The Super Eagles are again among the big favourites, and could have been playing as reigning champions.
A controversial penalty shoot-out in the last final in Lagos, where Victor Ikepba's goal was disallowed, robbed them of that chance.
The two years since then have been anything but smooth. Defeats by Liberia and Sierra Leone in World Cup qualifying led to the sacking of Dutch coach Jo Bonfrere.
Nigeria nearly missed out, but eventually limped into the finals, and are still a long way from their best.
Their casual approach, which has served them well in the past, may come unstuck against Africa's increasingly disciplined and better-prepared sides.
But with players like Kanu, Oliseh, Okocha and West, they are always dangerous.
