Where Eagles Dare: Nigeria to establish WC credentials

The Super Eagles are one of many teams eager to take flight to Brazil. Marshalled by their no-nonsense coach Stephen Keshi, they are on the hunt for glory, and are already circling their potential prey. Nigeria are a respectable 13/2 to reach the quarter-finals.

Standing in the way are Argentina, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Iran. Although they only lost 1-0 to the South Americans in the 2010 World Cup, La Albicaleste are an entirely different prospect, with a strike force that routinely scores for fun.

In a qualifying group which included Malawi, Kenya and Namibia, they topped their table with relative ease, before a comfortable two-leg play-off win against Ethiopia.

English-based duo John Obi Mikel (Chelsea) and Liverpool loanee Victor Moses are in line to feature, despite the latter finding it hard to become a regular in a Reds side that includes an attacking quartet of Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling, and Philippe Coutinho. He is no doubt talented, and his pace could pose a threat on the counter attack. Although Mikel has been utilised tactically by Mourinho, playing in appropriate matches to repel certain opposition, he is regarded as fundamental to his country’s success where he plays further up the pitch.

Almost a folk hero at Newcastle, Shola Ameobi is a probable squad member, and although he struggles for goals definitely has the big game experience, and his physical presence proves consistently to be a handful for defenders.

The centre of midfield picks itself. Mikel, who is the heartbeat of the Nigeria side, should be joined by 21-year old Lazio player Ogenyi Onazi – regarded as vital to offering balance. Tough and industrious, he provides the battling element in an enforcer role.

Vincent Enyeama has established himself as one of the most respected goalkeepers in global football. He narrowly missed out on the record for consecutive clean sheets in Ligue 1 for club Lille earlier in the season; however he is an accomplished stopper. He has thwarted the likes of Radamel Falcao, and French international strikers Bafetimbi Gomis, and Andre-Pierre Gignac this term, and will relish the challenge of keeping out Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, and Edin Dzeko.

In front of Enyeama, the back four seems to pick itself. Despite a question mark hanging over Fenerbahce centre half Joseph Yobo (on loan at Norwich City);Elderson Echiejile, Efe Ambrose, Godfrey Oboabona, and Kenneth Omeruo have been mainstays in what has become a solid unit that only conceded three goals in their qualifying group. Two of these came in the away fixture against Kenya. Celtic’s Ambrose has had a fine season, helping his club to win the Scottish Premiership.