Argentina play Nigeria in Krasnodar in an International Friendly
Kick-off : 7:30 PM (Local)
Venue : Krasnodar Stadium, Krasnodar
Argentina will be without Lionel Messi for this fixture. So it’s a chance for Nigeria to cash in and make the most of the opportunity.
Both Nigeria and Argentina have qualified for next year’s world cup and will see this as a preparation for the finals.
Argentina have traveled to Russia for a pair of friendlies. The first one they played against the hosts and won 1-0.
Nigeria have had a good 2017 and became the first African team to qualify for the world cup. They went undefeated through the final round World Cup qualifying.
But in Argentina they face their toughest test of the year so far. Albiceleste are one of the best teams in the world even without Messi.
Team news and possible line-ups
Nigeria have called up Brian Idowu, who was born in Russia but is eligible to play for the Super Eagles.
While Victor Moses and Odion Ighalo will not be available for Nigeria as due to injuries. The Nigerian coach might be tempted to play Francis Uzoho in this game.
As for Argentina, Lionel Messi has withdrawn from the squad and will not feature. While Gonzalo Higuain and Mauro Icardi will also not feature on Tuesday.
Whereas Paulo Dybala and Sergio Aguero will likely start upfront.
Nigeria XI : Uzoho, Aina, Troost-Ekong, Balogun, Idowu, Ndidi, Mikel, Oghenekaro, Iwobi, Onyekuru, Musa.
Argentina XI : Marchesin, Mascherano, Pezzella, Mammana, Pavon, Kranevitter, Banega, Lo Celso, Di maria, Dybala, Aguero.
Prediction
While it’s not a given that Argentina will win on Tuesday but they are certainly the favorites. I expect Argentina to win this game. the scoreline could be 2-1.
