History favors Argentina in this match. They have faced Nigeria four times in the World Cup, winning three of them. There is plenty at stake for both teams. Nigeria has the opportunity to break their losing streak to South American teams and clinch the top spot in Group F, but Argentina is armed with Lionel Messi who has come to rescue more than once and could easily do the same again.
This match is essentially a home game for Argentina. Porto Alegre falls right on the borderline of Argentina and Brazil so the South American squad already gets the game advantage. Like Nigeria, they plan on making no lineup changes to the already working roster. Argentina has already qualified for the next round which means they could look to rest players, but the team prefers to face either Ecuador or Switzerland in the knockout stage rather than France so playing well is still crucial.
Nigeria needs a win. They can settle for nothing less. A win against Argentina means the team sits at the top of Group F and advances to the knockout stages. A loss means Iran gets the spot and Nigeria is sent packing with their time in the World Cup over. There is still the factor or goal differential, but Nigeria wants to avoid that mess and simply needs a win. Nigeria has no plans on changing their lineup for this key matchup. However, they are expected to get back Godfrey Oboabona who claims his ankle is healthy after missing the last match. The key match will be John Obi Mikel who will be tasked with slowing down Messi and his scoring attack.
Argentina is surviving off the foot of Messi. The team avoided a near upset against Iran in their last match thanks to a last minute goal from the soccer superstar. The hard part is over as the team has secured a spot in the Round of 16. However, they are still fighting for position in Group F making their match against Nigeria still crucial for their World Cup future. A win or draw puts them at the top of the grouping meaning they avoid a French team that is playing well.
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