Inspite of Messi, Nigeria will beat Argentina–Akinwumi

Seyi Akinwumi, the First Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation, says the Super Eagles will beat the Argies when the two teams clash again irrespective of the presence of Argentine play maker, Lionel Messi.
Akinwumi, who spoke on Wednesday with the News Agency of Nigeria on the Super Eagles’ preparation for the forthcoming World Cup in Russia, said Nigeria has the players to repeat the feat when the two sides meet.
He said: “I learnt that some people are saying that Nigeria defeated Argentina in the pre-World Cup friendly in Russia because Lionel Messi, the Argies’ mercurial star was not featured.
“I want to assure you that with Messi or no Messi, Eagles will beat Argentina again.”
NAN reports that the Super Eagles players came back from two goals down in the first half to beat an Argentine team 4-2 on November 14, 2017  in a pre-World Cup friendly.
Akinwumi, who is banking on the crop of young talents and a technically sound coach in Garnet Rohr, said Nigeria is battle ready to confront the world in Russia.
He said: “Most of our players like Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi, Odion Ighalo and Brian Idowu are doing well in their respective club sides abroad.
“Again, I learnt that the injuries of Mikel Obi and Wilifred Ndidi are not too serious as they have started playing again.
“Also, with the Eagles’ superlative performance in the friendlies, beating Argentina and Poland 4-2 and 2-1 respectively, Nigeria is rearing to go.”
Akinwumi, who again confirmed Port Harcourt as the venue for the Nigeria-Congo DR clash on May 22, gave an assurance that the team would get better when the players move into full camping.
He said: “Full preparation for the World Cup will commence when the players move into camp against Congo DR.
“After the remaining two friendlies against Congo DR on May 22 and England on June 2, a good team would have evolved.”
Assuring the Super Eagles players of a good welfare package, efficient transportation, funding, feeding and adequate medicals during the final camping in Austria, the NFF top official said that the team would be in good stead in Russia.
The Supers Eagles are drawn in the same group with Croatia, Iceland and Argentina in the first round of their Russia World Cup campaign.