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2014 World Cup: Nigeria’s Super Eagles Fall to France Despite Gallant Display

Nigeria vrs France

 

France dispatched African champions Nigeria 2-0 in stifling heat in the world cup second round game at the Estadio Nacionale in Brasilia.

The first of two Europe vs. Africa challenges was pretty evenly matched for much of the first half, before Nigeria dominated the early part of the second but failure to convert their chances led to their eventual defeat.

Midfielder Paul Pogba’s header in the 79th minute gave France the lead, before a Joseph Yobo own goal sealed Nigeria’s fate just on the 90th minute mark.

The first half was a closely matched affair, with both keepers forced into terrific saves to keep their side in the game.

Nigeria’s Emmanuel Emenike had a goal disallowed for offside in the 18th minute, tapping in after a great cross from Ahmed Musa. Replays showed he was fractionally offside.

The game started at a dull pace, both sides uninterested in expending too much energy under the midday Brazilian sun. With both sides fielding dangerous wingers, the game was mostly played out wide.

Patrice Evra got away cleanly down the left flank in the 4th minute, but his low cross could not reach Giroud in the middle as Joseph Yobo cut it out for a corner.

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2014 Brazil World Cup: Africa’s Hope Lies with Super Eagles & Desert Foxes

Nigeria-Super eagles
Nigeria’s Super Eagles

It’s all or nothing for the remaining African sides in the FIFA world cup tonight when they take to the field for their Round of 16 ties against European opposition.

Nigeria take on Les Bleus of France hoping their superb run so far does not get halted against one of the competition’s most in-form sides. Kickoff is at 16:00 GMT at the Estadio Nacionale in Brasilia.

Algeria’s Desert Foxes have no less a formidable task, billed to face Ghana’s Group G winners Germany at the Beira-Rio stadium in Porto Alegre, kickoff is at 20:00 GMT.

Nigeria has been the best African side at the competition so far, getting through their group with four points after a win over Bosnia-Herzegovina and a draw with Iran. Their only setback was a hard fought 3-2 loss to Argentina, a game in which they pegged back the South American side twice.

Ahmed Musa has been their most exciting player, with the CSKA Moscow winger scoring twice against Argentina, but this Nigerian side are much more than the sum of its parts. Stephen Keshi has built a well-oiled machine which won the 2013 African Cup of Nations and continues to defy the odds.

Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi pulls his side’s strings from deep in midfield, whilst on the flanks Odemwingie and Musa work hard to supply their bull of a centre forward, Emmanuel Emenike.

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