Nigeria breaks 16-year jinx •As Eagles fly to 2nd round, to meet France

FOR the first time in 16 years, Nigeria will be playing in the second round of the World Cup despite losing the final Group F match  3-2 to  Argentina at Port Allegri on Wednesday.

Thanks to a 1-0 win over Bosnia last Saturday night, Nigeria finished on four points having earlier drawn goalless with Iran in the first group match.

Bosnia eventually came third on three points after beating Iran 3-1 as the Iranians brought up the rear on one point drawing with Nigeria and losing by a lone goal to Argentina.

The last time Nigeria got to the second round of the World Cup happened at France 98 where the Eagles lost to Denmark 4-1 in the second round.

Argentina’s captain, Lionel Messi opened the five-goal thriller beating Vincent Enyeam with a well-taken high volley as early as the third minute but Nigeria’s Ahmed Musa replied almost in the Eagles’ ensuing attack.

Messi ensured Argentina’s advantage before the break when he buried the ball in the right hand corner of Enyeama’s net.

Musa again restored parity beating in the 47th minute tricking Romero with yet another angular shot. Young Argentina’s midfielder, Rojo eventually won the game for his country by beating Enyeama for the winner in the 50th minute.