Stakes in Nigeria vs Argentina: Historical rivalry and a delayed payback

Anything less than a win would mean Argentina crash out of the World Cup. Nigeria are staring down the barrel too, but, if they manage to defeat Argentina, they'd be rewarded with a spot in next round

Today, Lionel Messi will lead Argentina at the St. Petersburg stadium. Lining up beside him would be Nigeria's John Mikel Obi and his compatriots. The two captains share a tinge of personal history and their teams have an entire canvas painted in shared past. When the ball is rolled and the whistle blown, the 22 men on the field will fight, fight for more than just a win, fight for what the win would mean. They would fight to put their signature at the very end of the story they have already written. Nigeria for its story of vengeance and