Nigeria may have qualified for the last 16, but have Stephen Keshi’s team truly realised their potential at the World Cup this summer?

It’s no longer news that the Super Eagles of Nigeria were the first African team to qualify for the party in Brazil, what is very much in the breeze is the fact the fact that they follwed-up that achievement by being the first African team to qualify for the second round.

While the Super Eagles have been joined by Algeria, their successes come in sharp contrast to the failings (and indignities) of Cameroon, Ghana and the Ivory Coast.

It hasn’t been a perfect campaign, however, and this feature considers the good alongside the bad.

The Surprise Inclusions
Particularly, they’ve been the ones that has surprised many the most, you cannot stop biting back your previous thought and verdict on them. Match by match they been improving their games and outstanding.

The less-fancied Michael Babatunde has been a handful for opposing sides whether playing through the middle or the flanks. The highlight of his outing being his darting run through the Argentine midfield, as well as his patient and well-calculated pass which created Ahmed Musa and Nigeria's first goal against Argentina, We might have to make do without him after he was stricken on the arm by a trademark shot from Ogenyi Onazi in that encounter.

Juwon Oshaniwa has also played his heart out at the left-back position. He's been massive running down the left wing defending or attacking and has made most forget about first choice Elderson Elchiejile. Though, his colleague Michael Uchebo might be popular for his look, his performance on the pitch so far has been the reverse.

eam Leaders
Surprisingly, Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo has impressed at the absence of first choice Godfrey Oboabona in the heart of defence alongside youngster Kenneth Omeruo. The ageing defender obviously had to experience a torrid time defending against Lionel Messi and Co. And has led the team expertly.

The only blemish on vice-captain Vincent Enyeama’s performance was former four-time World Best Player Lionel Messi's freekick (Argentina's 2nd goal in our 3-2 defeat), I had to be convinced by replays that every member of the Eagles defending wall left their headsets in the dressing room, though.

Prior to the match against Argentina, the LOSC Lille shot-stopper had gone 180 minutes without conceding a goal - a feat performed by him alone at Brazil. He's also had to pull off countless superb saves in all of the three group matches, the highlights being for Messi's first freekick and all of Angel Di Maria's efforts on goal.

In him we have a solid platform to build momentum in subsequent matches.

Stand-out PerformersForemost, Kenneth Omeruo has shown he can't be tamed and subdued by World Class players. He's been very solid in spite of the absence partner Oboabona.

Emmanel Emenike has also improved his performances after having to endure a frustrating evening against the Iranians. He's been a nightmare and a thorn in the flesh for defenders forcing his way past opponents with his intimidating figure before setting-up teammates.

Onazi has also been involved in the team's success.

Unfazed by his midfield partner’s obvious self imposed exile from the party, the 21-year-old has taken the overwhelming task in his stride.

Another impressive player so far has been Ahmed Musa, he has been the subject of criticism coming into this tournament and the opening match against the Iranians but has confidently picked his old self up. He particularly, was a nightmare for Argentina experienced right-back Pablo Zabaleta and by extension the whole Argentine team as he almost bagged a hat-trick to secure a draw for Nigeria,

The Technical Crew
The Big Boss responded to his critics both on and off the pitch.
On the pitch he did so by gaining Nigeria's first three points at the World Cup in 16 years, against Bosnia and subsequently almost mustering a draw against South American powerhouses, Argentina.
It has been his response off the pitch that has baffled, expecting fans and ex-internationals to get behind and acknowledge his team after a disappointing and unadventurous draw against group underdogs Iran. He should learn to absorb criticism (whether or not constructive) and reply in the best possible way, moreover, he must realise that he manages and directs 23 players plus 170 million fans.
He's been fantastic so far and will need to be at his tactical and decision-making best to progress to the next round.
The Eagles, in their achievement, in qualifying for the knock-out stages, have been Super. In performance, there is surely more to come.
Can Nigeria live up to their illustrious nickname against France in Brasilia?