3 reasons why Nigeria could be the surprise package of the 2022 FIFA World Cup 

#1 The Middle and Far East have always been favourable to Nigeria

Nigeria won the Under 17 World Cup in UAE

A cursory glance at Nigerian football history would reveal one underlying fact: the nation has always found success in tournaments hosted in Asia. Four of the country's five triumphs at Under 17 level have come in Asian countries, with the very first edition in China won by Nigeria and further triumphs recorded in Japan (1993), South Korea (2007), and UAE (2013).

The only exception came when Kelechi Nwakali and Victor Osimhen successfully retained the trophy in Chile in 2015. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar would be unique in that it would be the first to be played in November to December, as against the more traditional period of June to July and the reason for this is not far-fetched, as the temperatures during those periods are extremely high bordering on unbearable for Europeans who are used to more temperate climates.

However, the temperatures in November to December are relatively cooler and while it would have significant consequences on club football, it was a concession that had to be made. The temperatures of 29.5° - 35.5°C which are recorded at the end of the year are manageable but still relatively high for the Europeans and this could play to the advantage of Nigeria and other African nations.

These temperature readings are not too far from what is recorded in Nigeria and while their European counterparts might find it difficult to adapt to the extreme heat in Qatar, the Super Eagles would feel right at 'home', which could have a positive impact on their performance.

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