Nigeria vs Argentina: 4 things we learnt as Super Eagles are eliminated from 2018 World Cup
Nigeria is out of the 2018 World Cup, after losing 2-1 to Argentina on Tuesday night in Saint Petersburg.
The Super Eagles needed to avoid defeat to qualify for the round of 16, but were unable to hold on at 1-1, after Victor Moses’ penalty cancelled out Lionel Messi’s opener.
So, what are the 4 things we learnt from the game?
1. Argentina and Rojo again: Nigeria must be sick of playing Argentina at the World Cup. Four times they’ve met in the group stage of the World Cup; four times Argentina have triumphed by the odd goal. It happened in 1994, 2002, 2010, 2014 and in Russia (2018). Last time in Brazil four years ago, it was Marcos Rojo who scored the winner in a 3-2 victory. He popped up again in the most unlikeliest position, to volley in a cross past Francis Uzoho.
2. Ighalo should have won it: Oh yes, Odion Ighalo, you let your country down. The striker who is now based in China, had two golden opportunities with the score at 1-1, before Marcos Rojo sealed victory for the Albiceleste.
3. Rohr should not be sacked: He has his weak moments and he got some calls wrong, but overall, Gernot Rohr has not done badly as head coach of the Supe Eagles. The Nigeria Football Federation should keep him in charge, ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
4. Messi sneaks through: With 10 minutes left, it seemed Messi and his team-mates would be leaving Russia. The Barcelona sueprstar has not exactly set the tournament alight like his arch-rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. But he got his first against Nigeria and will be facing France next.
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