Nigeria will be on the lookout for points when they meet Argentina in the final round of matches in Group F at the Estadio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre on Wednesday, June 25.
While Argentina have already qualified for the round of 16 following a couple of victories over Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iran, the Nigerians have four points from 2 games and need a draw to be sure of qualification to the next round.
Nigeria drew against Iran in their World Cup opener. The Africans struck gold when they managed to pull off a well-deserved victory over the Bosnians in the second match which saw them move into second place in the group. However, earning a point against Argentina will be a difficult proposition as the likes of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iran found out in their respective fixtures.
Nigeria rely heavily on the likes of Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, and Peter Odemwingie for goals. So far, the African nation have managed a solitary goal through the latter against Bosnia. They also have a good attacking option on the wings with Victor Moses a bright spark.
Nigeria have a solid midfield with the likes of John Obi Mikel and Ogenyi Onazi providing good resistance in the middle of the park ahead of a well-oiled defence which is manned by Joseph Yobo and company. Nigeria will have to defend extremely well in order to keep Argentina out.
Argentina will either need to win or draw the fixture in order to guarantee themselves qualification into round 2 as group leaders. With an attack that boasts some of the best attacking talent in European football at the present time, Argentina will be favourites to win this match.
Lionel Messi has certainly risen to the occasion as the Barcelona star has won both the games in which his country have been involved so far. However, the likes of Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, and Angel di Maria need to form a better understanding among themselves in order to be feared by the opposition.
The midfield needs to get involved in the attack as well if the South Americans are to be truly dangerous. The defence has to improve by leaps and bounds as well as they were lucky not to have conceded a goal or two against Iran, who threatened Sergio Romero’s goal on more than one occasion. Ezequiel Garay must organize his defense better for Argentina now that the knockout stages loom large.