BY Obakeng Maje

Nigeria’s chances of reaching the semi-finals of the 8-Nation International tournament became rather slim after they lost 1-0 to Argentina at the Cape Town Stadium on Sunday (27 May) evening.

The Nigerians have now lost their opening two games – to Ghana and Argentina, who have six points after beating South Africa in their opener.

The first half saw Argentina dictating the play, but for the most part failing to penetrate a well organised Nigeria defence.

The Flying Eagles for the most part were confined to their own half, but did not find themselves under any undue pressure as the South Americans struggled to find the final ball needed to unlock the defence.

The game lacked the intensity of earlier matches and it was only in the 21st minute that the first shot was registered, Nigeria’s Nnadozie Ezenwaka sending a 25-yard effort over the bar. 

Five minutes before the break and Carlos Luque played Franco Fragapane in on goal, but Nigerian keeper Chukwunenye Okani did well to intervene.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 43rd minute as Fragapane ran in on goal, slotting a low shot past Okani, whose touch was not enough to keep the ball out of goal.

Argentina should have had a second goal before the break, but after Matais Kranevitter had seen his shot blocked, Frederico Andrada was wasteful with a poor attempt from right in front of goal.

The second half started with Nigeria enjoying control of midfield, but despite dominating possession, could not find the spark required further forward.

But as the game neared the hour mark, Argentina began to show more threat in attack and they had a close call when Luque’s cross-cum-shot was cleared off the line.

In the 73rd minute substitute Lucas Pugh was within inches of scoring, but Luque’s cross just packed too much power.

Ten minutes later Alan Ruiz was almost on the score-sheet, but having cut in on goal he sent his shot just wide of the near upright.
The Flying Eagles pushed for a goal late on, but the nearest they came to scoring was when Nzube Anazembna’s shot was deflected, Argentine keeper Walter Benitez making a good save.