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).
Ayelaje Olusoji
Guest
Nigeria failed at last! To say the truth, i think that Nigeria is really the best team in Africa & one of the top 10 team in the world due to how they played with France in which non of the Nigerians can predict. It seems their strength has been regained after their first match with Iran and others, but what really is the cause of their failure?
Alan
Roar Guru
Nigeria pushed the French all the way today but they fall short against France and are eliminated. 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. France safely through but Nigeria certainly had chances to open the French up today. France roll on though and are building... France 2 Nigeria 0
Alan
Roar Guru
France have dominated the last 20 minutes or so but Nigeria certainly gave the French plenty to think about there. They had a goal disallowed themselves in the first half and that could have changed the game big time. Emenike was barely offside. I have seen those goals given but Nigeria unlucky. FULLTIME France 2 Nigeria 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Sissoko on for Valbuena who just set up the last French goal that seals passage to the last eight. Germany potentially awaits for France. Should be a great game if it eventuates. France 2 Nigeria 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Valbuena with a good low cross and I think its an own goal by Yobo to be honest! He got the last touch and the ball went into the net. France are through! France 2 Nigeria 0
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Nice touch.
Alan
Roar Guru
92' - Odemwingie's touch really letting him down over the past few minutes. Corner for France. Greizmann scores now!!! GOAL FRANCE France 2 Nigeria 0
Alan
Roar Guru
90' - Moses off for Nwofor. France with possession in the right area of the field for them. Corner for France now. Nigeria's World Cup coming to an end here. Odemwingie's pass out for a throw. France 1 Nigeria 0
Alan
Roar Guru
88' - France with the throw. So close to a quarter-final birth. Nigeria with possession. France back with the football France 1 Nigeria 0
Alan
Roar Guru
86' - Nigeria break forward now. Time not on their side. Moses' shot is deflected out for a corner. Great finish to this contest. Corner headed away. France break forward. Ambrose clears for Nigeria. France get the freekick. France 1 Nigeria 0
Johnno
Guest
This Keepers saves are like superman. Wow another save, amazing standards never seen before wow.
Alan
Roar Guru
84' - France with possession. Matuidi finds Griezmann who shoots but Enyeama saves! CHANCE FRANCE France 1 Nigeria 0
Alan
Roar Guru
82' - France now minutes away from a quarter-final birth and a potential match up against Germany. Nigeria have had their chances but France have come to life and finally get the goal. Can Nigeria respond? France 1 Nigeria 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Pogba heads the ball into the back of the net as Enyeama this time comes out poorly to deal with the corner. He punched the ball straight to Pogba who heads France to the quarter-finals perhaps! France 1 Nigeria 0
Stevo
Roar Rookie
It was coming. Well,done Pogba you deserve it.
Johnno
Guest
Is this goal-keeper Superman wow never seen a keeper play so well.
Alan
Roar Guru
GOAL FRANCE France 1 Nigeria 0
Alan
Roar Guru
80' - France with another freekick as Nigeria feel the pressure. Valbuena delivers and Benzema heads toward goal but Enyeama saves!!!! CHANCE FRANCE France 0 Nigeria 0
Alan
Roar Guru
I think it was Cabaye who produced a stupendous volley from outside the area that hit the bar! Nigeria somehow still level here. France coming to life! France 0 Nigeria 0
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Les Bleus are coming!!!