As we approach the concluding parts of the group stage, the focus has now shifted to the Group D, with many football fans waiting patiently to see who will qualify between Nigeria and Argentina.
The two nations will face each other today for a spot in the knockout phase of the tournament.
Nigeria will be looking forward to continuing their impressive form, after earning a 2-0 victory against Iceland in their previous match.
Argentina, on the other hand, have been mere shadows of themselves in the World Cup this year. The Albiceleste could only earn an embarrassing one point from their 2 games in the group stage.
Jorge Sampaoli’s men will need to claim a victory against Nigeria and hope Iceland do not get a favorable result against Croatia in order to progress to the knockout phase.
- Argentina’s Crisis
Argentina’s poor performances have dominated the headlines in the World Cup this year. After reaching the final of the tournament in 2014, the Albiceleste have failed to replicate that performance in the competition this term, producing mediocre displays and falling below the expectations that accompanied them to Russia.
The team has been under great scrutiny since the competition began, with the likes of Jorge Sampaoli, Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Javier Mascherano singled out for constant criticisms.
- Ahmed Musa’s Influence
Following Ahmed Musa’s heroics in the recent fixture, the attacker is already looking forward to a reunion with his old rivals, Lionel Messi and Argentina in a tough match that could decide the qualification race in the Group D.
Musa recently claimed that he doesn’t have problems scoring against Lionel Messi’s side. He scored twice against Argentina in the 2014 World Cup
- Nigeria’s current form
Nigeria Super Eagles will be approaching the Argentina game in great form, after defeating World Cup debutants, Iceland in their previous fixture.
The Super Eagles have impressed in the tournament, claiming 3 points from 2 matches and sitting in the second position on the Group D table.
Argentina, on the other hand, have been really poor in the World Cup this year, playing a disappointing 1-1 draw against Iceland, and suffering a humiliating 3-0 defeat at the hands of Croatia.
