Argentina Defeats Nigeria By A Lone Goal

Pin It Now! The second match of the group B ended on a winning note for Argentina as they gunned down the Super Eagles of Nigeria by a lone goal courtesy of Gabriel Heize’s header in the 6th minute.

Argentina went into the match with high expectations, having great players like current world footballer, Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Carlos Tevez, Diego Milito, Maxi Rodriguez, etc. on their side. The Argentines were expected to give the Nigerians a beating of their lives; but they eventually won by a narrow margin.

The South Americans started to pile pressure on the African team right from the commencement of the match, looking for an early goal. Lionel Messi’s first shot came in the 6th minute, but it was parried by goal keeper Vincent Enyeama for a corner kick. The resultant kick was taken and nodded in by Gabriel Heinze for the only goal of the match. The argentines tried to increase the goal tally but they were denied the opportunity by the Nigerian agile goal keeper.

Messi’s left footer was again saved by Vincent Enyeama in the 19th minute. Gonzalo Higuain came close to increasing the tally in the 21st minute, but the Nigerian goalie stood between him and the goal post. Yakubu Aiyegbeni also failed to utilize a cross from Uche Kalu in the 28th minute.

The misses continued on both sides: goal keeper Vincent Enyeama of Nigeria seemed determined never to allow Lionel Messi see the back of his net, as he parried and saved all shots directed at his goal by the reigning world footballer of the year. Ball possession stood at 55% to 45% in favour of the South Americans. But the Super Eagles were able to absorb all their pressures. It was a great game for both sides.

Peter Osaze Odewingie, Uche Kalu and Obafemi Martins later came on in the second half to add more bite to the Nigerian attack, and they came close to scoring several times through a counter offensive. Diego Milito, Maxi Rodriguez and Burdisso Nicolas also came on for Argentina. The Nigerians gained more confidence in the second half, but their effort could not produce the desired result as they eventually became the first African team to lose a match in the ongoing tournament. Nigerian goal keeper, Vincent Enyeama was voted ‘Man of the match’. South Korea now tops group B, followed by Argentina, Nigeria and Greece.

Argentina Defeats Nigeria By A Lone Goal