Nigeria 2018 World Cup Fixtures
Having made light work of what was perhaps the most difficult of Africa’s 2018 World Cup qualifying groups, Nigeria will head to Russia this summer in confident mood. The Super Eagles made it through to the Round of 16 in Brazil four years ago, despite threats of strikes from players involved, with German boss Gernot Rohr hoping to lead the African giants to another successful campaign.
The three-time African Cup of Nations winners became the first African nation to qualify for the Finals back in October following a narrow win over Zambia, with Rohr’s side having been handed a tough draw for their campaign in Russia.
national team of Nigeria / Vlad1988 / Shutterstock.com
The Super Eagles kick things off against Croatia in Kaliningrad on June 16, before travelling to Volgograd in order to take on debutants Iceland. Nigeria will play their final Group D match against Argentina, their fifth meeting with the South American giants at a World Cup, a new record. While it is difficult to predict just how well Nigeria will do this summer, let’s take a closer look at their opening three fixtures.
June 16: Croatia vs. Nigeria (Kaliningrad: 8PM)
Nigeria begin their campaign with an encounter against European side Croatia, who despite having some hugely talented players within their squad, including the likes of Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic, are certainly beatable. Croatia needed a two-legged playoff victory over Greece in order to qualify for the Finals in Russia, with Zlatko Dalić’s side having actually finished behind fellow Group D rivals Iceland in their qualifying standings. Meanwhile, much was expected of the European’s four years ago in Brazil, however they were defeated by both Brazil and Mexico, meaning that they crashed out at the group stage. Nigeria have never previously met with Croatia, with manager Rohr undoubtedly hoping that his sides athleticism can counteract the skill and passing ability of their opponents.
Match Odds:
- Croatia @ 1,93 with Nairabet
- Draw @ 3,52 with Nairabet
- Nigeria @ 4 with Nairabet
[bookie-table anbieter_id=”36287″]
June 22: Nigeria vs. Iceland (Volgograd: 4PM)
Nigeria take on Iceland in their second Group D match at the Volgograd Arena, with their opponents having qualified for the World Cup Finals for the very first time. Iceland were the surprise package at Euro 2016 in France, with Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side having made the quarter finals, beating England along the way. This will also be the first ever meeting between Nigeria and Iceland, with two physical teams coming together on June 22nd. The match will feature many players based in England, meaning that Nigeria will be familiar with many of their leading names.
Match Odds:
- Nigeria @ 2,68 with 1xBet
- Draw @ 2,91 with 1xBet
- Iceland @ 2,54 with 1xBet
[bookie-table anbieter_id=”36304″]
June 26: Nigeria vs. Argentina (St Petersburg: 7PM)
Nigeria’s final Group D fixture comes against a familiar foe in the form of Argentina, with their meeting at the Krestovsky Stadium, the home of Zenit St Petersburg, being the fifth at the World Cup Finals. Despite the fact that Argentina have won the four previous tournament meetings between the duo, Nigeria can take heart from their 4-2 win over the South American’s in a friendly match back in November last year. Of course, stopping Lionel Messi will be the main concern for the Super Eagles, with the Barcelona man having missed their recent clash in Russia.
Match Odds:
- Nigeria @ 6,5 with Bet9ja
- Draw @ 3,75 with Bet9ja
- Argentina @ 1,45 with Bet9ja
[bookie-table anbieter_id=”36274″]