Manager: Shaibu Amodu
Key player: Yakubu Aiyegbeni
Best: Round two (1994, 1998)
World ranking: 22
Nigeria qualified in dramatic fashion with a 3-2 win against Kenya in Nairobi. The Super Eagles had to win to have any chance of denying Tunisia. They fought back from 1-0 down to lead 2-1, but conceded a 79th-minute equaliser, only for Obafemi Martins to seal an emotional win.
The Super Eagles were overwhelming favourites to win their qualifying group and in drawing three of their matches, including both against Tunisia, they showed enough fallibility to concern their passionate following. However, their quality ultimately shone through. Any side that boasts the likes of Everton defender Joseph Yobo, Chelsea midfielder Jon Obi Mikel and strike duo Martins and Yakubu in their ranks will be a threat to most teams but they will all have to fire if they are to repeat the success of past sides. |