The Super Eagles of Nigeria are out of the 2018 World Cup, after a 1-2 defeat to Argentina.
Going into the game, the Super Eagles needed just a draw against a star-studded Argentina side to progress to the next stage of the Mundial.
Unlucky, however, the Super Eagles fell behind in the 14th minute, [ads1]when Barcelona forward Lionel Messi slotted home a long-range pass from Eva Banega.
The goal meant Nigeria would have to get a goal to draw the game leveled and progress to the next stage of the competition with Croatia from Group D. Nigeria after falling behind, looked very unperturbed and gave Argentina more room to operate throughout the first half.
Usual of them in the tournament, Nigeria returned from the break rejuvenated like they did against Iceland, pushing Argentina into their own half.
Nigeria got their hopes alive when Javier Mascherano was adjudged to have pulled down a Nigerian player in the 18-yard box in the 51′ minute. The referee pointed to the penalty spot, allowing Chelsea star Victor Moses, to slot home from the penalty spot; pulling the game leveled.
Nigeria pushed harder and had ample of chances to put the game to bed, but Odion Igalo could only draw a save from the Argentine goalkeeper.
The game went on with Argentina looking for a winner to stay in Russia. The odds went against Nigeria once again, when Manchester United defender, Marcos Rojo dashed into the 16-yard box and volley in a cross from Gabriel Mercado with just 4 minutes left on the clock.
It all came to an end, when the referee after a four-minute add on to regulation time, brought the game to an end. The result, therefore, confirmed Argentina to progress to the next stage with Croatia from the group.
Nigeria becomes the fourth of five African contingents to be eliminated from the World cup after Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia have all been eliminated leaving Senegal, who plays Columbia on Thursday in Group H.
Story by: Abdul-Iddrisu Faisel
