Nigeria World Cup 2018 squad and team guide


William Ekong celebrates
Nigeria may struggle to get out of their group


Here we take a look at Nigeria's World Cup squad and the other things it will be handy to know.

Nigeria's preliminary World Cup squad - the 30 names

(To be cut to 23 by June 4)

Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi, Francis Uzoho, Dele Ajiboye; William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, Olaoluwa Aina, Kenneth Omeruo, Bryan Idowu, Chidozie Awaziem, Abdullahi Shehu, Elderson Echiejile, Tyronne Ebuehi, Stephen Eze, John Obi Mikel, Ogenyi Onazi, John Ogu, Wilfred Ndidi, Uche Agbo, Oghenekaro Etebo, Joel Obi; Mikel Agu; Odion Ighalo, Ahmed Musa, Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Junior Lokosa, Simeon Nwankwo.

Nigeria fans always create a party atmosphere



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What odds are Nigeria to win the World Cup?

250/1

Who's the coach?

Gernot Rohr had managed three other African nations before taking over the Super Eagles in 2016. Qualified with something to spare.

Who's the star?

Captain John Obi Mikel has bags of experience and presence in central midfield. Chelsea's Victor Moses, on the other hand, perhaps has more x-factor.

Best thing about them

Composure and solidity in midfield, plus direct running up front from Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho, suggests a team that could cause trouble on the breaks.




Worst thing about them

With the exception of Elderson Echiéjilé, the defensive players are young and raw. Few have big-time experience.

You may recognise...

Central midfielder Wilfred 'Yes' Ndidi was brought by Leicester for the impossible task of replacing N'Golo Kante. Likes a tackle (and a red card).

Cameramen will be picking out...

CAF recently named Nigeria's fans as the continent's best. Expect lots of green and white wigs.

Fans' favourite chant

Sa Ma Sin Wa Lo (roughly translated as 'Lead us into battle').

On-field prediction

The lowest-ranked of the African teams looks unlikely to get out of a tough group.

Off-field prediction

Hopefully no admin cock-ups, like qualifying game forfeit for fielding an ineligible player.