Joseph Yobo has backed the Super Eagles to give former world champions, Argentina, a run for their money in Russia.
Nigeria and Argentina will play their fifth World Cup encounter in St. Petersburg.
Claudio Caniggia’s brace – he scored the first after a clever free-kick between Diego Maradona and Gabriel Batistuta, and added a superb second – seized the South Americans a 2-1 win at USA 1994.
Yobo then played in 1-0 losses in 2002 and 2010 and a Lionel Messi-inspired 3-2 defeat in 2014.
However, without Victor Moses, John Obi Mikel, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho overcame Nicolas Otamendi, Angel Di Maria, Paulo Dybala and Sergio Aguero 4-2 in a friendly last November.
“I played against Argentina in three World Cups,” said Yobo. “Maybe this is the time for Nigeria to record her first victory over the Albeceleste. If we don’t concede an early goal against Argentina, we should be able to get at least a draw.
“Croatia, Iceland… anything can happen. Croatia we know, but Iceland is the surprise package of Group D.
“If the Super Eagles can win the first game, the confidence and quality will build and Nigerians will see quality in them as the competition progresses.
“I disagree with those worrying about the Super Eagles’ defence. What is important is experience. Yes, we may not have experienced senior players in that area but we have talented, fearless young players who can hold their own against any team. I really don’t think the defence is as bad as is being portrayed.”
The Super Eagles begin their Group D campaign against Croatia in Kaliningrad before taking on Iceland and then Lionel Messi and Co.