Nigeria will meet Argentina on Tuesday for the fifth time in their six World Cup finals appearances‚ an amazing run that highlights the special rivalry the duo have in the FIFA Mundial.
Argentina has won all four of the previous clashes though‚ but this time are in some disarray against a Nigeria side bristling with confidence after their 2-0 win over Iceland last time out.
It will be a special moment perhaps for Super Eagles skipper John Obi Mikel‚ who can gain some revenge over the great Lionel Messi.
Obi Mikel was rueful recently as he recalled the 2005 FIFA Under-20 World Cup‚ where Nigeria met Argentina in the final.
“Before the game, people said that I was going to win the Golden Ball for being the player of the tournament,” Mikel says.
“But then Messi scored twice‚ both of them penalties‚ Argentina won 2-1 and I got the Silver Ball. Messi has kept on stealing awards from me!”
A draw will likely be enough to see Nigeria through to the Last 16‚ as long as Iceland don’t get a big win over pool leaders Croatia.
