Monaco's France Defender Explains Why He Wants To Avoid Nigeria In Second Round

Published: June 23, 2018

Monaco's France defender Djibril Sidibé wants to avoid a confrontation with the Super Eagles and Argentina in the last sixteen of the 2018 World Cup but would prefer facing Iceland.

The 1998 world champions can afford to choose their next opponents in the tournament, that is take their foot off the pedal, because they have already advanced to the knockout stage ahead of their final Group C clash against Denmark on Tuesday.

Questioned about the opponent he would prefer to face in the next round, Sidibe replied : ''We have already met Iceland in the past.

''Argentina will be difficult as they have one of the best players in the world (Messi), even the best player.

''Nigeria, it is an athletic African team with a lot of speed, you can expect anything. I can not say too much, but I would say maybe Iceland.''

In Brazil 2014, France needed two late goals, the first coming in the 79th minute before seeing off Nigeria, and that was only after the then influential midfielder Eddy Onazi was substituted due to injury.

Nigeria beat France 1-0 in a friendly staged at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard (Saint-ètienne) in June 2009, with Joseph Akpala netting the winner in the 32nd minute.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel