Cometh the hour, cometh the man … Marcos Rojo? The Manchester United centre-back pulled out an exquisite finish that no one knew he had to save Argentina’s skins and reach the round of 16.
Lionel Messi came alive in the first half and fired La Albiceleste into the lead, but Nigeria levelled from the spot through Victor Moses and the indiscretions of Javier Mascherano.
Check out our Nigeria ratings on a dramatic night:
NIGERIA (3-5-2)
Francis Uzoho – The faintest of fingertips directed Messi’s free-kick on to the post. A commanding presence – hard to believe he’s only 19. 7
Leon Balogun – The most jumbled of mixed bags. Silly foul on Di Maria could have spelled disaster but ‘allowed’ himself to be fouled in the box by Mascherano. 6
William Troost-Ekong – Tidier than his defensive colleagues. Aimless lumped balls from the back didn’t help in easing the pressure. 6
Kenneth Omeruo – Caught on his heels for Messi’s goal though much was down to the Argentine. Dragged out of position and clumsy at times. 5
Victor Moses – Who knew Moses could take a penalty like that? It was his only offensive contribution of the game, however. 6
Wilfred Ndidi – Tireless engine in the middle, a fire blanket over Mascherano and company. Had one glorious chance he should have squared. 8
John Obi Mikel – Nigeria’s captain is also their chief playmaker but he was ponderous on the ball at times, not as energetic as Ndidi. 5
Oghenekaro Etebo – Buccaneering presence through the centre with five completed dribbles. Not graceful but fun to watch. 7
Brian Idowu – Had the left flank under lock and key with five tackles, three clearances and three interceptions. 7
Kelechi Iheanacho – Frustration personified. Lacked composure and failed to feed off strike partner Musa’s buzzing energy. 4
Ahmed Musa – The only Nigeria attacker you’d back every time with the ball at his feet. A menace to Mascherano, didn’t get consistent service. 7
SUBSTITUTES
Odion Ighalo – There’s very little between him and Iheanacho – which isn’t a good thing. Fired superb opportunity straight at Armani. 4
Alex Iwobi – Arsenal youngster failed to get a start for Nigeria and didn’t have enough time in the dying moments to make an impression. N/A
Simy – Much like Iwobi, the Crotone forward thrown on to no avail N/A
