Nigeria vs Argentina 25th June 5pm

Nigeria will be the first African team to qualify to the next round even if it manages to end this match in a draw. It may still go to the next round even if it suffers a loss but a lot will depend on the match between Iran and Bosnia & Herzegovina. If Iran wins that match, Nigeria's chance of going to the next round may suffer a setback. Moreover, it will face a team
like Argentina which will continue to attack. Nigeria is more comfortable in attacking the opposition's goal than
defending its own. It is important that it stays positive and tries to win this match to ensure its berth in the next round. A defensive strategy against Argentina may turn out
to be catastrophic.

Argentina came to the tournament as one of the favourites to win it. However, it is probably the most
underperformed team which somehow manages to win. When most of the South American teams are faring extremely well, Argentina has failed to impress as a team. Lionel Messi , on the other hand, looks pretty impressive with every match. He scored the winning goal in both the matches Argentina won. He happens to be the magic man to rescue his country. However, other major players like Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero have simply failed to perform. If Argentina fancies a chance in the tournament, it has to play well as a team. This match may be its chance to find the rhythm it needs for the next round.

Argentina will be looking forward to using their pace to dismantle the Super Eagles defences. Nigeria is familiar with Argentina more than any team in the World Cup Tournament as they have been seeded in the same group in past two editions of the mundial. These two teams have actually played 6 times against each other before. One of those ended in a draw. Argentina won 4 and Nigeria 1. There were 14 goals scored Nigeria scored 6 and
Argentina 8. The South Americans are always looking to score early in their games else they will leave it late.  Vincent Enyeama is in top form having not conceded a goal in the tournament and I don't see him conceding that early or even in the first half. With so much said the first half ending as a DRAW wouldn't be much of a bad idea.

Verdict: First half DRAW