Moses, Iwobi can hurt Croatia, Argentina, say British analysts

Analysts on SI.com have identified Chelsea winger Victor Moses and Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi as Nigeria’s best chances of hurting Croatia and Argentina in counterattack play at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

In a preview of Group D fixtures on Thursday which has Nigeria, Argentina, Croatia and Iceland, the analysts described the English Premier League (EPL) stars as the danger men for the three-time African Champions.

“Nigeria’s potent counterattack, led by Victor Moses and Iwobi, gives the Super Eagles a real shot to upset Croatia or Argentina,” they said on the online TV owned by Sports Illustrated.

“With most of the pre – tournaments hype centered on Argentina and Iceland, don’t be surprised if Nigeria sneaks through Group D as a runner-up.

“Recall that Nigeria qualified for the knockout stage in 2014 despite its grouping with Argentina, which beat the African side 3–2 in an entertaining group stage match behind a Messi brace.”

According to the analysts, Eagles Captain, Obi Mikel is in the class of Lionel Messi of Argentina, Luka Modric (Croatia) and Johan Berg Gudmundsson of Iceland and one of the danger men to watch with the composition of the Eagles squad.

They added: “The Nigeria team is made up of young players that will need his (Mikel’s) veteran presence to advance through the difficult group.”

They opined that the June 16 opening game against Croatia is a most pivotal match of the group fixtures, arguing that Eagles will make the Round of 16 with a win over the Croats.

“But a draw would set the stage for a tight battle for the group’s No. 2 spot. Of course, that’s assuming Argentina takes care of Iceland: If the tiny nation takes down Argentina in its opening game, this group is wide open.”