Coach Stephen Keshi – former Nigeria captain – told FIFAworldcup.com that he initially just wanted to reach a top-three finish in qualifiers, but “when we saw Germany in sight I told my players that this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance.” The tiny West-African nation of 5.5 million will be yet another team gracing the world stage for the first time.

High-scoring striker Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal) has become the major hero of Togolese soccer at only 21 years old. Adebayor’s star has risen quickly. With an incredible instinct for finding the net, he scored 11 times in qualifying, the highest of any African player. The guy’s got goals and a stubborn determination to reach them. At the beginning of his professional career, after not getting enough playing time at Monaco, the lanky Adebayor skipped practices and was consequently kicked off the squad. But there wasn’t much time to lament over his mistake; Arsenal signed him to a long-term deal two days later. Now he’s got a lot to do, with Togo’s soccer fate almost completely resting on his shoulders.

Captain Jean-Paul Abalo (Dunkerque) adds the necessary element of experience to the team. The defender had 61 national caps leading into the African Cup of Nations and is undoubtedly the team’s leader.

But simply put, the Tongolese better enjoy every minute they have in Germany, unless something shocking happens, their stay will be short.