Nigeria failed to show any positive signs during their 1-0 loss to Argentina in their World Cup opener on Saturday apart from a superb display by keeper Vincent Enyeama. The Super Eagles could not match an Argentina side full of hugely talented forwards including 2009 World Player of the Year Lionel Messi. Although they can deem that narrow defeat a satisfying result given that Argentina are one of the favorites to lift the coveted trophy, Nigeria should be aware that appearances can be deceiving. A fair result could have probably seen Argentina secure a comprehensive victory in Lars Lagerback's first official game in charge of Nigeria. The Africans have Enyeama to thank for sparing their blushes at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg. "The goalkeeper was phenomenal," Barcelona wizard Messi, the player who suffered the most because of Enyeama's heroics, said. "He takes all the credit. We played a great game today and created a lot of chances. We just couldn't get the second goal." Enyeama was beaten early in the game when Gabriel Heinze headed in the opener after six minutes but he could be hardly blamed for it, with the Marseille man diving unmarked to place the ball beyond his reach. The 27-year-old then produced a remarkable performance to thwart Messi and his teammates on many occasions. He superbly blocked two curling shots and a close-range effort from Messi, who easily skipped past the Nigerian defenders but could not find a way past Enyeama despite putting his trademark tricks into effect. Gonzalo Higuain also tried his luck from inside the area but was denied by Enyeama. "It would be my best possible performance possible performance playing against the best possible player in the world, so it was my best," Enyeama said of Messi.
Argentina too strong for Nigeria "God is my secret, just God. He made me calm and he made me quiet." Toothless Nigeria Argentina were the dominant force throughout the game but Nigeria could not even seize the few chances they got. The problems they had during the African Cup of Nations came back to haunt them, despite the change of management with Lagerback succeeding Shaibu Amodu four months before the World Cup. They looked toothless as strike duo Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Victor Obinna failed to make their presence felt. Hoffenheim's Chinedu Obasi was supposed to support them on the left flank but he was equally disappointing. Lagerback tried to beef things up by introducing Obafemi Martins and Peter Odemwingie but they were kept at bay by Argentina defenders. The Swedish coach, however, believes that the main problems lie at the back not up front. "Unfortunately, there was a mistake from our side that created the corner kick," he said. "We were sleeping on one of the corners and that was enough. We were punished." Nigeria next face Greece on Thursday before wrapping up their group stage campaign against South Korea on June 22.
