The Nigerian national team has won the U17 World Cup on a total of 5 occasions, more than any other country in world football. However, when it comes to producing at the senior level the Super Eagles have never advanced past the round of 16. Whatever the reasons for their underachievement at the senior level there is no denying that the West African nation produces some of the world's most outstanding talent. Federation disorganisation, bad squad selections, team infighting and an overall lack of stability are some of the reasons for Super Eagles inability to fulfil expectations on the greatest stage. 

What makes this Nigeria team so exciting is that all these old concerns have not entered into this crop of players. The entire Nigerian footballing family for once feels unified and the country will be optimistic as they head to Russia. Gernot Rohr and his local advisors are finally sending Nigeria's best possible players to represent the Green and White. Jon Obi Mikel is a former two-time Premier League champion, Champions League champion with close to 400 games for European powerhouse Chelsea. Although now based in China Mikel's commitment to the Nigerian cause has never been questioned and his leadership is a big reason behind the stability of the squad. Victor Moses has done exceptionally well in his right-wing role at Chelsea and always wears his heart on his sleeve for Nigeria, he will be unleashed in attacking role for Nigeria which could spell trouble for their Group of Death opponents. Wilfred Ndidi is silky smooth midfield operator who is mister consistent for club and country. Ahmed Musa will be familiar to the Russian scene and has been in great form since returning to CSKA Moscow. In addition, the promising Premier League pair of Kelechi Iheanacho and Arsenal's Alex Iwobi are further exciting attacking options for a ready Super Eagles squad.

Head Coach: Gernot Rohr

Population: 186 million

Appearances: 6

Best: Round of 16(2014, 1998,1994)

How they Qualified: In Africa, only 5 of 54 teams qualify for the World Cup meaning that almost every group drawn is a group of death. In Africa, unlike any other continental qualifying, only the winner of the group qualify. The room for error in African qualification is slim. Nigeria was grouped with current Afcon champions Cameroon, Riyad Mahrez's Algeria and 2012 Afcon champions Zambia. Somehow the Nigerians were able to comfortably manoeuvre themselves out of this group, winning four of their first five games. Their only dropped points in that run was a respectable away draw to Cameroon. With such a good start the Super Eagles knew a victory against Zambia at home would seal qualification. So said so done, in a tight game, Alex Iwobi found space to fire the lone goal past the Zambian custodian and seal Nigeria's place in Russia. 

Star Players: John Obi Mikel(Chelsea), Victor Moses(Chelsea), Wilfred Ndidi(Leicester City), William Troost-Ekong(Bursaspor), Alex Iwobi(Arsenal)

Wildcard: Francis Ozoho - The weakest position for Nigeria for most is in the goalkeeping department. For years this role was safe with 100 plus capped Vincent Enyeama in the net. As Enyeama has retired it seems the Ozoho has won the battle to be Nigeria's number 1 just in time for the World Cup. Ozoho, is a former U17 World Champion and played with the Deportivo La Coruna second team for much of this past season. With barely any first-team experience it will be certainly risky having the "19-year-old" as the netminder in Russia.

Legend:Jay-Jay Okacha