Russia FIFA 2018 World Cup: Nigeria Loses Opening Match to Croatia

A close shave by the Croatians at the Nigerian end at the 14th minute after a counterattack. Went over the bar.

Nigeria  just wasted an opportunity on the 22′

First Yellow Card in the match to Croatia.

Goooal! Croatia scores in 32′ through Jersey 9 Kramaric

Another close shave by Croatia at the 39′ with a header but went over the bar

Another Croatian attack in the 41′ minute but shot wide at the Nigerian end

Double effort by the Super Eagles at the 45′ blocked by the Croatians

Nigeria weathered the early onslaught by star-studded Croatia, who started four forwards in this Group D match

End of First Half

Good effort by the Super Eagles ended in 3 corner kicks back-to-back with a good header from Leon Balogun

Good running attack by Victor Moses ended in goal kick in 48′

CLOSE. Moses shoots! His effort goes inches wide. The Eagles have soared since the start of the second half. Let’s hope they continue this way. Croatia 1-0 Nigeria

There has been more attacking intent by Nigeria since after the interval but they have yet to make it count with a meaningful effort at goal.

A sharp counter-attack  by Croatia ended in off-side

Jersey 11 comes in for Croatia

Alex Iwobi out for Ahmed Musa

68′ YELLOW CARD. Ekong is booked for a foul on Mandzukic in the 18 yard area. Penalty to Croatia.

70′ Taken. 2-0 to Croatia

73′ Odion Ighalo out, Iheanacho in

80′ Nigeria makes attempt in the Croatian 18 meter box but was saved by the goalkeeper, Subasic

86′ Victor Moses’ attempt blocked

87′ Captain Mikel Obi out for Nwankwo.

Time up. 4 minutes additional time

92′ Good save by Nigerian goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho

Nigeria now have a mountain to climb after this defeat to Croatia in a difficult group.

They did not create enough clear-cut chances and some poor defending cost them dearly.

The Super Eagles must now beat Iceland on Friday in Volgograd to stay alive in this World Cup.

HOW THEY STAND

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