African Cup of Nations Group C preview: Nigeria

The Super Eagles are historically one of the more successful African teams, having won the African Cup of Nations twice and making it to the last 16 of two World Cups, finishing first in their groups in the process.

Nigeria have also been losing finalists in four tournaments and finished third on a staggering seven occasions, so they certainly have pedigree in the championships and many believe they can finish in a similar position yet again.

How Did They Qualify?

In the first round of qualification, they struggled against minnows Rwanda, drawing 0-0 away from home but taking care of business at home with a routine 2-0 victory. They found their form in the second round however with a 8-3 aggregate spanking of Liberia, a 6-1 victory in Calabar ensuring Nigeria make their 17th appearance in the championships.

Manager

Stephen Keshi is a former winner of the ACN, leading Nigeria to victory in the 1994 tournament, as well as captaining them to the last 16 of the 1994 World Cup last 16 when Italy needed extra time to knock out the Super Eagles 2-1. At club level, he is best remembered for a four year spell at Anderlecht from 1987-91 when he won the Jupiler League once and the Belgian Cup on two occasions.

Keshi entered international management in 2004 in the first of his three spells as Togo manager. His final tenure ended when Mali failed to qualify from the 2010 ACN group stages, resulting in his dismissal from the role. He took over the Nigeria job in November 2011, and at the time of writing has only lost two out of 14 games.

Star Men

Joseph Yobo is the old man of the squad and the 32 year old captain has 89 caps to his name, making him the most-capped player in the squad. The tough-tackling defender is perhaps best known for his lengthy spell with Everton, becoming a cult hero at the club due to his consistent high level of play. He has spent the last three seasons in Turkish football with Fenerbahce, winning a league title and a cup in his time at the club. The rest of the Nigerian defence is fairly young and inexperienced at international level, so the Super Eagles will be relying on Joseph to shore up the back line.

John Obi Mikel is a regular in the Chelsea team, and for very good reason. The silky midfielder has recently earned a contract extension until 2017 due to his recent performances and was nominated for African Player of the Year in November 2012. Nigeria will be hoping he carries his club form into the tournament, which he rarely does without attracting some sort of controversy. John must be hoping he is allowed to play football without causing any hassle!

Ikechukwu Uche has spent his entire career in the Spanish leagues and has scored goals wherever he’s went, although he has been far more prolific in the Segunda Division. He has a far better scoring record at international level, scoring 18 goals in 41 games. He is Nigeria’s main goal threat and will be hoping the likes of Victor Moses and Ahmed Musa set up the chances for him to score.

Uche posing with a hand while at Getafe. Courtesy of Madeones

How Far Can They Go?

Depending on circumstances, at least the quarter-finals. I expect them to qualify with Zambia from Group C and the match-up between the teams will decide the group winners. The winners of this group take on the runners-up of Group D, which should be one of Tunisia or Algeria. I think Nigeria have better all-round quality than those teams. If they were to finish second, that should take them to a game against the Ivory Coast, which is too hard to call.