EGWIM PEACE
Would it be a FIFA World Cup for Nigeria if they didn’t meet Argentina? Russia 2018 marks the Super Eagles’ sixth global finals appearance and they are preparing for their fifth meeting with La Albiceleste at the tournament.
With Croatia having already qualified from Group D, Nigeria and Argentina clashes once again but this time at Saint Petersburg Stadium with ambitions of reaching the knockout stages of Russia 2018. Ahead of the classical clash, thoughts are blinked on how Nigeria intends to beat past Argentina following their sour path together in their previous meetings in the world cup histroy, from their maiden meeting at USA 1994 to their most recent at Brazil 2014.
Argentina 2-1 Nigeria
Foxboro Stadium, Boston
USA 1994
Nigeria captured the imagination of fans around the globe with their exciting brand of football when making their World Cup debut at USA 1994. When they recorded a 3-0 victory over Bulgaria in their opener, while Argentina put four past Greece, fireworks were expected when the two sides met in Boston. Samson Siasia put the Super Eagles in front but a first-half brace from Claudio Caniggia sealed Argentina comeback. Both nations bowed out at the Round of 16 stage.
Argentina 1-0 Nigeria
Korea/Japan 2002
Kashima Stadium, Ibaraki
Their paths didn’t meet in France 1998 but at Korea/Japan 2002, Argentina and Nigeria were reacquainted. The first global finals to be held in Asia. In Group F’s opener, a second-half header from Gabriel Batistuta proved the difference. Argentina’s victory to Nigeria was her only win at the tournament, while Nigeria failed to record any victory. Both nations failed to progress to the knockout stages.
Argentina 1-0 Nigeria
South Africa 2010
Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
Argentina was blessed with a solitary goal from a formidable attack of Carlos Tevez, Gonzalo Higuain and Lionel Messi. It was an unlikely hero who bagged in this encounter. Defender Gabriel Heinze gave his side the perfect start on six minutes with a flying header, consigning Nigeria to defeat in their first World Cup match since 2002. Diego Maradona – a veteran of the first World Cup meeting between the two sides was the then Argentina head coach. La Albiceleste eventually reached the quarter-final stage, while Nigeria headed for home after the group stages.
Nigeria 2-3 Argentina
Brazil 2014
Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre
Argentina clinched Group F’s top spot while Nigeria claimed second in this memorable Brazil 2014 encounter. Lionel Messi, the eventual adidas Golden Ball winner, and Ahmed Musa both bagged braces before Marcos Rojo snatched the winner for the South Americans, maintaining Argentina’s perfect record against the Super Eagles at the global finals – all by a one-goal margin.
Nigeria vs Argentina(???)
Russia 2018
St Petersburg, Saint Petersburg Stadium
Argentina and Nigeria are well acquainted with each other in international competitions. Not only have they crossed swords four times at the FIFA World Cup, but they also contested the final of the Olympic football tournament in 2008, with Argentina winning 1-0. Four members of that Argentina Olympic side are still in the Albiceleste squad for Russia 2018: Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano, Sergio Aguero, and Angel Di Maria, who scored the winning goal in Beijing.
Will history repeat itself or are Nigerians down to break the conceding history they have with Argentina?. Thoughts are out as much is anticipated from tomorrow’s match.
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