Super Eagles goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and midfielder Mikel Obi believe Nigeria can be the surprise package at the World Cup in Brazil.

The tournament begins in the South American country on Thursday and Nigeria will face two-time world champions Argentina, Bosnia and Iran in Group F.

Nigeria, who reached the second round in their first-ever World Cup appearance in the World Cup at USA ’94, also exited the tournament in the same stage at France ’98.

And the Eagles, who have not won a match in the championship since beating   Bulgaria in 1998, were sent packing in the first round of the Korea/Japan 2002 and South Africa 2010 World Cups.

Although the Eagles failed to win their last three warm-up games ahead of this summer’s World Cup,   Lille custodian Enyeama and Chelsea defensive midfielder   Mikel insist the African champions will aim to spring a surprise at Brazil 2014.

“Nigeria could just win the World Cup because in football, anything can happen,” supersport.com quoted Mikel as telling FIFA TV on Monday.

The former Lyn Oslo star praised the management style of Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi, saying the players were happy with him.

He said, “Anyone that knows him (Keshi) knows how much he demands from his players. He always wants you to work 110 per cent every day in training and in games.

“He will never want you to stop so I think we’ve responded to that. We’ve taken that on board and every player is enjoying the challenge.

“I can only see a bright future for the national team with Keshi in charge.”

Enyeama said, “We have a good team. Ghana has a great team. Ivory Coast has a great, amazing team.

“I believe an African team can win the World Cup. It can happen. I don’t believe in negativity. I am a very positive person so I believe it can happen in Brazil.”