World Cup Preview - Group F - Nigeria

Nickname: "The Super Eagles"

Absurd FIFA ranking: 45th

Coach: Former Nigerian international Stephen Keshi

Game Schedule:
June 16 – Nigeria v. Iran (Curitiba, 3:00. EST, ESPN)
June 21 – Nigeria v. Bosnia (Culaba, 6:00., ESPN)
June 25 – Nigeria v. Argentina (Porto Alegre, 2:30 p.m., ESPN2)

Prospects: Despite the low FIFA ranking, Nigeria promise to be the strongest African side in Brasil 2014. As the current African Nation's Cup holder, they go into the tournament full of optimism. And apart from a last match in the group stage against Argentina (who will have already qualified for the knockout stages at that point), Group F is smooth sailing for them. Nigeria have a side full of experienced European based players as well as some exciting youngsters. They could be fun to watch.

Key Player: Chelsea stopper John Obi Mikel is given a good deal more license to get forward and prowl as part of the Nigeria set-up.

Youngster to watch: Boro's 20 year-old Omeruo had a great year in the Championship. If he shines in Brazil this summer, the Premiership awaits.

Who Will Get the Goals: Victor Moses has been wasted at both Chelsea and Liverpool this past season but he's a potent force for the Super Eagles.

Who Will Get the Cards: Lazio assassin Ogenyi Onazi.

Funniest Name - Sadly, Danny Shittu is no longer part of the Nigeria squad. Godfrey Oboabona is pretty good, though.

Prediction: It'll be a tight thing, but I suspect that Nigeria will escape a fairly weak Group F in second slot to Argentina before being knocked out by France in the Round of 16.