World Cup Appearances:
3 - 1994, 1998, 2002
Accomplishments:
-- FIFA World Cup™ Finals qualification 1994, 1998
-- Champion African Cup of Nations 1980, 1994
-- Qualification 1963, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 2000 African Cup of Nations
-- Champion Olympic Games 1996
-- Champion All Africa Games 1973
-- Champion FIFA under-17 World Championship 1993
-- Champion FIFA under-16 World Championship 1985
-- Champion African under-20 Championship 1983 1985, 1987, 1989
-- Champion African under-17 Championship 2001
Star Players:
Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Taribo West, Sunday Oliseh
Approximate Odds of Winning:
66-1
AskMen's Rating of Team:
(out of 100)
80
Significant Strength:
Nigeria is no longer the mystery it once was on the football map. The most populated nation in Africa is home to a wealth of soccer talent and over the past decade, it has made an impact with strong performances on the international level. The Super Eagles conquered Argentina and Brazil on the path to Olympic gold in Atlanta in 1996 and have two players that are wizards with a football: Okocha and the enigmatic Kanu.
Significant Weakness:
Nigeria may be the most inconsistent squad in the tournament. In the qualifying round, the team was almost lynched at home for a humiliating loss to Sierra Leone. The Eagles also had their wings clipped by Liberia on the way to the World Cup. The players will try to use those losses as motivation to advance to a late round in the World Cup for the first time ever in the history of Nigerian football.
AskMen's Prediction:
Nigeria has not established itself as a major power in the world of soccer for nothing. However, with that in mind, the Super Eagles will be tested to mount a challenge to combat the strength of Argentina and England. In a close Group, Nigeria will place third.
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