In the immediate aftermath of the Nigeria-Argentina game, a vast majority of the footballing world was celebrating. Argentina had made the knockout stages and that meant that the magician that is Lionel Messi could continue to weave his magic in the tournament.
Yet, what was forgotten in all the hoopla was the heartbreak faced by the Nigerian team. Finally possessing a team with a mix of experience (John Obi Mikel/Victor Moses) and youthful exuberance (Alex Iwobi/Kelachi Iheanacho), big things were expected of Nigeria in this World Cup.
Those hopes seemed to be over after a crushing loss to Croatia. What was even more worrying than the comprehensive loss was the extent to which Nigeria was outplayed. They failed to create major chances and their midfield was completely outrun by Croatia’s stars.
Facing elimination, Nigeria knew they needed a victory against a resolute Iceland team which had just held Lionel Messi’s Argentina. In the first half, Nigeria’s lethargy continued as they failed to break down the Icelandic defence. Nigeria seemed to be headed for another early elimination from the World Cup.
Ahmed Musa had other ideas as he scored two brilliant goals to defeat the Scandinavians and give Nigeria hope going into their final game against Argentina. Facing a rejuvenated Argentine side, many did not give Nigeria a chance after a classic Messi goal gave the South Americans an early lead. Yet, Nigeria kept on fighting for an equalizer. It was only in the second half when a Javier Mascherano brain fade give Nigeria penalty that Victor Moses calmly converted.
It seemed as Nigeria were going to achieve the impossible- qualification ahead of a supremely talented Argentina side. In the 75th minute, a brilliant counter-attack exposed Argentina’s fragile defence with defender Marcus Rojo handling the ball.
The referee (after consulting VAR) decided that the contact was not deliberate and gave Argentina hope. Ten minutes later in a moment of cruel irony, it was Rojo who smashed a brilliant volley into the Nigerian net. It was the perfect end to an exhilarating game for all except those a Nigerian persuasion.