Let us make a compendious survey of Nigeria's biggest group rivals in the Russia World Cup, of which is Argentina.

This piece would bring to readers how well or bad the Albiceleste players have fared of recent for their respective clubsides since they went down to the Super Eagles 4-2 in their last friendly meeting in 2017.

Sergio Romero (Manchester United): Romero has played back up to David De Gea for much of the 2017/2018 campaign, though he has still garnered seven appearances under his belt (2 FA cup, 3 League Cup and 2 UEFA Champions League outings).

Though he was not in between the sticks when Argentina lost to Nigeria last time out, he is always a shoo-in for the Albiceleste team.

Willy Caballero (Chelsea): The experienced Chelsea goalkeeper has been used sparingly by Antonio Conte, making eight appearances across all competitions this campaign and keeping three clean slates.

He is yet to feature for the Albiceleste senior team but there had been talks of his inclusion for the rendezvous in Russia.

Agustin Marchesin (America): The first-choice Club America goalkeeper has been in goal 27 times, and posted ten shutouts.

Nicholas Otamendi (Manchester City): Otamendi has formed part of the imperious Citizens back line that has been on a row in the English Premier League.

Alongside John Stones and new signing Aymeric Laporte, he has carved out a solid partnership that have conceded just 20 goals in 27 league matches, the second meanest defence in the division.

Javier Mascherano (Hebei China Fortune): The ex-Barcelona player had struggled for substantial game time with the La Liga giants, making just seven league appearances prior to his switch to China.

Giovani Lo Celso (Paris Saint Germain): Lo Celso have made 32 appearances in all competition for runaway Ligue 1 leaders, PSG this season, scoring twice from his defensive midfield position while tallying three further assists.

His gorgeous chip over Lille goalkeeper, Mike Maignan in their 3-0 win on February 3rd is one of the beautiful Ligue 1 highlight reels to behold.

Ever Banega (Sevilla): The 29-year old midfielder who opened the floodgates in Krasnodar has been influential for his Spanish La Liga side, Sevilla this term and has been directly involved in 9 goals in all competitions for the club(four goals and five assists).

His stunning goal in the 2-1 victory against Spartak Moscow in the UEFA Champions League proved crucial in securing their passage to the next round.

Enzo Perez (River Plate): Perez have made 11 outings for his Argentina Super Liga side, River Plate this season(nine starts and two sub appearances).

Angel Di Maria (Paris Saint Germain): In 29 games, Di Maria has scored 13 times and laid on a further 15 for the brilliant Parisians and is always a key player for PSG whenever he is in action.

Paulo Dybala (Juventus): The Turin whizkid who is currently sidelined with injury have been scoring for fun in for Juventus, (17 goals, 5 assists) in 28 appearances for his club.

Having gone down with an injury in their 1-0 win against Cagliari last month, he is currently recuperating and has not
featured lately for the Italian giants.

Cristian Pavon (Boca Juniors): With four goals and six assists in 15 appearances for Boca in the Argentina Primeira Division, Pavon has been in scintillating form for his club this term and it would be remembered that he was on hand to set up Sergio Aguero for his Argentina's second goal against the Super Eagles in the friendly last year.

Sergio Aguero (Manchester City): Aguero has been nothing short of phenomenal for Pep Guardiola's Premier League leaders this campaign, and have scored 21 league goals, just two behind leading marksman, Harry Kane and his latest riot act against Leicester City in the division took his total tally to 28 efforts in all competition. He scored his country's
second goal in the 4-2 defeat to Nigeria.

Lionel Messi (Barcelona) The twinkle toed wizard have inspired Barcelona to the summit of the La Liga standings, and has scored 20 goals in just 23 league appearances for the Catalan club.

In 36 outings overall, he has scored 27 times and laid on a further 14 assists. Messi missed out on the 4-2 friendly defeat to Nigeria in 2017.

Emmanuel Chinaza