Super Eagles of Nigeria came back from two goals down to beat Argentina 4-2 in Krasnodar, Russia as Alex Iwobi put up a scintillating performance in the friendly match-up.
Being the first African Country to qualify for Russia 2018 World Cup and also going on an unbeaten run the process of qualifying, the Super Eagles had much expectations going into the friendly game against Argentina, who are fourth placed in the current FIFA World Rankings.
The first twenty-five minutes was all dominance for the Albiceleste, something which later paid off when Daniel Akpeyi made a howler by handling the ball which he was suppose to kick at the edge of Nigeria’s box. The Chippa United Shot stopper, was scared as Aguero ran towards him, when he was about kicking the ball from the freekick point, but he opted to put the ball in his hand, which gifted the Jorge Sampaoli led side a freekick which was calmly slotted home by Ever Banega in the 27th minute of the game.
Aguero doubled the lead after a through ball from Pavon, and it seems like Nigeria wasn’t going to get anything out of the game.
Just before halftime, Alex Iwobi earned a freekick at the edge of Argentina’s box after being blocked by Javier Mascherano, and Kelechi Iheanacho reduced the deficit by slotting home the freekick.
The Super Eagles made three changes at the restart which brought liveliness to the game. Deportivo Lacoruna youngster, Francis Uzoho replaced Daniel Akpeyi, Brain Idowu got his debut by replacing Ola Aina on the left, and Ebuehi came on for Shehu Abdulahhi on the right side of the defence.
Star of the night, Alex Iwobi leveled for the Super Eagles in the 52nd minute from Kelechi Iheanacho’s pass. Two minutes later, Brian Idowu got a debut goal to put the Super Eagles ahead for the first time in the game.
Argentina had couple of chances to level in the game but Goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho was up to the task to deny the Argentina another win against the Super Eagles. Iwobi soon added the fourth goal and got his brace after a long pass from Ahmed Musa, after which he nutmegged Javier Mascherano before putting the ball past Marchesin in goal.
With the impressive win on Tuesday night, Nigeria will hope to have a better position in the upcoming FIFA Rankings later this month.
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