As the Super Eagles prepare to trade tackles with Jorge Sampaoli-led Albiceleste on Tuesday evening, allnigeriasoccer.com reviews the opponent's star players who might hurt the most.


Sergio Aguero — The Manchester City striker is expected to lead the lines for his side in the absence of talismanic attacker, Lionel Messi and with the excellence and pace of Dybala and Di Maria on the flanks.

The mercurial Aguero would, nonetheless, get substantial service up front. Renowned for his dogged resilience, strength in spite of his pint-size and ability to get onto the end of loose balls and decisively threaded passes, as well as his freakish-cum-intuitive nature of putting away chances, Balogun and Troost-Ekong would have a
lot of work on their hands containing Kun who would, as well be out to ensure Messi will not be thoroughly missed.

Angel Di Maria — Di Maria is another who possesses indisputable quality in the attacking third as well and would swiftly dart into wide areas to cause fullbacks problems with his trickery and pace, equally drifting variably to either sides of the pitch to link up with his fellow attackers at any given turn, thus forming a cluster of fearsome attacking trident alongside Dybala and Aguero.

Abdullahi Shehu would mostly come up against him but stopping his lightening speed is easier said than done.

Nicholas Otamendi — Pep Guardiola's Citizens have conceded just seven goals in this Premier League campaign and with Otamendi marshaling their backline, it is little wonder why.

The 29-year old has been ever present in the rearguard for Manchester City, combining gritty defending with tough tackling which are his notable hallmarks while even shipping in with the odd goals on occasions.

To get at him and Pezella, the Super Eagles firepower would have to be firing on all cylinders.

Paulo Dybala — Going forward, Dybala is unarguably the star of this Argentine team here. The Crown Prince of Turin would surely prove a handful for any quality of marker and his twinkling off-the-ball movements and direct running are particularly the attributes he thrives on.

He is, as well, a good finisher when presented with such opportunities and the Super Eagles would be wary of affording him any: the less said about his effervescent goalscoring exploits for Juventus this term, the better.

Ever Banega — Dictating play and building up from the middle of the park for Argentina would be a certain Ever Banega.

The Sevilla playmaker may not have all the flash and flair but is very much able to pick the decisive pass and if the Super Eagles midfielders leave too much gap between him and their striker, he would definitely have spaces to work on. Nigeria would, in the collective, do well to make sure that never happens.