Argentina celebrate win against Nigeria

Argentina celebrated their win against Nigeria, in a 3-1 goal victory at Bangabandhu stadium today. Today's match marked the Argentine team's second friendly match under new coach, Alejandro Sabella, in Dhaka city, Bangladesh.

Argentina's first two goals were scored within two minutes of one another in the first half. Gonzalo Higuain made the first goal in the twenty-fourth minute, followed by Angel Di María in the twenty-sixth minute thanks to tactical passing by team captain, Lionel Messi.

Nigeria pulled one back through substitute Chinedu Obasi soon after the restart but an own goal from Elderson midway through the half restored Argentina's two-goal cushion.

Messi entertained the Bangladesh fans right from kickoff and the playmaker went close to breaking the deadlock on 15 minutes when his freekick whistled inches past the post.

A strong Argentina side then went in front thanks to Messi's astute chipped past that found an unmarked Higuain and he fired home.

Argentina's second soon after owed much to a brilliant jinking run by Messi who beat three defenders before seeing his curling shot saved by Dele Aiyegnuba. The keeper was powerless though from stopping Di Maria tapping in the rebound.

Messi almost grabbed a third in first-half stoppage time but this time was denied by a fine save by Dele.

Nigeria coach Samon Siasia sent on Obasi for the second half and he made an immediate impact by netting from close range after a deflected shot from John Obi Mikel fell to him.

Fellow substitute Ahmed Musa then fired wide but Argentina grabbed a third goal on 65 minutes when Elderson put through his own net.

Yesterday, Dhaka city, located in southern Asia, was seduced by the visit of the Argentine stars, welcoming the team with an audience of 20,000 people in the warm-up which took place yesterday in Bangabandhu stadium, where today’s big match will be taking place.

The Bengali audience paid an average of twelve dollars per person as a contribution fee to watch the Argentine team in training, where Sabella made two changes to the team and varied tactics following the team’s win against Venezuela (1-0), last Friday in Kolkata. 

Argentine line-up:

Sergio Romero, Nicolás Burdisso, Martín Demichelis, Nicolás Otamendi, Pablo Zabaleta, Javier Mascherano, José Sosa, Marcos Rojo, Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuaín and Angel Di María.

Coach: Alejandro Sabella.