 2006. He has since impressed at Stamford Bridge where he provides a physical presence at the heart of midfield. This World Cup represents a good opportunity for Mikel to ‘come of age’ at international level.