Nigeria – Argentina

Argentina is already qualified but needs a draw to book the first place, while Nigeria would also need a draw to ensure qualification. The Africans can go trough with a loss as well, as long as Iran does not defeat Bosnia.

Nigeria has been one of the most defensive sides in the World Cup so far. If the clean sheet against Iran (0-0) was not surprising, it was impressive how the Africans kept a good attacking side like Bosnia at bay (1-0). Nigeria plays a patient and cautious brand of football, hoping to deny the opponents and maybe take one of the chances they have themselves – they managed to do that vs. Bosnia and are now in a really good spot for qualifying.

Argentina did not turn too many heads during this World Cup, two hard fought wins against Bosnia (2-1) and Iran (1-0). Messi’s performances are the only bright spot for the South Americans right now and they will try to build on that in the latter stages of the competitions. Argentina has a good tactical approach, keeps the ball, thus denying the opponents the chance to create danger. They rely on individual brilliance up front to get the job done.

Bet with the best odds and highest limits at Pinnacle.

Team news & lineups

Oboabona is highly doubtful for Nigeria, otherwise there are no absentees for either side.

Nigeria: Enyeama – Ambrose, Oshaniwa, Omeruo, Yobo – Mikel, Onazi, Emenike, Babatunde – Odemwingie, Musa

Argentina: Romero – Zabaleta, Rojo, Mascherano, Garay; Fernandez, Gago, Di Maria – Palacio, Lavezzi, Higuain

This game screams “under 2,5 goals”. Nigeria will surely sit back and try to deny the argentinians too many chances in hope of getting the draw they need, while the South Americans have no reason to forfeit the patient approach that brought them 2 wins so far, especially since a draw would work well for them as well, they just need to avoid a loss. Thought the draw does have some good value in these conditions, I do expect Argentina to eventually come trough and my bet will be under 2,5 goals, which also has excellent odds. Both teams have been very good at the back, not so good up front, and there are the perfect circumstances for a low scoring game as well. Nigeria and Argentina have kept a clean sheet in 6 of their last 8 matches, so that`s 12 clean sheets in 16 games. My tip is under 2,5 goals. Prediction: Nigeria – Argentina 0-1.

Pick: under 2,5 goals
Odds: 2.04 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 8.32
Event date: 25 June