ABSTRACT
Self-image plays an important part in shaping a country's international role. Despite several changes of government and widespread political upheaval, there has never been any doubt in the minds of most Nigerians that as long as their country remained united it was a born leader of Africa, A 1966 Ministry of External Affairs working paper stated bluntly that "Africa is Nigeria's natural sphere of influence. Nigeria's self-image notwithstanding, racial leadership has not been the most important factor accounting for Nigeria's influence in the eyes of the outside world. Nigeria's perception of its full range of capabilities in international affairs has gone beyond the conventional view of the country as an oil power. Nigeria prides itself on an accumulated influence and range of diplomatic achievements based on size, military strength, and stature.
