The Super Eagles have bowed out of the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Argentina in their final Group D game in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday.
Nigeria established themselves as a second half team, as yet again the first half of their game against Argentina saw the Argentines dominate the playing field, with a goal from top-gun Lionel Messi in the 14th minute – the 100th goal of the 2018 World Cup campaign.
play by play
Ahmed Musa had Nigeria’s first big chance eight minutes into the game, but his efforts from outside found its way over the bar.
Six minutes later, Messi gave Argentina the lead as the Barcelona striker showed his ball control prowess, controlling a long pass from Ever Banega before shooting past Francis Uzoho.
Uzoho was called into action in the 26th minute when he made a good save, stopping Gonzalo Higuian from doubling Argentina’s lead after a thru-pass from Messi.
In the 34th minutes, Messi came close to doubling the lead for his side, but his very well taken free kick was deflected by Uzoho’s fingers and came off the left bar.
As usual, the Super Eagles took the game in the second half, and started mounting pressure on the Argies until Javier Mascherano pulled an ‘Ekong’ on Leon Balogun inside the box to win Nigeria her first penalty.
Victor Moses cleverly placed the ball beyond Argentine goalkeeper F. Armani’s reach to level up the scores for Nigeria.
The Super Eagles soon continued their offensive with Ndidi hitting a perfect strike in the 71st minute, however his effort went over the bar.
Five minutes later, Odion Ighalo had a clear cut chance to give Nigeria the lead but he shot wide, hitting the left side of the net.
The Super Eagles all-but had another penalty after Marcos Rojo handled the ball in the box, however after consulting with VAR, the referee did not give it.
Anther chance for the Super Eagles came in the 85th minute with Oghenekaro Etebo taking a superb free-kick but the ball went straight to the side of the net.
Barely one minute later Argentina took the lead when Rojo swiftly finished a superb cross from Mercado.
In the 90th minute, with only four minutes added time, Iwobi was added to the game for Nigeria, but the player could only do so much as the Argentines held their forte good to grab the win at 2-1.
