Profile
Winning the African Cup of Nations 18 months before the World Cup will raise expectations in Nigeria which might not be a good thing given that the Super Eagles came out on top of a poor tournament.
But Stephen Keshi has constructed a side that is more united than Nigeria are used to, eschewing star names.
John Obi Mikel is the key player in midfield and has a larger remit than he has with Chelsea, with a deep-lying playmaker role, while Victor Moses is far more important for country than he is for his clubs.
A group featuring Argentina, Bosnia and Iran is not daunting and Nigeria will be aiming for second spot in the group, with a good opening result against Iran vital.
Want to learn about the Nigerian national team in-depth, then listen to Team 33's wide-ranging interview with renowned football writer Colin Udoh who talks Mikel off the leash, Nigeria's expectations, the young players to watch and the players Stephen Keshi should have called up.
We also discussed Nigeria in our African football focus with Tom Vernon which you can listen to below:
Latest news and features
Team 33 put the spotlight on Vincent Enyeama
African football find itself in limbo
Nigeria lost to Argentina but still reach Round 16
Nigeria exploit Bosnia's left side problem
Will the World Cup be a wake up call for African football?
Why are Nigeria's World Cup expectations tempered?
Why is it impossible to win away in the Nigerian league?
Where are African and Asian teams still going wrong?
Coach Stephen Keshi ©INPHO/Getty
World Cup Record
Appearances: 5
Best Result: Second Round (1994 and 1998)
Squad
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille), Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be'er Sheva).
Defenders: Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers), 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), Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio), Gabriel Reuben (Beveren), Michael Uchebo (Cercle Brugge), Ramon Azeez (Almeria).
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow), Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United), Victor Moses (Chelsea), Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce), Peter Odemwingie, (Stoke City), Uche Nwofor (Heerenveen), Babatunde Michael (Volyn).
Manager: Stephen Keshi
Fixtures and Results
Group F
June 16 vs Iran (Curitiba) 0 - 0 (D)
June 21 vs Bosnia (Cuiaba) 1 - 0 (W)
