World Cup 2018: 5 World Cup teams which should get better by Qatar 2022

#3 Nigeria

The Super Eagles

The 2018 FIFA World Cup marked a setback for African football as it was the first tournament in a generation that did not feature an African side in the knockout stages. However, this does not mean that teams from the continent did not play well.

Both Senegal and Nigeria were extremely hard done by as they were eliminated by the ‘fair play’ rule and a freak Marcus Rojo goal respectively. This will likely not be the case in 2022 when Nigeria will have an extremely talented side that may be able to have a major impact.

The Super Eagles have a young talented core which will be far better in four years. In Francis Uzoho, they have a brilliant young goalkeeper who will be 23 in Qatar. In 2022, Uzoho will be almost certainly supported by defenders Kenneth Omeruo and William Trost-Ekong, both of whom will be in their prime.

Similarly, 21 year old Wilfrid Ndidi is one of the world’s best young defensive midfielders - he averaged more interceptions in Russia than any other player. In Qatar, Ndidi will likely be partnered with Onazi, another promising midfielder who will be in his prime when Qatar comes along.

Yet it isn’t just the defense and midfield which will be solid. Nigeria have a young enterprising attack with the likes of Arsenal winger Alex Iwobi, Oghenakaro Etebo (who made more dribbles than all but four players in Russia) and striker Kelechi Iheanacho.

All of these players will be in their primes in Qatar. Nigeria may have the potential of making a Croatia-like run in 2022.