Argentina v Nigeria: Latest news, likely line-ups and prediction

David Cooper - Writer 13:11 25/06/2014
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  • Key man and coach: Messi and Sabella at training ahead of the Nigeria clash.

    Alejandro Sabella admits Argentina must improve all over the pitch as they look to smooth their passage into the last 16 by claiming top spot in Group F.

    The South American giants are already assured of a place in the knockout stages in Brazil after two Lionel Messi-inspired victories. The Barcelona star struck a stunning late winner against stubborn Iran on Saturday to complement his great solo effort in a 2-1 defeat of Bosnia & Herzegovina.

    Yet while Argentina might be in command of the group, they are not yet assured of first place and could be denied by Nigeria if they lose to the Africans in Porto Alegre.

    Nigeria have four points from their two games and while a point would suffice for progress, the probability of avoiding France in the next round provides an incentive for victory.

    There remains considerable debate over Argentina’s most effective formation. Sabella’s 5-3-2 against Bosnia did not really suit, but they were also troubled as they played with 4-3-3 and 4-3-1-2 variations against Iran.

    That may give Nigeria hope of causing them further problems but the Super Eagles have also not hit their stride, playing out a goalless draw with Iran and labouring to a 1-0 win over Bosnia.

    “We have to improve, starting with myself,” Sabella added. “We need more mobility to find spaces, Nigeria are a different team altogether than Iran, with high potential and they play very quickly and switch into attack very quickly.

    “Against Iran we got lost on the pitch in the second half. What happens is when you are so eager to win a match to get qualification you lose your balance.”

    Asked how he felt about the criticism the performances in Brazil so far have generated back home he replied: “I’m not worried about that, my only worry is that we have to improve. And we are improving, little by little.” 

    TEAM NEWS

    Nigeria: Coach Stephen Keshi has hinted that defender Godfrey Oboabuna, sidelined for Bosnia, could return to his starting XI after injury. Midfielder Michael Babatunde was a doubt but has taken part in Nigeria’s last three training sessions.

    Argentina: With qualification assured and Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain struggling for form, Alejandro Sabella could experiment by starting Rodrigo Palacio and Ezequiel Lavezzi either side of Lionel Messi.

    LIKELY LINE-UPS

    Nigeria (4-2-3-1): Enyeama; Ambrose, Omeruo, Yobo, Oshaniwa; Mikel, Onazi; Odemwingie, Babatunde, Musa; Emenike

    Argentina (4-3-3): Romero; Zabaleta, Garay, Fernandez, Rojo; Gago, Mascherano, Di Maria; Lavezzi, Messi, Palacio 

    KEY PLAYERS

    Nigeria – Emmanuel Emenike
    Ran the Bosnia defence ragged and was unfortunate not to score. Iran showed this Argentina defence is more than a little vulnerable and the pace of Emenike will be a real test.

    Argentina – Lionel Messi
    Without his two goals Argentina would be facing a must-win game but instead this should be a relatively comfortable evening. With the pressure off, Messi can turn on the style even more.

    SPORT360 PREDICTION

    Argentina were poor against Iran and, having qualified, don’t expect too many fireworks. Nigeria 0-1 Argentina

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