Nigeria can make semi-final stage at 2014 World Cup, says Kanu

Kanu who played at three World Cups with Nigeria - 1998, 2002 and 2010 - feels that the Super Eagles are now a formidable force and will do well in Brazil.

'With sustained preparation, why not? The first match is very important and, of course, yes, they will qualify ahead of Bosnia and Iran,' Kanu told CompleteSports.

Asked how far he thinks the reigning African champions will go in their campaign, the 1996 Olympic football gold medal winner said: 'Quarter final or semi final, why not, we can get there if we work hard like I said before and believe in ourselves.

'Yes if we believe. At the same time we’ve to work hard by preparing very well. This is World Cup, not a friendly game.

'We don’t have to say we still have time to start preparation. If we put our acts together, prepare well and have that self belief, why not, semi final is not an impossible target.'

Nigeria begin their campaign against Iran on June 16 in Curitiba before taking on debutants Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 21 in Cuiaba and Argentina on June 25 in Porto Alegre.