When Nigeria qualified for their third successive World Cup, the Super Eagles would have been hoping for a favourable draw as they look to improve on a period of just one win from their last 11 fixtures at the tournament. However, the African nation have been placed in a group alongside Argentina, Croatia and Iceland and while the squad will still fancy their chances of progressing through to the knockout rounds, they will require a bit of luck to go far in Russia. That said, each of Nigeria's 23-man squad will also view the competition as a platform to showcase their talents and it could lead to a number of the players securing time in the Premier League next season.
The betting odds with any sports betting portal in Nigeria will offer value when the national team are playing on the international stage, and the odds are short on Leon Balogun featuring in England's top flight from August onwards. The Mainz 05 defender has spent his career playing in Germany - the country of his birth - but already, the 29-year-old has been linked with a transfer to Huddersfield Town. Reports have suggested that the move looks close to a done deal - regardless of whether the Terriers keep their place among English football's elite - but do not be surprised to see other clubs looking to take advantage of his contract expiring in the summer.
A second defender who could get his opportunity to play Premier League football next season is Kenneth Omeruo. The 24-year-old has been contracted to Chelsea since 2011 but he is still waiting to make his first appearance for the Blues. The chances of finally getting an outing for Chelsea remain remote but a change in manager at Stamford Bridge could lead to a change in culture, meaning that a number of the club's loan players may get their chance. If not, Omeruo has still established himself as a possible addition for a number of lower-end top-tier sides. The player has made 77 appearances in the Turkish Premier League since 2015, while he has also previously featured on 33 occasions for Middlesbrough in the Championship.
Do not rule out a former Chelsea teammate of Omeruo's making a return to England. John Obi Mikel ended over a decade in West London by making the switch to the Chinese Super League but his club Tianjan TEDA are only considered to be a mid-table side and their status may lead to the 31-year-old considering offers. Mikel has just over 18 months remaining on his existing deal and if the plan is to eventually return to Europe, that time may present itself in the weeks after the World Cup. Very few clubs would turn down the chance to sign a player who is proven at Premier League level.
There will also be some clubs who will be eyeing a bargain and that may lead to offers being made for Moses Simon. The playmaker has already scored four times in 21 appearances for the Super Eagles and has enjoyed a productive three years in Belgian football with Gent. The 22-year-old is still well regarded at the Buffalos but with just over one year left on his contract, the offers will roll in should an impact be made at the World Cup.
Chidozie Awaziem may not get game time at the tournament - that is if he is given a place in the squad - but the young defender is without doubt one of Nigeria's best prospects for the future. The 21-year-old is contracted to Porto but the centre-back has spent the campaign on loan at Nantes in Ligue 1. Claudio Ranieri's team have not conceded many goals with Awaziem at the back, even though only 16 starts and six substitute outings have come during the season. The likelihood is that he will return to his parent club, but a number of Premier League clubs may have taken note of the impact that has been made in France's top flight and an approach could be made for a player who has just over two years left on his existing deal.
