- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
France dominated the last 20 minutes or so to secure a 2-0 victory, but Nigeria certainly gave the French plenty to think about.
Two defensive errors led to France’s goals with Enyeama (who had a superb game) coming out poorly to deal with a corner. His punch only saw the ball fall to Pogba who headed France into the lead. Yobo then scored an own goal as he and Enyeama struggled to deal with Valbuena’s low cross.
Nigeria’s disallowed goal in the first half could have changed the game. Emenike was barely offside. I have seen those goals given but Nigeria were unlucky.
FINAL SCORE:
France 2
Nigeria 0
France face a tricky assignment in the Round of 16 as they take on a Nigeria outfit capable of causing an upset. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 2:00am AEST.
After a disappointing nil all draw against Iran in their opening match, Nigeria has gone from strength to strength and should fancy their chances of causing the upset against France.
Nigeria pushed World Cup fancies Argentina all the way in their last group game before going down 3-2 in an entertaining contest.
The French meanwhile are coming off a nil all draw against Ecuador – a result that allowed France to safely top their group.
Despite dominant performances over Honduras and Switzerland, France are by no means a certainty against Nigeria.
With Victor Moses returning from suspension, Nigeria certainly have the forwards to trouble France today, particularly if Ahmed Musa picks up from where he left off against Argentina.
Musa scored two goals in the 3-2 defeat to Argentina, the first of which was a cracking right footed strike that curved past Sergio Romero en route to the bottom right hand corner of the net.
Throw the big game experience of Chelsea FC star John Obi Mikel into the mix and Nigeria look well poised to challenge the French.
Nigeria’s defence though does remain a cause for concern. They were opened up by Argentina on plenty of occasions and they could be in for a long afternoon if Karim Benzema, Yohan Cabaye, Oliver Giroud and Paul Pogba are given space to attack.
With both teams playing an entertaining brand of football, today’s contest could see plenty of goals scored. Given that Nigeria have nothing to lose, the Super Eagles are capable of causing the upset and progressing to their first ever World Cup quarter-final.
Nigeria to win 2-1
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 2:00am (AEST).