Qualifying campaign: Nigeria beat Rwanda 2-0 on aggregate in the first qualifying round to set up a match against Liberia in the final qualifier. They played out a 2-2 draw at Liberia in the first leg before crushing them 6-1 at home to reach the CAN. History: During their heyday, Nigeria enjoyed a World Cup debut to remember in 1994, reaching the tournament's second round after topping a group that included Argentina, Bulgaria and Greece. They replicated that achievement four years later in France but their participations in the 2002 and 2010 editions were not equally successful after they were eliminated from the first round. On the continental level, Nigeria won the CAN twice in 1980 and 1994. Expectations: Nigeria are always a team with a chance of success and consistently make it through to the knockout stages. They did, however, embarrassingly miss out on the last finals in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon and have a side who look lightweight in comparison to previous generations. There are fewer Nigerians playing in Europe's top leagues than in the past. FIFA ranking: 52 (10 in Africa). Achievements: CAN winners in 1980 and 1994. Coach: Stephen Keshi (Nigeria) Stephen Keshi captained the Super Eagles when they last won the Nations Cup although he missed the final match. He now has a chance to become the second man to win it as both a player and coach. Keshi, who turns 51 during the tournament in South Africa, has played at five tournaments and is acting as head coach at his third. Key players: Victor Moses (Chelsea). Age: 22. Pos: Midfielder Moses moved to England from Lagos aged 11 and played at under-21 level for his new country before switching his allegiance to Nigeria. In a heady 2012, he won his first cap in the qualifiers against Rwanda in February and then transferred from Wigan to Chelsea. He has since scored twice for the Super Eagles. John Obi Mikel (Chelsea). Age: 25. Pos: Midfielder A defensive midfielder at club level, he is given a more attacking role with Nigeria. He debuted for the national team at 18 and is already a veteran of 14 matches at three Nations Cup finals but missed out on the 2010 World Cup in South Africa because of injury. Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce). Age: 32. Pos: Defender. Captain of the team who is the record caps holder for Nigeria and will be participating at his sixth finals tournament. He is the only experienced player in a new-look defence. His career has taken him to clubs in Belgium, France, England and, since 2010, in Turkey. Full Squad: Goalkeepers: 1- Vincent Enyeama (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel); 16- Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be'er Sheba, Israel); 23- Chigozie Agbim(Enugu Rangers, Nigeria) Defenders: 3- Elderson Echiejile (SC Braga, Portugal); 21- Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel); 2- Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce, Turkey); 5- Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); 6- Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria); 22- Kenneth Omeruo (ADO Den Haag, Netherlands); Godfrey 14- Oboabona (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria) Midfielders: 10- John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); 20- Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain); 17- Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); 4- Obiora Nwankwo (Calcio Padova, Italy); 13- Fegor Ogude (Valerenga FC, Norway); 12- Reuben Gabriel (Kano Pillars, Nigeria); Forwards: 7- Ahmed Musa ( CSKA Moscow, Russia); 9- Emmanuel Emenike (Spartak Moscow, Russia); 11- Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); 19- Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria); 15- Ikechukwu Uche (Villarreal FC, Spain); 8- Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine); 18- Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/62111.aspx
