Eagles face France in round of 16, despite 3-2 loss to Argentina

By Uzor Odigbo and Augustine Akhilomen, Lagos
Super Eagles of Nigeria failed to overcome Lionel Messi’s inspired Argentine side after the team lost 3-2 on Wednesday at the Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, but still book its place to meet France in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup.

Bosnia in the second group match, defeated Iran 3-1 to end the competition with three points.
The Nigerian team was hoping to make a big statement of intent against its Albecelestes after suffering three straight defeats; 2-1 in US 98, 1-0 in South Korea/Japan 2002 and 1-0 in South Africa 2010.
Argentina drew the first blood no thanks to diminutive genius Messi in the third minute after Angel di Maria’s low near-post shot cannoned off the keeper and the post, with a rebound for Messi to fire past a sea of Eagles defenders to score in his third World Cup match running.
Immediately after Argentina took the initiative, the Super Eagles wasted no time as the team equalised in the fourth minutes through Ahmed Musa, who calmly curled the ball past Argentina goalkeeper Romeo, to give Nigeria a big lift.
Eagles, still hoping to seal its qualification to the last 16, made frantic efforts to double its lead but could not get the ball past the Argentine goalkeeper.
At the same time, the Albecelestes also took command of the midfield, as the team’s continuous possession of the ball made life so miserable for the Eagles.
However, Messi’s moment of magic came in the 44^th minute, as he curled a powerful free-kick towards the top corner which Enyeama somehow failed to keep out the Nigerian net, bringing an end to the first half.
At the commencement of the second half, Nigeria made serious incursions into the 18-yard box of the opponents but could not take advantage of the opportunities. However, in the 47th minutes, Emmanuel Emenike laid a through pass to winger Ahmed Musa, who confidently sent Romero to the wrong side for Super Eagles’ second goal.
While the team was celebrating Musa’s goal, it took the Argentine side just three minutes to extend its lead as Marcos Rojo made a slight touch after a corner-kick was played by Argentina to continue its winning streak against Nigeria.
After 90 minutes of football, both teams failed to increase the score line as the match ended 3-2 in favour of Argentina.
With this result, the Super Eagles has made its way to the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup since France 1998 and would face France on Saturday.