Rohr Explains Why Super Eagles Are Underdogs Vs Argentina : They Have Lionel Messi

Published: June 26, 2018

The stakes are sky-high as Nigeria take on Argentina for the fifth time in the World Cup, with the three-time African champions guaranteed qualification to the next round with a win in Saint Petersburg.

Manager Gernot Rohr, who was in front of the cameras shortly after the team's arrival at the Krestovsky Stadium, is eyeing a record of being the first Nigeria coach to beat Argentina in a competitive game and explained why his team are the underdogs.

''We have to play against Argentina which is one of the best teams in the world, for me, one of the best players in the world (Lionel Messi),'' Rohr told reporters.

''We have to be organized collectively and individually to play against the team which is in the top ten. We are outsiders but we are ambitious outsiders.''

Rohr added : ''If we beat Argentina or play a draw and we qualify, it is not history because Nigeria have done it already, qualifying for the last sixteen.

''All the time, we play against each other, it will be a historical result if we win today because we've never beaten them at the World Cup.''

The Super Eagles chances of qualifying for the last sixteen is in their own hands and must avoid defeat to the two-time world champions.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : fifa.com