With Tuesday’s clash make or break for Nigeria, Goal profile the Argentine players who could dent the West Africans’ hopes of making it into the last 16.

 

 

Nicolas Otamendi: Though he wasn’t at his best against Croatia, the Manchester City defender is the key player for the Albiceleste at the back, and will be looking to stop the Nigerian frontmen from doing the kind of damage that was done to Iceland last time out.

 

 

Ever Banega: It was a surprise that coach Jorge Sampaoli left the Sevilla midfielder on the bench against Croatia. His versatility in the middle of the park along with his passing, intelligence and vision makes him a prized asset. Should he start in Saint Petersburg, which is highly expected, the Super Eagles will be in for a tough evening in the former Russian capital.

 

 

Paulo Dybala: The Juventus forward started on the bench last time out but was largely ineffectual. That however doesn’t take away the threat he posses with his pace, creativity and all-round technique presenting a nightmare for any opposition. With Argentina needing victory to qualify, Sampaoli could unleash Dybala into the starting XI and the Nigerian rearguard will need to be on high alert.

 

 

Angel Di Maria: The Paris Saint-Germain man was a menace to the Nigerian backline when both sides met in the group phase of the 2010 and 2014 World Cup with his speed and shot very tough to handle. Though he was an unused substitute against the Croatians previously, he should start this time around and will be ready to unleash his arsenal again.

 

Lionel Messi: The diminutive forward is yet to light up this World Cup but he does have a history of tormenting the Super Eagles, firing shot after shot at the now retired Vincent Enyeama in South Africa eight years ago. There was also his fantastic brace in Porto Alegre four years which won it for the South American giants. Messi has always been known to save his best for last, and this might be the game he finally comes alive in Russia.