Argentina, for all the shouting abnout them pre-tournament, have been very disappointing. They struggled to overcome a decent Bosnia side 2-1, while Lionel Messi bailed them out of trouble with a very, very, very late winner against Iran. But it’s a case of job done effectively, rather than job done attractively and efficiently. They sit atop Group F and a draw with Nigeria will ensure they stay there and avoid France in the round of 16. On that subject, it could be that Argentina will then face Belgium in the quarter finals – a definitely winnable game for La Albiceleste. At the semi final stage, anything can happen and Argentina are currently around 4/1 to win the tournament (one firm appear to be going 9/2).
Meanwhile, Nigeria struggled against Iran in their Group F opener. Big stage nerves may have gotten to the Super Eagles but they hit their stride in round two with a much improved 1-0 victory over Bosnia. Nigeria are going the right way, and only a heavy defeat to Argentina and a big win for Iran over Bosnia on Wednesday night will prevent them from progressing to the round of 16. A draw against Messi Et Al would suffice nicely.
The latest odds on Nigeria beating Argentina are 15/2.
LATEST MATCH ODDS – Nigeria 
v Argentina World Cup 2014
Nigeria 15/2
Draw 3/1
Argentina 4/7
FIRST GOALSCORER
Lionel Messi 11/4 with BET365
Sergio Aguero 4/1 with BET365
Gonzalo Higuain 5/1 with BET365
Rodrigo Palacio 6/1 with BET365
Ezequiel Lavezzi 13/2 with William Hill
Maxi Rodriguez 10/1
Angel Di Maria 11/1
Emmanuel Emenike 12/1
Peter Odemwingie 12/1
CORRECT SCORE
Argentina 1-0 13/2
Argentina 2-0 7/1
Draw 1-1 15/2
Argentina 2-1 9/1
Argentina 3-0 11/1
Draw 0-0 12/1
Argentina 3-1 12/1
Draw 2-2 18/1 with William Hill
Nigeria 1-0 22/1
TOTAL GOALS
Over 2.5 10/11
Under 2.5 EVS
BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
No 10/11
Yes EVS
VERDICT: With a draw suiting both teams perfectly, expect that to be the final outcome. Nigeria are very capable going forward and may be able to expose the Argentinian defence. Have a punt on a 1-1. If you’re feeling brave and having a good World Cup, the 15/2 about Nigeria winning this game is not beyond the realms of possibility. It’s worth remembering that three years ago, Nigeria beat Argentina 4-1 (Argentina’s goal was a 90th minute penalty).
