The 12th Man and The Danger of Playing Argentina In A Crucial World Cup Group Decider

The motivation is high after Nigeria trashed Iceland 2 - 0, and the whole of African fans became very optimistic that this Super Eagles team will qualify ahead of Argentina in the crucial World cup Group decider on Tuesday June 26.

Both Nigeria, Argentina and Iceland needs a win to be sure of progressing into the Round 16.  But if both matches of the Group D decider ends in draw, then Nigeria progress to the next round.

While the optimism ranges high, the fear of  "World Football Politics,"  and what is widely regarded as the 12 man on the pitch, may be another daunting task Nigeria should know how to deal with it.


The Referee may decide to play the devil's incarnate following the script handed down to him before the match.

FIFA is a commercial animal, and come to think of it,  it will be more viable for them that the Messi led Argentine team progresses, so the hype of who is the world's best between Mforssi and Ronaldo will continue to attract full capacity viewership around the world, and increase corporate brand partnership for the mundial.

One hope Nigeria may clinch to is the Virtual Assistant Referee (VAR), which has played a great role in helping referees' make crucial decisions.

But the question is will the referee consult the VAR or just go ahead and make their decisions?
Can a match be reversed if VAR eventually impeach referees decision afterward? These are some underling questions that raises fear among Nigerian fans.

Super Eagles team should be aware of a possible gimmicks from the 12 man (Referee), so they must be very careful in the match against Argentina.

Argentine players may be seeking penalty or set pieces at crucial areas of the 18 yard box, which may be converted into a goal. So Nigeria should be careful and decide to go all out for a win, instead of sitting back to defend.

Argentina is a well known foes. Although, they have defeated Nigeria in the last three competitive encounters. Russia present the right time to pay them back in their own coin.


In 2014 World Cup, it was Ahmed Musa replying to any goal Messi scored, and he scored a brace in a match that ended 3 - 2 against Nigeria.

Now, while Messi is eager to pick up his form in Russia, Ahmed Musa, Nigeria's talisman, has already began to fire from all cylinder.

However, it is time for Amaju Pinnick's led NFF official to come out of their jamboree in Russia, to now play the real politics of world football. You know what I mean?