Nigerian fans still hopeful of Super Eagles win

Argentina opened their World Cup challenge as expected by naming a team with a three-man attack of Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Carlos Tevez to face Nigeria in Group B at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Coach Diego Maradona lined up Tevez and Higuain as twin strikers in front of the free-roaming Messi with Juan Sebastian Veron and captain Javier Mascherano in the midfield engine room.

Right wing-back Jonas Gutierrez was handed a double task of supplementing a three-man defence while providing quick passes down the flank, with Angel di Maria chosen on the left wing.

Nigeria’s Swedish coach Lars Lagerback opted for Victor Obinna to partner Yakubu Aiyegbeni up front. Defender Joseph Yobo will lead the side with Nwankwo Kanu, named team captain for the tournament, starting on the bench.

Opening goal: In the sixth minute a corner by Juan Veron, from Argentina, was headed into the goal by Gabriel Heinze from the centre of the penalty area, putting Argentina into the lead.

Teams:

Argentina: 22-Sergio Romero; 2-Martin Demichelis, 13-Walter Samuel, 6-Gabriel Heinze, 17-Jonas Gutierrez; 14-Javier Mascherano, 8-Juan Sebastian Veron, 7-Angel Di Maria, 10-Lionel Messi, 11-Carlos Tevez, 9-Gonzalo Higuain.

Nigeria: 1-Vincent Enyeama; 17-Chidi Odiah, 6-Danny Shittu, 2-Joseph Yobo, 3-Taye Taiwo; 19-Chinedu Obasi, 20-Dickson Etuhu, 15-Haruna Lukman, 14-Sani Kaita; 8-Yakubu Aiyegbeni, 18-Victor Obinna.

Referee: Wolfgang Stark (Germany)

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nulla dignissim malesuada pulvinar. Phasellus mattis mauris ut leo ornare aliquam.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nulla dignissim malesuada pulvinar. Phasellus mattis mauris ut leo ornare aliquam.