FIFA World Cup Group D - Nigeria vs Argentina 

The World Cup knock-out phase continues to take shape with both Portugal and Spain punching their tickets to the Round of 16, now Groups C and D take to the pitch with visions of lifting silverware next month.

Group C still has two participants vying for the remaining spot in the table. Australia and Denmark must now give all they have in order to fulfill their ultimate goal, and bring pride too their nation during this Summers international tournament.

Group D has three nations with it all still to play for, with Argentina, Iceland and Nigeria all holding their own fates in their hands going into Tuesday's fixtures. The time has come for one of these Countries to step-up and claim the final spot in the table.

62100 Nigeria vs 62101 Argentina

Krestovsky Stadium, St, Petersburg, Russia

6-26-2018 - 2:00 pm ET 

The showcase match in Group D takes place in St. Petersburg, when the Super Eagles of Nigeria look to eliminate the group favorites Argentina, and shock the World Cup landscape.

Nigeria finally showed up and gave a wonderful performance against Iceland their last time out, now the Super Eagles look too ride that wave of momentum, and claim the first spot in the Round of 16 for a African representative. 

Gernot Rohr was placed in charge of the Super Eagles in 2016 after the Nigerians were struggling through qualifiers, the German was brought in the to get this talented squad back on track and salvage their World Cup aspirations. 

Rohr has been one of the more flexible managers on the sideline during his time in charge, installing versions of a 3-5-2 , 4-1-2-1-2 and 4-2-3-1 formation in hopes of placing his youthful side in the best positions to succeed, his experimental tactics have shown promising results during his tenure with the team.

The Super Eagles front-line is the true strength of the squad, lead by Ahmed Musa who netted two goals during their recent victory over Iceland. The CSKA man is also partnered with Kelechi Iheanacho and Odion Ighalo who are talented strikers in their own rights, giving the Nigerians a dynamic strike force when placed in the attacking half of the pitch. 

Victor Moses, John Obi Mikel and Oghenekaro Etebo have all done admirable jobs from their midfield roles, each are able to break down defenders when on the ball and bringing a sense of security while in possession, this trio allows the Super Eagles offense to run at full speed and give them a fighting chance to get a positive result each time they step onto the pitch. 

The Nigeria back-line was a notable weakness for the Africans as they traveled to Russia, with two 24 year old Defenders and a 19 year old Goal Keeper in the starting eleven, their all-around experience is often called into question. Tuesday they will get a true test from a determined Argentina front-line, that possess a plethora of world class footballers who routinely perform on the largest stages in Europe. 

The Nigerians will have a bit of confidence going into their match with the struggling South Americans, after reeling off a 4-2 victory against Argentina during a friendly at the end of 2017, this side know they are capable of matching up physically with this legendary side.

Argentina come into this contest with history on their side, having never went through a Group Stage round without a victory, and last being eliminated from the Round of 16 considerations in 2002, 'La Albiceleste' feel  confident they can rise to this enormous occasion, and turn their nightmare World Cup experience into a positive light. 

Jorge Sampaoli is failing to live up to the hype that surrounded him once he took the position last year, the Argentina manager is under immense pressure to get a victory and help see the White and Sky Blues to the knock out phase.

Sampaoli has been heavily scrutinized about his tactics from the teams federation and loyal supporters, but now key players are beginning to turn on the flamboyant Argentine as well, the ever fiery head-man still insists he will get his starting eleven correct, and place his players in the correct system too excel. 

The Argentines have most recently lined up within a 3-4-2-1 formation, but the CONMEBOL side often looked out of place, and unable to muster any real threats against a organized Croatian outfit, but with the possible inclusions on Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuaín, the South Americans could choose a more attacking 4-3-3 alignment, to help benefit the strengths of their most talented players. 

Lionel Messi will still be at head of the snake, after suffering two uncharacteristic performances to start his most recent World Cup appearance, the Barcelona man now has the opportunity to turn his fortunes around, and guide his side to back to back Round of 16 inclusions. 

Éver Banega also looks like a prime candidate to make the starting eleven, although the creative midfielder comes into this fixture with less fanfare, the Sevilla play-maker is a true difference maker while on the pitch, with an above average set of dribbling, passing and finishing skills to his arsenal, Banega would provide the Argentines with another skillful player on the ball, allowing Messi to roam and be a true force in the final third of the pitch.

The 'Los Gauchos' head man has made one definate decision heading into their final group stage match, removing Willy Caballero from his Goal Keepers duties after making a series of mistakes against the Croatians. Sampaoli is set to place River Plate net-minder Franco Armani in between the sticks, as he searches for a sure handed shot stopper in this must win situation.

Argentina have had their own set of success's against the Super Eagles in past meetings, scoring a minimum of 2 goals in their last 3 matches in all competitions, giving them hope they can place the ball in the back of the net.

Nigeria vs Argentina - Prediction

Nigeria showed their true strength last match out against the Icelanders, soaking up pressure and then exploiting their back-line with a explosive set of counter-attacks. The Super Eagles possess a stable of athletic trigger men, who can turn a match around within a matter of moments.

Argentina have yet to really show what they can do for a full 90 minutes, often out of sorts and looking for answers, the South Americans must find a identity going into this final fixture. 

The "Cowmen" do have arguably the best player in the world on their side, and that can often be a blessing or a curse, but after two lack luster displays you would expect to see Lionel Messi's true class shine through as the stakes get higher. 

Expect non-stop action from the opening whistle, with Argentina looking to set the tone and impose their will, while the Nigerians are more than comfortable sitting back and waiting for their opportunities to pounce.

Nigeria vs Argentina - Premium Tips

*World Cup Premium Tips  8-0-2