Retired France international Christian Karembeu has suggested that the Super Eagles will make an impact at this summer's football festival in Russia because of the quality of the players in the squad.

The 1998 World Cup winner and ex-Real Madrid midfielder made this assertion at a world press conference held in Abuja on Wednesday to welcome the original World Cup trophy to Nigeria.

"Yes, we know there are a number of strong African countries in the game but Nigeria has always been a great footballing nation, and they have an exciting team heading to the FIFA World Cup in Russia.

''I have played alongside and against so many Nigerian players and I can attest to their strength and ambition.

''I believe the present Super Eagles squad is capable of great things," said Karembeu to thenff.com.

Now 47, Karembeu and retired Nigeria international Samson Siasia were teammates at Nantes for two years in the nineties.

He earned 53 caps for the French national team before calling time on his international career in 2002.

Ferdinand Mbum