Nigeria - Team Fact Sheet

10 Jammin' Facts about Nigeria's World Cup Super Eagles!

When you think of Nigeria, you think of oil, corruption, email scams, traffic gridlock, river pirates, global criminal networks, military coups, vibey music, outstanding literature, and great wealth and great poverty. An interesting country, to say the least!

But this English-speaking country of 155 million is energetic and resourceful. And they've been taking those qualities and applying them to their football team, one of Africa's best. Nigeria is always a feared continental opponent, but they've also shaken up the international scene as well, never missing a chance to make a good showing.

With the 2010 World Cup in Africa, Nigeria will be itching to impress. We think they will.

So here's the top 10 facts you need to know about the Nigerian football team:

10. The Nigerian football team's nickname is the Super Eagles. Not just ordinary eagles, mind you, but "super" eagles. It's like they have special powers, or something.

9. Nigeria's first World Cup was in 1994 where they got off to a great start. They topped Bulgaria 3-0, tripped against Argentina 1-2, then beat Greece 2-0, advancing to the Round of 16. But, as sometimes happens, the Italians came along and ruined all the fun. Nigeria was one minute away from the quarterfinals until Roberto Baggio kicked one into the back of the net, taking the match to extra time where they won. Poor Nigeria. But great effort. And now they're making their 4th World Cup appearance. Maybe these eagles are indeed super.

8. Nigeria has won the African Cup of Nations twice. First they beat Algeria 3-0 on home ground in 1980. Then they beat Zambia 2-1 in Tunisia in 1994.

7. Shaibu Amodu coaches the Nigerian team. Called up in 2008, this is his 3rd time managing the Super Eagles. And you know what they say: third time's a charm!

6. The irrepressible Nwankwo Kanu is Nigeria's captain. A gazelle on the pitch, the 1.97m (6'5") Kanu has been a striker for the national side since 1994 and has played for 5 different European teams. Now with Portsmouth, he also shined during his years with Arsenal, racking up tons of silverware. We can't wait to see this lanky dude lope up and down the pitches of South Africa. Kanuuuuuuuuuu!

5. Rashidi Yekini is Nigeria's top scorer with 37 goals. A striker who bounced around to 14 clubs in his 24 year career, he got 70 caps with the national side from 1986-1998. He was awarded the African Footballer of the Year title in 1993, the first to get it from Nigeria. 37 goals in 70 caps: that's awesome play pal. We salute you!

4. Mudashiru Lawal is Nigeria's most capped player with 86 caps. A midfielder on the squad from 1975-1985, he played for a couple of funky sounding local teams: Stationery Stores FC and the Abiola Babes. We can't imagine these giant Nigerians being called "babes." But hey, we're not judging. After passing away in 1991, the stadium in his hometown of Abeokuta was named after him. Pretty cool. RIP babe!

3. FIFA ranked Nigeria 22nd before the World Cup, a far cry from the high of 5th they reached back in 1994 when they won the African Cup of Nations. But these guys can perform: every last player on the squad plays for an international club, so they're not intimidated by foreign talent.

2. Nigeria's best result at the World Cup has been the Round of 16. The first time was in their inaugural tournament (see fact 9). The second time was in 1998 when they upset Spain, dismissed Bulgaria, but lost to Paraguay. They still got through, though, only to get a licking from the Danes 4-1. Maybe this time they'll go even farther.

1. Nigeria won the Gold Medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, beating Argentina 3-2. They also got the Silver Medal in Beijing, that time losing to Argentina 0-1. So they're all square now. But more importantly, those quality youngsters are now with the national side, ready to bring glory to the country. Soar ever upwards Super Eagles!