FIFA Ranking: 44 (Last Updated 05 Jun 2014)
History: Nigeria made their debut appearance in the 1994 World Cup. Since then they have played in three more editions, 1998, 2002 and 2010. The Super Eagles have progressed to the Round of 16 in 1994 and 1998, but since then they have bowed out in the first stage itself.
Qualifying report: Nigeria were drawn in Group F and reached the final play-off round. They were five points clear in their group and played against Ethiopia in the play-offs whom they beat 4-1 over two legs.
Star Players: Victor Moses is one of most promising attack minded mid-fielders in recent time and he plays for Liverpool (England) at club level. Moses is a player on the rise. He had two amazing seasons for Wigan and Chelsea in the Premier League. Not being central to Jose Mourinho`s plans, he moved on-loan to Liverpool where he has found chances hard to come by. He has great attacking abilities and got a goal-scoring eye. He has not played enough matches for his club side, which may be a problem for Nigeria.
John Obi Mikel is one of the senior players of Nigeria. He plays for Chelsea (England). Mikel is a gifted midfielder and is a source of strength for Keshi`s side. His presence is vital for Nigeria`s attacking players as he can create a lot of chances. But just like Moses, Mikel has been limited to the bench in Chelsea and that raises a question on his readiness for the World Cup.
Top Scorer WC Qualification 2014: Emmanuel Emenike (3)
Top scorer at the Cup: Kalu Uche (2)
Most World Cup caps: Jay Jay Okocha (9)
Team record at the Cup: M: 14, W: 4, D: 2, L:8
Coach: Stephen Keshi - He led Togo to their first ever World Cup in 2006 and was then sacked two-months before the tournament started. Four years earlier the same fate befell him as a Nigeria assistant coach. Under him, Nigeria had won the first African title since 1994 in 2013. They registered a competent showing in the Confederations Cup.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be`er Sheva), Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United)
Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Monaco), Efe Ambrose (Celtic), Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Kenneth Omeruo (Chelsea), Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod), Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce), Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars)
Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea), Ramon Azeez (Almeria), Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio), Reuben Gabriel (Waasland-Beveren), Michael Babatunde (Volyn Lutsk)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow), Shola Ameobi (Newcastle), Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce), Peter Odemwingie (Stoke), Michael Uchebo (Cercle Brugge), Victor Moses (Chelsea), Uche Nwofor (Heerenveen)
Group listing: Group E - Argentina, Iran and Bosnia.
Fixtures:
June 16: Iran v Nigeria, Curitiba
June 21: Nigeria v Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cuiaba
June 25: Nigeria v Argentina, Porto Alegre