Nigeria World Cup 2014 Profile: Chelsea Trio Can Make Statement for the Super Eagles

Manager: Stephen Keshi

World Ranking: 44

Best World Cup finish: Round of 16 (1994, 1998)

How they qualified: Finished top their qualifying group ahead of Malawi, Kenya and Namibia before coasting past Ethiopia in their third round clash to seal a spot in Brazil.

Fixtures: Iran (16 June), Bosnia and Herzegovina (21 June), Argentina (25 June)

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim

Defenders: Joseph Yobo, Elderson Echiejile, Juwon Oshaniwa, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kenneth Omeruo, Efe Ambrose, Kunle Odunlami

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Ramon Azeez, Michael Uchebo, Reuben Gabriel

Strikers: Osaze Odemwingie, Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Emmanuel Emenike, Babatunde Michael, Victor Moses, Uche Nwofor

Expectations: The Africa Cup of Nations champions will have watched last year's group draw with glee as they managed to avoid all but one of world football's super powers in their group. Although they failed to escape their group on their own continent four years ago and in South Korea and Japan in 2002, the Super Eagles still have an impressive pedigree in the early stages of the World Cup having topped their groups in both competitions in the 90's.

Emulating that success will be the target this year with a battle with Bosnia and Herzegovina likely to decide who joins Argentina in the knock out stages. As ever, Nigeria's direct approach has the potential to be at odds with their lack of defensive cohesion, but their ambition coupled with the lack of quality in the opposition lying in wait should see them qualify. Chelsea trio Victor Moses, John Obi Mikel and Kenneth Omeruo will each lay claim to responsibility in different areas of the pitch in efforts to secure progress for their country, and perhaps their own club futures too.

Star man: Vincent Enyeama – The 31-year-old took on Lionel Messi in a phenomenal duel when Nigeria met Argentina four years ago in the group stage, denying the Barcelona star with a thrilling string of saves as he embarked on a one man mission to keep his side in contention. The Super Eagles eventually lost 1-0 and exited the tournament bottom of their group, but the presence of the Lille shot stopper will go some way in rectifying that this summer.

Prediction: In tournament debutants Bosnia and Carlos Queiroz's limited Iran side, Nigeria must be considered favourites to join Argentina in the next round.