The highly rated Elephants of Ivory Coast were knocked out of the mundial last night by Greece while the Indomitable lions led by Samuel Eto’o failed for the fifth consecutive time to make it past the group stage of the World Cup.
Indeed the destiny of Africa now rest on the wings of Stephen Keshi led Super Eagles. The Super Eagles will need to avoid defeat against Argentina and also keep an eye on the other match between Iran and Bosnia Herzegovina to stand any chance of restoring the pride of Africa.
Defeat to Argentina, who sit top with wins over Iran and Bosnia Herzegovina, could still see Stephen Keshi’s men prolong their stay in Brazil, if Iran fail to beat Bosnia in Salvador.
And FIFA might even have to get out their straws for the drawing of lots should Iran win 1-0 and Nigeria lose by the same score, leaving the sides inseparable on points, goal difference, number of goals and head-to-head.
Argentina and Nigeria are no strangers to each other at the World Cup stage, in fact, exactly 20 years ago (25th June, 1994), Argentina defeated the Super Eagles two goals to one. Nigeria have met Argentina thrice at the group stage, losing on all occasions with only a goal to her credit while Argentina netted four goals in all. At this cadet of football (not age grade or Olympics), Nigeria has only won Argentina once in a friendly match played on 1st June, 2011; it ended 4-1. The head to head stand at four wins for Argentina, a win for Nigeria and a draw.
25 Jun 1994 Argentina v Nigeria 2-1 FIFA World Cup
10 Jan 1995 Nigeria v Argentina 0-0 FIFA Confederations Cup
02 Jun 2002 Argentina v Nigeria 1-0 FIFA World Cup
12 Jun 2010 Argentina v Nigeria 1-0 FIFA World Cup
01 Jun 2011 Nigeria v Argentina 4-1 International
06 Sep 2011 Argentina v Nigeria 3-1 International
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