- John Obi Mikel is expected to return to action against Argentina for the all-important Group D last fixture
- Nigeria’s Franco-German manager Gernot Rohr assured that the 31-year-old midfielder will overcome the hand fracture
- Nigeria and Argentina have met in eight matches, including four games at FIFA World Cup group stages, in 1994, 2002, 2010 and 2014
Nigeria’s captain, John Obi Mikel is expected to return to action against Argentina for the all-important Group D last fixture at Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg on Tuesday, June 26, despite nursing a fracture in his left hand.
Nigeria's coach Gernot Rohr reveals Mikel will play against Argentina. Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Speaking on an interview posted on the Super Eagles’ official handle on Sunday, Nigeria’s Franco-German manager, Gernot Rohr assured that the 31-year-old midfielder will overcome the hand fracture he cropped during the 2-0 win over Iceland on Friday.
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“Unfortunately, our captain has a fracture but I think he will be able to play with a splint,” noted Rohr on Sunday, even as he was quick to add that efforts are on the ground to ensure that the China-based midfielder plays against the Albiceleste on match day.
“Our medical team is looking after it.”
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Interestingly, Nigeria and Argentina have met in eight matches, including four games at FIFA World Cup group stages, in 1994, 2002, 2010 and 2014, with all fixtures won by the South American side.
But the Super Eagles will progress to the knockout round if they claim a win over the Albiceleste in Tuesday’s showdown in Saint Petersburg.
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On the other hand, a draw will also see Nigeria progress to the Last 16 if Croatia topple Iceland in the second Group D last fixture also on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, NAIJ,com previously had reported that FIFA has appointed referee, Cüneyt Çakır of Turkey, to take charge of Nigeria’s Super Eagles final Group D showdown against Argentina’s Albiceleste at the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The highly-experienced match arbiter will be assisted by compatriots, Bahattin Duran and Tarık Ongun as assistant referees.
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Source: Naija.ng