The Super Eagles are drawn in group D of the World Cup alongside Croatia, Iceland and Argentina.
Contrasting fortunes for Super Eagles 2018 FIFA World Cup group D opponents as Croatia won, while both Argentina and Iceland lost their friendly matches, on Tuesday, March 27.
The Super Eagles are grouped alongside Argentina, Croatia, and Iceland for the World Cup, and the two of the three teams lost in their warm-up matches
Argentina lost 6-1 to Spain, Iceland lost 3-1 to Peru while Croatia defeated Mexico 1-0 in their respective friendly matches.
Super Eagles group D opponents Iceland lose 3-1 to Peru
Iceland lost 3-1 in a friendly match against Peru played in Miami, USA.
The European side fielded a strong lineup but were unable to break down their South American opponents.
Wearing their newly unveiled kits, Iceland conceded their first goal in the third minute via Renato Tapia, Jon Gudni Fjoluson equalised for Iceland in the 22nd minute, but Raul Ruidiaz gave Peru the lead again in the 58th minute and Jefferson Farfan sealed the result in the 75th minute.
Super Eagles group D opponents Argentina lose 6-1 to Spain
Argentina lost in a friendly match to 2010 FIFA World Cup winners Spain at the Wanda Metroplitan Stadium.
Playing in their away kits, Argentina conceded the first goal in the 12th minute through Diego Costa.
Without Lionel Messi, Argentina looked vulnerable and Isco scored the second goal for Spain in the 27th minute, Nicolas Otamendi scored what turned out to be a consolation goal for Argentina in the 39th minute.
After the break Isco scored his second of the game in the 52nd minute, and Thiago Alcantara scored Spain’s fourth in the 55th minute.
Iago Aspas made sure of the result with Spain’s fifth in the 73rd minute, while Isco scored his hat-trick to finish the scoring in the 74th minute.
Speaking after the game Argentina's head coach Jorge Sampaoli admitted Spain's superiority, He said, "We did not expect the rival team to dominate us with such forcefulness."
He then admitted that they have to work harder for the World Cup, "We have to keep working so that these things do not happen to us in the World Cup, We have to learn from our mistakes." Sampaoli said
Super Eagles group D opponents Croatia beat Mexico 1-0 in friendly
Croatia defeated Mexico 1-0 in a friendly match played in the United States
The Croatians who previously lost to Peru were hoping to bounce back before their next friendly against Brazil in June.
Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic converted a penalty in the 62nd minute to give Zlatko Dalic’s men victory despite the absence of their star midfielder Luka Modric.
Speaking after the game Dalic revealed he was happy with the victory, "I congratulate my players and congratulate Mexico on a fair match, we played very well, aggressively and compactly in defense, and through the unity we created a lot of opportunity to hit, even though we only achieved one, and we missed the game."
The Super Eagles of Nigeria lost 2-0 to Serbia also on Tuesday, March 27.
The Super Eagles will resume their preparation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup when they take on England on Saturday, June 2, same day Iceland take on Norway, while Croatia takes on Brazil on Sunday, June 3.