History in the World Cup
The Super Eagles have been regulars in the World Cup ever since their debut in the 1994 World Cup in the United States. The only time they failed to qualify for the World Cup was in the 2006 edition after finishing level on points in the qualification group with Angola, but having an inferior record in the matches between the sides. The Super Eagles’ high-ceiling, low-floor designation means there’s a decent chance they get your hopes up, then lay an egg in the final group game or the round of 16 – their best ever finish in the World Cup.
Current Form
The Super Eagles strolled through qualifying, what makes them unique is the fact that they have the youngest team in this edition of the World Cup. Nigeria have been very impressive prior to the World Cup, they had a deep run to the finals of African Nations Championship defeating World Cup group rivals Argentina 4-2 in a November friendly and Poland 1-0 in March 2018. The team gets progressively weaker as you go front to back. The midfield gets stretched far too easily due to a lack of cover from the forwards and if you factor in Ndidi’s recent hamstring injury, this could be their biggest problem.
Squad
Manager: Gernot Rohr
Goalkeepers: Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi, Dele Ajiboye, Francis Uzoho
Defenders: William Ekong, Leon Balogun, Ola Aina, Kenneth Omeruo, Bryan Idowu, Chidozie Awaziem, Abdullahi Shehu, Elderson Echiejile, Tyronne Ebuehi, Stephen Eze
Midfielders: John Obi Mikel, Onazi, John Ogu, Wilfred Ndidi, Uche Agbo, Etebo, Joel Obi, Mikel Agu
Forwards: Ighalo, Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa, Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Junior Lokosa, Simeon Nwankwo
Danger Man
The 22 year old Arsenal youth product Alex Iwobi will be one of the players to watch out for this World Cup. Although Iwobi has not been very impressive for Arsenal, he has consistently flashed moments of brilliance and potential while raking in 10 goals and assists this season. While Victor Moses offers the drive. Iheanacho offers the quality. Iwobi offers both. And Mikel, though on the downswing of his career, is still strong in a playmaking role for Nigeria. If The Super Eagles are to better their World Cup record, Alex Iwobi would have to be in his very best.
Current Rankings
FIFA: Current - 47
Highest - 5
ELO: Current - 43
Highest - 15
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