Argentina: pill of defeat too bitter to swallow

Super Eagles of Nigeria

The International friendly between Nigeria and Argentina ended last night 4-2 in favour of the West African outfit, who came back from two goals down to secure a stunning victory over Jorge Sampaoli's men at the Krasnodar Stadium

Meanwhile, football fans are buzzing across social media after Nigeria sealed her emphatic victory over Argentina without Lionel Messi in Tuesday’s friendly encounter. It has left fans buzzing especially on twitter after the Super Eagles started their preparation for next year's World Cup in Russia on a high.

Ever Banega and Sergio Aguero put La Albiceleste ahead with their strikes in the 27th and 36th minute before Kelechi Iheancho pulled one back for the Nigerian side at the end of the first half.

Seven minutes into the restart of second half, Alex Iwobi drew level followed by Brian Idowu’s debut goal for the Super Eagles. Idowu scored on his debut after coming on for Ola Aina, while Uzoho ensured Nigeria didn’t concede again after he replaced Daniel Akpeyi who conceded both goals.

Alex Iwobi later doubled his efforts with a perfect finish in the 73rd minute doing a nutmeg on Barcelona’s Javier Mascherano.

Paris Saint Germain midfielder, Giovani Lo Celso, has expressed his disappointment over the defeat to Nigeria, admitting that Kelechi Iheanacho’s strike two minutes from half time gave the Super Eagles a great motivation to fight back and win the game.

Lo Celso who was drafted in after Mauro Icardi injured his knee in Inter Milan’s Serie A game last week told Argentine Football Association (AFA) official website that he was delighted to have added more playing time to his international cap for Argentina in the two friendlies against Russia and Nigeria.

He noted, “We’re leaving with that bitter taste of not being able to win,” according to AFA official website.  “I think they (Nigeria) going 2-1 up at halftime, put them back in the game.

However, the head coach of the Nigerian Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr, heaped a lot of praise on the duo of goalkeeper Francis Odinaka Uzoho and Brian Idowu, after the match. The two players made their debut for Nigeria and impressed the German tactician.

He said, “Brian is a newcomer in the team, but he’s not the only one. We have three new players, and I would like to highlight our 19-year-old goalkeeper Uzoho. He played well. Such matches are specially designed so that we can test and assess new players in the team. We have three players who have a special relationship with Russia.

He further noted, “We have Ahmed Musa and the captain (Mikel Obi) of the team. He has a connection here through the family. Brian played well, scored a goal. His prospects depend on how he will perform at the club. His debut, I’m happy. On his position we have other options, so we will pick who plays better, he will be involved in the fight,” Rohr stated afterwards.