Super Eagles Shock Argentina 4-2 in Russia…
Super Eagles fought back from two goals down to claim a famous 4-2 victory over two-time world champions Argentina in Krasnodar, Russia last night.
Although the South Americans played without their talismanic Lionel Messi, they had top stars like Sergio kun Aguero, Paulo Dybala, Christian Pavon, Angel Di Maria and Javier Mascherano at the international friendly game with Nigeria.
After an initial quick exchanges between both teams, the game became lively with the South Americans stepping into the driver’s seat on the dot of 20th minute. Ever Banega’s free kick that resorted from Daniel Akpeyi’s blunder gave the Argies the lead.
Aguero doubled the lead for Argentina in the 34th minute.
But Super Eagles who at this stage had began to worm their way deep into the Albiceleste half, pulled back a goal through a superbly taken free kick by Kelechi Iheanacho.
The free kick was the fall out of the infringement on Alex Iwobi by Mascherano outside the box in the 44th minute.
On resumption for the second half, Eagles up their game with skipper John Mikel Obi who was playing his 80th international game at the senior level for Nigeria spraying accurate passes.
Man of the match Iwobi, however drew Nigeria level with the Argies in the 52nd minute after he combined well with strike partner Iheanacho. It was his third goal for the Super Eagles.
Russia-based Bryan Idowu who was making his debut for Nigeria in the game made it 3-2 in favour of Eagles moments later when he latched onto a pass by Iheanacho inside Argentina box to deliver the goal.
The three-time African champions were not done yet. Iwobi got his second goal of the night in the 73rd minute when he surged past his markers after he received a pass from substitute Ahmed Musa before he fired home the sealer to earn Nigeria the second victory over Argentina.
Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, tried out a new formation of 3-5-2 as against the 4-2-3-1 the team used mostly during the World Cup 2018 qualifying series.
In his post-match reaction, Rohr, however warned his warned not to think they have arrived to win the World Cup yet.
“It’s good victory for us but it doesn’t mean we’ve become favorites to win the World Cup. We stay humble and realise we have more work to do. We prepared well for this game because playing Argentina is big for us, maybe
it is different for them.” EAGLES VS ARGENTINA
LINE UP: Daniel Akpeyi (Francis Uzoho 46th), Chiedozie Awaziem, William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun (Kenneth Omeruo 60th ), Ola Aina (Bryan Idowu 46th ), Shehu Abdullahi (Tyronne Ebuehi 46th), Wilfred Ndidi, John Mikel Obi, John Ogu – Alex Iwobi (Olanrewaju Kayode 87th ), Kelechi Iheanacho (Ahmed Musa 70th).