NIGERIA VS ARGENTINA

NIGERIA

After a very disappointing display against Croatia, they did look like the least qualified team to advance from this group. All that seemed to have changed after their second group match with Iceland. Nigeria vs Argentina is a deciding factor for the fates of everyone in group D.

Against Iceland they didn’t look all that impressive in the first 45min but came all guns blazing when the second half commenced. They looked really comfortable as Ahmed Musa threatened the Icelandic defense with his pace. And was later rewarded with two goals which changed their chances of qualifying from this group.

Coming into this match, they sit in second place with three points behind group leaders Croatia and on top of Argentina and Iceland who are behind them with just a point each.

No one is in contention of the top spot with Croatia due to their goal difference and point accumulated, but the second position could be anybody’s. Nigeria needs to avoid a defeat from the South American side to give them a hope of getting through the group stages.

ARGENTINA

So far the world cup has been a nightmare for this side. Their opening game against Iceland seemed to be the beginning of troubles and that was further confirmed when Croatia tore their defense apart. The Croatian team took them apart piece by piece in the second half of that particular encounter. They are at the verge of exiting the tournament which many considered them as favorites to win. Jorge Sampoli is rumored to be facing a sack threat following the request from some of his players, this news further worsens the state of the Argentine camp.

The back line of this team has looked very frail in this tournament. And Nigeria with the help of Ahmed Musa would have to take his chances against a team he scored a brace against in the last world cup. Another boost to their encounter would be the fact that the recently defeated the South Americans in November by four goals to two.

EXPECTATION

The Nigerian team however have also shown a weakness in their defense and this could be a big disadvantage against a team whose attack has overflowing talent. Having kept just one clean sheet in the past six games and playing against an Argentine side who must win to qualify, there should be goals at both ends.

A Nigeria win or draw wouldn’t be a bad shot when considering value bets. A draw would most likely be enough to see them qualify for the next round. With both teams expected to find the back of the net this game sure looks interesting.

Ahmed Musa who was not party of the party that started against Croatia on the opening group game has shown how essential he is to the team. And after the game against Iceland where he did start, he shouldn’t be sitting on the bench. He has now scored four goals at the world cup, It doesn’t look impossible for him to add to that tally here.

HEAD TO HEAD

These sides have met seven times with Argentina winning four, drawing one and losing two. The most recent encounter was in friendly in November. Nigeria won that encounter 4-2.

PREDICTED LINEUP

NIGERIA

Uzoho, Balogun, Troost-Ekong, Omeruo, Moses, Idowu, Etebo, Obi, Ndidi, Iheanacho, Musa.

ARGENTINA

Caballero, Salvio, Otamendi, Rojo, Tagliafico, Acuna, Mascherano, Banega, Messi, Dybala, Aguero

PICK

Both teams to score
Odd : 1.85