'World Cup Fans' is a special SBS News series running in the lead up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. It looks at the 32 qualifying countries through the eyes of their fans in Australia.
Nigeria is one of Africa's most successful nations at a World Cup level having reached the second round at three previous tournaments.
National team, the Super Eagles, will have the youngest line-up at the finals later this year in Russia but Nigerian football fans living in Australia believe their country is still well positioned to become the first African nation to win a World Cup.
Facing Argentina for the fifth time is likely to be a challenge though because the Super Eagles have lost all previous World Cup meetings against the South American giant. The team has also drawn against Iceland and Croatia but Nigerian born Australian fan Joe Musa told SBS News that hopes remain high.
"These guys are hungry, Messi has already made it. These guys want to make it and do everything... to make sure they are known in the world," said Mr Musa.
There are more than 300 tribes in Nigeria and the only thing stronger than their passion for football is their love of community. According to community leader Daniel Obiokolie, close tribal bonds hold true for Australian Nigerians too and when the national team plays, all differences are put aside.
"Even if we have some divides on ethnic lines or religious lines, when it comes to soccer we are very much united," Mr Obiokolie said.
Leo Okonkwo relocated from the United Kingdom to Australia three months ago and was happily surprised to learn that the Nigerian community is thriving, and that World Cup fever is building down under.
"You can see today that the community is large... the community is very vibrant out here in Australia and in Sydney especially," Mr Okonkwo said.
No African nation has ever won the FIFA World Cup but Nigeria has reached the second round three times before. If the team reaches the knock out phase again in Russia in June, the Super Eagles will not be taken lightly for the rest of the tournament.
Nigerian football fan Joe Musa on board the Super Eagles World Cup journey. Source: SBS - John Baldock
The 2018 FIFA World Cup begins 15 June. SBS will broadcast the biggest games, including the opening match, semi-finals and final, live, free and in HD.
