World Cup Team Guide: Nigeria

Manager: Gernot Rohr

Key Player: Kelechi Iheanacho - Despite his struggles at club level Iheanacho is vital for his country. The young forward's intelligent movement and eye for a goal makes him a significant threat and he will be hoping for a breakthrough tournament with the world watching on.

Qualifying:

The 'Super Eagles' earned their place at the tournament after topping Group B in African qualifying ahead of Zambia, Cameroon and Algeria.

Last time out:

2014 World Cup:

A draw with Iran and a victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina was enough to see them through the groups, whilst they also pushed Argentina all the way before eventually succumbing to a 3-2 defeat. However, France proved too strong for them in the last 16 as a Paul Pogba strike and a late Joseph Yobo own goal sent them packing. Nevetheless it equalled their best ever finish at the tournament.

History:

Nigeria have featured in five World Cups and have played in all but one since their torunament debut in the USA  in 1994, missing the 2006 installment in Germany. Their best performances saw them reach the last 16 in 1994, 1998 and 2014.

Who will they face?

Croatia (8pm, June 16, Kaliningrad), Iceland (4pm, June 22, Volgograd), Argentina (7pm, June 26, St Petersburg).

Final squad:

Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United), Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Ifeanyi Ubah), Francis Uzoho (Deportivo La Coruna).

Defenders: Shehu Abdullahi (Bursaspor), Chidozie Awaziem (Porto), Leon Balogun (Brighton and Hove Albion), Tyronne Ebuehi (Benfica), Elderson Echiejile (Cercle Brugge), William Troost-Ekong (Bursaspor), Bryan Idowu (Amkar Perm), Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa).

Midfielders: Oghenekaro Etebo (Las Palmas), John Obi Mikel (Tianjin Teda), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), Joel Obi (Torino), John Ogu (Hapoel Be'er Sheva), Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor).

Forwards: Odion Ighalo (Changchun Yatai), Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City), Alex Iwobi (Arsenal), Victor Moses (Chelsea), Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow), Simeon Nwankwo (Crotone).