Image source, Getty Images

The Nigeria national anthem is applauded by thousands of neutrals inside Estadio Nacional. We're almost ready to get going.

Martin Keown
Former Arsenal defender on MOTD

On whether ex-players like Didier Deschamps are respected more as managers: "Arsene Wenger, when he came in, looked like my geography teacher, but ultimately he was fantastic to work with. We were a little sceptical at the start but then you could see it on the training pitch that he was really good.

"As an ex-player it is great to see Didier Deschamps come in and do well. That is what we want to see from former players."

France: Lloris, Debuchy, Varane, Koscielny, Evra, Pogba, Cabaye, Matuidi, Valbuena, Giroud, Benzema. Subs: Ruffier, Landreau, Sakho, Cabella, Griezmann, Mavuba, Mangala, Sagna, Digne, Sissoko, Remy, Schneiderlin.

Nigeria: Enyeama, Ambrose, Yobo, Oshaniwa, Omeruo, Musa, Onazi, Mikel, Moses, Odemwingie, Emenike. Subs: Ejide, Agbim, Uzoenyi, Gabriel, Egwuekwe, Odunlami, Oboabona, Azeez, Nwofor, Uchebo, Ameobi.

Referee: Mark Geiger (USA)

National anthem time. La Marseillaise booms. Ah, isn't the World Cup wonderful.

Time for a reminder of the full line-ups...

Former England captain Rio Ferdinand
MOTD

"I think it will be a big ask for Nigeria to win. France have a talented squad and their important players are in good form. But if Nigeria play to their strength, which is counter attacking football, they will have a chance.

"If Nigeria play a little deeper and use the players they have on the counter, Ahmed Musa and Victor Moses have pace to burn and are a dangerous threat. I am sure France will be fearful of that."

The two teams come out together to the backdrop of some dramatic music, it's as if a Hollywood blockbuster is about to be trailed.

A gladiatorial welcome for both sides as they walk into a wall of sound.

BBC Radio 5 live

Former Wales international Robbie Savage is in his commentary position inside Estadio Nacional. Savage is co-commentating with Darren Fletcher on BBC Radio 5 live from 17:00 BST.

To listen to BBC Radio 5 live coverage just click on the 'Live Coverage' tab above.

Steven McNamara:, external France to win 4-0 and hopefully go on and win the tournament. They have been a joy to watch.

Fames Johnson:, external Shame nobody is giving Nigeria a chance against France, but I still believe the Super Eagles will win.

Image source, Getty Images

Who are the neutrals supporting? These Brazil fans make it clear who they are backing at Estadio Nacional.

BBC World's Alex South in Brasilia: "Differing messages on the two team buses. After the distraction with the row over bonuses Nigeria will certainly have to be united if they are to stop the French and reach the quarter-final for the first time.

"The French, well anything seems to be possible for them, as they try to recapture the magic of 1998."

Image source, AFP

Budget cuts, hooliganism and lack of interest from the public pushed officials in Paris to drop their nearly 20-year-old tradition of open-air screenings of World Cup matches.

Administrators in the French capital opted against opening a fan park, external for the group games against Honduras, Switzerland and Ecuador.

But in an about-turn, a decision has now been taken to show the Nigeria game on a giant screen in the city as World Cup fever sweeps the home of the 1998 world champions.

Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo wants to "accompany Parisians in their mania for Les Bleus", officials told local media.

Four years ago at the last World Cup player strikes, rows, resignations and recriminations left the French in disarray on one of the worst days in the country's football history. Fast forward to now and it's a completely different story with renewed optimism amongst fans and media alike.

But midfielder Yohan Cabaye says it is vital Les Bleus do not come across as arrogant as they target a third final in the last five World Cups.

Team-mate Bacary Sagna has been reported as saying it would be a "failure" if France did not win the World Cup, but former Newcastle midfielder Cabaye adds: "It's great to be ambitious. But to say we're going to win the World Cup is a lot.

"Confidence shouldn't become arrogance because that's when you have problems."

BBC World's Alex South in Brasilia: "If you didn't know who was playing at the Estadio Nacional, you wouldn't be able to tell from the array of football tops on show. There's a smattering of French blue, even less Nigerian green, but probably more Brazilian yellow.

"I've seen Spanish, Japanese and even a Tranmere Rovers top! I wonder who the neutrals will get behind?"

Hussaini Abdullahi on the BBC Hausa Facebook page:, external "Nigeria is no match for France. I support Nigeria but they will lose 3-0."

Social media comments from around the world are being translated and curated by the BBC's multilingual World Cup Twitter conversation, @viabbc., external

Former England striker Gary Lineker, MOTD

"Back on the box today with France v Nigeria. This stunning World Cup could well conjure up another cracker. On air at 16:30 BST on BBC One."

Click on the 'Live Coverage' tab at the top of the page to watch Match Of The Day.

BBC World Service reporter John Bennett in Brasilia:, external "There are no off-field issues in the France camp.

Image source, AFP

"I've been speaking to Guy Roux, who managed Auxerre in the French top flight for over 40 years, helping to turn the likes of Eric Cantona, Laurent Blanc and Basile Boli into stars.

"He says he's spoken to 'his friend' Bacary Sagna, who says that the spirit in the France squad is better than ever and all the players are 'extremely happy'.

"It seems that they'll be no strikes, rows and disputes on buses at this World Cup for the French team."

Former Republic of Ireland international Mark Lawrenson

"This is the biggest test so far for France but they look to be in pretty good shape after getting through the group stage so easily.

"France have got goals in them but Nigeria showed against Argentina that they are dangerous going forward as well.

"Nigeria are direct and play to their strengths but they are too inconsistent for me and, although I am expecting a close game, I would back France to sneak through."

Former England captain Gary Lineker
MOTD

Image source, @garylineker

"Delighted to have bumped into quite possibly the greatest African footballer of all time. Mr George Weah."