Nigeria

The Super Eagles are back and looking to soar once again on the world stage after missing out on the World Cup in Germany 4 years ago.

Old heroes like Jay-Jay Okocha have gone but new heroes are now proudly taking Nigeria forward to this year’s finals.

Nigeria, who on an incredible last day of qualifying made it to South Africa thanks to Tunisia’s shock loss to Mozambique and a comeback of epic proportions by themselves against Kenya to book their place in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

When the tournament begins they will be under new management after Shaibu Amodu was sacked despite the side finishing third in the African Cup of Nations and this change so near to the World Cup could do more harm than good.

Star Man - Obafemi Martins

The front flipping former Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins will be relied on heavily by Nigeria at the World Cup his consistent goal scoring which did him well at Inter Milan and Newcastle has continued at his new side Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.

With Nigeria's defence looking shaky at best it will be all important that Martins keeps the goals flowing and if he does both Nigeria and football fans will delight in watching him performing his fantastic celebrations.

Coach - Lars Lagerback

Former Sweden coach Lagerback takes over the reigns from former coach Shaibu Amodu, who for the second time has been sacked in the months prior to a World Cup despite a promising African Cup of Nations tournament.

Lagerback who resigned from Sweden’s national side in 2009 following his failure to guide the Scandinavians to the World Cup, will be looking to put himself in the shop window as he has only been given a 5 month contract to cover the tournament in South Africa.

His hardest task however will be stopping the sensational Lionel Messi as the Super Eagles play Argentina as well as South Korea and Greece in the group stages.

One to Watch - Victor Obinna

Young Nigerian Victor Obinna will be looking to impress incoming Inter Milan boss Rafa Benitez during the World Cup following a season on-loan at Malaga from the treble winning Italian side.

A quick and strong striker with the ability to finish with both feet, Obinna terrorised defences in Serie A and B for Chievo when he started his career. His move to Inter Milan meant less playing time but after a season with Malaga, Obinna is showing great promise and could provide Nigeria with some important goals in South Africa.

Obinna is also the proud owner of an Olympic silver medal after he competed for the Super Eagles side in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Odds to win - 100/1

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