The Super Eagles of Nigeria will tonight go into the last group D match against Argentina fully aware that they would be meeting a desperate team fighting for survival.
Argentina, who are last on the Group D table, knows that only a win against Nigeria will take them to the next round of the competition but a defeat means that the world’s acclaimed best player, Lionel Messi, will not win the one trophy remaining to complete his crown-laden chest.
The Super Eagles, on the other hand, need a draw or an outright win, to take them into the knockout stages.
Reports from the camp have it that the Head coach of the Super Eagles, might stick with the same team that defeated Iceland 2-0 in their last game, for tonight clash except for any last-minute changes of plan.
The trio of Kelechi Iheanacho, Tyronne Ebuehi and Ahmed Musa returned to the starting lineup for that match, while Odion Ighalo, Shehu Abdullahi and Alex Iwobi were dropped.
The 3-5-2 formation is the same system the German deployed, when his team beat Argentina 4-2 in an international friendly last November.
The change in line-up paid off for the coach as Musa netted the two goals that boosted Nigeria’s chance of progressing into the round of 16.
Those to likely start for Nigeria against Argentina are: Uzoho, Balogun, Ekong, Ebuehi, Idowu, Ndidi, Etebo, Mikel, Musa, Iheanacho, Moses.
Kick-off is 7pm Nigerian time.
Rohr says no mercy for Messi
Rohr also acknowledged that a defeat tomorrow would end Argentina’s Lionel Messi’s World Cup career without the trophy, adding that the Eagles are not bothered with the fate of the FC Barcelona star.
He said, “In football there is no mercy. We are not thinking about Messi, whether it is his last World Cup or not. We are not here to watch him play. We are professionals in football and everybody wants to win. So, we cannot start feeling pity for Messi at our cost. I think he is very fit and we have to be aware of him.”
Argentina pressure
Argentina’s struggles in Russia come after their pre-tournament preparations were wrecked by controversy and poor form, coupled with a reliance on a top-heavy, limited squad.
The Argentine federation was even moved to confirm that coach Jorge Sampaoli would continue for the final group game amid rumours of a rift between players and coach.
“We have to make our goal five games to reach the final. Tomorrow will be the first final,” said the defiant coach on the eve of the game in Saint Petersburg.“No matter who plays tomorrow will have the obligation to give until the last bead of sweat so that Argentina will go through.”
Euro 2016 heroes Iceland can still dream of progress to the knockout rounds but they must beat Croatia and hope the other result goes their way.
Alex Iwobi reveal Nigeria’s mission against Argentina
“We are very full of confidence after our win against Iceland and very prepared to get a good result against Argentina,” Iwobi told media in Saint Petersburg.“We believe we can do well and can assure Nigerian fans that we will put up a good fight against Argentina.“I don’t know if I will play or not because I couldn’t get enough time against Iceland but the most important thing is for us is to get the result. I don’t mind if I play or not as long as we beat Argentina.”
0 Comments