Nigeria vs Argentina FIFA World Cup 2018 – Lineups, Predictions & Stats Preview 26 June 2018
Argentina's struggles have been one of the big stories of the World Cup so far. With just one point from two games, a win against Nigeria is essential if they are to progress. Nigeria will feel more positive having beaten Iceland, but may still need a win to qualify.
Nigeria Probable Lineups and Stats
Coach Gernot Rohr made several changes for the Iceland match following Nigeria’s disappointing 2-0 loss to Croatia. Notably, Kenneth Omeruo’s height bolstered their defence, and Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester were brought in to replace Alex Iwobi and Odion Ighalo in attacking roles. The new line-up took a while to settle, but the introduction of the pacy Tyronne Ebuehi at half-time seemed to complete the puzzle and the Super Eagles took charge. Two superb finishes from Musa took them to a merited victory. It is likely that Rohr will make few changes for the Argentina game, although he may keep Ebuehi in reserve. Nigeria’s big worry is the arm injury suffered by experienced midfielder John Obi Mikel towards the end of the Iceland game.
Against Croatia, Nigeria had 47% possession and managed 14 shots, but only 2 on target. In a far superior performance against Iceland, they had 16 shots with 4 on target from 56% possession. They incurred one yellow card in each game.
Argentina Probable Lineups and Stats
Coach Jorge Sampaoli is under huge pressure following his team’s failure to defeat Iceland and subsequent 3-0 capitulation against Croatia. Superstar Lionel Messi has struggled, missing a penalty against Iceland, and anonymous in the Croatia game. Sergio Aguero scored a well-taken goal in the first game, but struggled to get involved against Croatia, and was swiftly replaced by Gonzalo Higuain. Goalkeeper Willy Caballero made a catastrophic error to gift Croatia their first goal and will probably lose his starting spot. Sampaoli needs to find a line-up he can inspire to a big performance against Nigeria. He may play Aguero and Higuain together, to vary the threat, and he needs to bolster the midfield. A change of goalkeeper is also likely.
Against Iceland, Argentina enjoyed 73% possession, and had 26 shots, with just 7 on target. They still had 58% possession against Croatia, but this only resulted in 10 shots, with 3 on target. They incurred no yellow cards against the Icelanders but earned 3 in the more physical match with the Croats.
Nigeria v Argentina – Head to Head
Nigeria have beaten Argentina twice in friendlies, but in 4 World Cup meetings between 1994 and 2014 Argentina have won by the odd goal on each occasion. History, therefore, favours the South Americans, but performances so far suggest Nigeria are on the up, whilst Argentina are in disarray. A narrow victory for the Super Eagles is perhaps the likeliest outcome, especially if Mikel is fit. Argentina will probably have more of the ball, but they need to find a cutting edge or they will be on their way home.Expert Tip
After a victory over Iceland, Nigeria regained Argentina’s hopes of being able to qualify for the 1/8 Finals of the World Cup 2018. This can really happen, but first, they have to beat Nigeria, which is not to be underestimated as any other team from Africa. With all key players available, Argentina must defeat the Nigerians and return to victories.
We expect strong dominance from Argentina, and many shots on the target. Furthermore, there will be many corners in the game, we also expect to see at least 5-6 corners in the first-half. Meanwhile, the Nigerians are very strong physically, which can make it more difficult to score for Messi, Aguero, Dybala and Higuain.
Interesting Facts and Information
- Nigeria wins 1st half in 22% of their games, Argentina in 27% of their games.
- Argentina’s recent performance is better than Nigeria’s.
- In the last 5 meetings Nigeria won 2, Argentina won 3, 0 draws.
- The winner of their last encounter was Nigeria.
- On their last encounter, Nigeria won by 2 goals.
- Nigeria scores 2.2 goals in a match against Argentina and Argentina scores 2 goals against Nigeria (on average).
- Nigeria scores 2 goals when playing at home and Argentina scores 1.4 goals when playing away (on average).
- Average number of goals in meetings between Nigeria and Argentina is 4.2.
- When Nigeria leads 1-0 at home, they win in 75% of their games.
- When Argentina leads 0-1 away, they win in 50% of their games.
- The average number of goals in the first half in meetings between Nigeria and Argentina is 2.4.
- During the last 7 encounters, Nigeria have won 2 times, there have been 0 draws while Argentina have won 5 times. The goal difference is 13-12 in favour of Argentina.
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