African nations have a poor history in the World Cup. They often lack the skill to compete with top European and South American nations and are often eliminated in the group round.
Nigeria has been considered one of the top soccer countries in the last few years and should be a contender to get out of the group stage in the upcoming tournament. But can the reigning African champs pull off the job?
History
Nigeria is competing in just its fifth ever World Cup and actually has a rather solid history in the tournament. The side managed to get to the round of 16 in the 1994 and 1998 tournaments before being eliminated in the first knockout round. In 2002, the team not only faltered in the group stage but finished in fourth place with a record of one draw and two losses. The team failed to qualify for the 2006 tournament but qualified for the 2010 iteration of the tournament.
In the latest World Cup, Nigeria was placed into a group with South Korea, Argentina and Greece. In the opening game the team lost 1-0 against Argentina. Nigeria then lost 2-1 against Greece before managing a 2-2 draw against South Korea.
How did they get here?
In the first round of the CAF qualifiers, Nigeria won three games and tied three games in a group consisting of Malawi, Kenya and Namibia. In the ensuing playoff, Nigeria was grouped with Ethiopia. The team won 2-1 in Ethiopia and then managed a 2-0 win at home to book qualification.
Top Stars
The team's most valuable player is goalie Vincent Enyeama who has proven valuable on the world stage. Aside from the netminder the team also has a number of solid midfielders and forwards. Emmanuel Emenike is the most important of all; he has nine goals in 21 games for the national side. In the midfield John Obi Mikel, Ahmed Musa and Victor Moses are the most important of the bunch. Mikel has played 56 matches for the side while Moses has six goals in just 18 matches. Musa has five goals in 37 appearances for Nigeria.
Can they get out of the group stage?
In past years, the team was a decided underdog, but Nigeria is expected to finish second in its group. Beating Argentina is no easy task; the team lost to them in 2010; Nigeria was also defeated 1-0 by Argentina back in the 2002 group stage as well. However, the other two sides in the group should not present any difficulties for this team at all. Bosnia and Herzegovina has attacking flair but the team's defense is dubious and the lack of experience in the World Cup should make them easy victims. Iran is a major minnow and should also be an easy three points for Nigeria.
Can they win the tournament?
Nigeria should not have trouble coping with the weather and heat in Brazil. If anything it should serve them as an advantage. However, the team simply does not have enough skill to make a deep run. Nigeria will make it to the round of 16, but will fall in the first knockout stage again.