The latest installment in an exciting rivalry between Nigeria and Argentina continues today at the ongoing Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup at the Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre in a crucial encounter that might determine who qualifies to the Round of 16.
The Super Eagles won their first match at the World Cup since the 1998 tournament in France with their 1-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, and will undoubtedly use this as inspiration to take the game to one of the tournament’s favourites, Argentina, in Porto Alegre.
Argentina sit at the top of Group F after a narrow win over Bosnia and a very late moment of magic from Lionel Messi in the game against Iran. They don’t seem to have played to the expectations everyone had for them given the quality of players they parade in the team and thus it will be no easy task for them against a Nigerian side that can defend well.
The two teams have met in six previous matches, including three times in the FIFA World Cup group stage, all won by Argentina (1994: 2–1; 2002: 1–0; 2010: 1–0).
Since Nigeria’s first appearance in the 1994 World Cup, the Super Eagles have been drawn in the same group as Argentina four times including this year.
Meanwhile, Nigeria come into the game knowing that anything but a defeat will put them through to the next round. Even if they lose and Iran fail to beat Bosnia-Herzigovina they will be through.
Nigeria won their first World Cup match since 1998 with their win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
They can also advance to the knockout stages for the first time since the tournament was held in France.
Speaking ahead of the crucial match against a Lionel Messi side, Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has been talking tough and very optimistic that the African Champions will make it to the next round.
“We need to work hard for the game against Argentina. Everybody is happy in West Africa; Ghana got their result and we won. It’s good for the continent. The fighting spirit we showed was good. I never thought that we wouldn’t make it to the Round of 16 because I have the players.”
Keshi does have a few injury concerns to deal with; Victor Moses is a doubt and his pace and guile will be a big miss for the Super Eagles. But the coach will hope that his players can put up one last stand and make it to the knockout stage for the first time since the 1998.
The group remains tight, and one set of results today would see second place decided by the drawing of lots by the FIFA organising committee. If Nigeria loses 1-0 and Iran wins 1-0, both teams would have the same goal difference and number of goals scored, and could not be separated by their head-to-head result.
Nigeria did well against Bosnia and were very good at defending their lead when Stoke City forward Odemwingie put them ahead. If they can get a quick counter-attacking goal against Argentina in the same way they did to Bosnia, then Messi and co might find it difficult to break them down.
Anthony Nlebem
