This will be the first Nations Cup appearance for Nigeria since their politically-motivated withdrawal from the competition in 1996.

Nigeria were ordered to pull out of South Africa '96 by ex-military dictator General Sani Abacha. The team's subsequent ban by Africa's football governing body CAF kept Nigeria out of Burkina Faso '98 as well.

The Super Eagles will hope to make a triumphant return, but the saga over the appointment of Dutchman Jo Bonfrere as coach seemed to sum up the problems facing Nigerian football.

Bonfrere, under whom Nigeria won the Olympic gold in 1996, was the preferred choice of the ministry of sport, but not of the Football Association.

The argument that ensued held things up, and Bonfrere arrived in Nigeria only six weeks before the beginning of the tournament.

Nigeria have a new captain as well. Midfielder Sunday Oliseh, who plays for Italian giants Juventus, replaces the hard-working Daniel Amokachi who is injured and misses the championship.

Amokachi's industry and dogged spirit will be missed by the Super Eagles.

But Oliseh's appointment as captain has been warmly welcomed by famous former captain and current team official, Stephen Keshi.

"He's a polished, intelligent and disciplined player and we believe he can lead the team. The players have a high regard for him and are happy to have him as their captain," he said.

The 28-year-old Oliseh has played for top clubs in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, including Ajax and FC Cologne.

Coach Bonfrere remains confident of the team's chances, despite defeats in warm-up matches and difficulties in getting players like Arsenal's Nwankwo Kanu to the training camp in good time.

The key to the tournament, he told a local radio station, was for the fans to get right behind the team.

And with experienced international stars Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, Augustine "Jay Jay" Okocha, Finidi George and Taribo West at his disposal, Nigeria look destined for the semi-finals at least.

But poor preparations may serve to undo the Super Eagles.

The World Cup '98 problems of individual players appearing greater than the team will also have to be avoided for the co-hosts to soar to the championship.

Nigeria squad
		Coach: Jo Bonfrere, Netherlands
		Ike Shorunmu	Besiktas, Turkey
		Gbenga Okunowo	Benfica, Portugal
		Celestine Babayaro	Chelsea, England
		Nwankwo Kanu	Arsenal, England
		Iyenemi Furo	FC Sion, Switzerland
		Taribo West	AC Milan, Italy
		Finidi George	Real Betis, Spain
		Mutiu Adepoju	Real Sociedad, Spain
		Jonathan Akpoborie	Vfl Wolfsburg, Germany
		Augustine Jay-Jay Okocha	PSG, France
		Garba Lawal	Roda JC Kerkrade, Hol
		Ndubuisi Egbo	Al Masry, Egypt
		Tijani Babangida	Ajax, Hol
		Emmanuel Amunike	Barcelona, Spain
		Sunday Oliseh	Juventus, Italy
		Efetobore Sodje	Luton Town, England
		Julius Aghahowa	Esperance, Tunisia
		Raphael Chukwu	Bari, Italy
		Benedict Akwuegbu	Graz AK, Austria
		Victor Ikpeba	B. Dortmund, Germany
		Godwin Okpara	Paris St Germain, France
		Murphy Akanji	Julius Berger