Argentina have stepped up preparations for their clash against Nigeria with coach Jorge Sampaoli axing players who have underperformed in their first two games at the ongoing Russia 2018 World Cup.
Reports has it that Sampaoli has decided to drop goalkeeper Willy Caballero who has been poor in their first two games against Iceland and Croatia, games which fetched them one point out of a possible six points.
Caballero was largely at fault for the first goal Argentina conceded against Croatia and his poor form also led to the second and third goal the team conceded in the heavy 0-3 defeat, which puts them in a tight corner regarding qualification for the round of 16.
Goalkeeper Franco Armani is expected to start against Nigeria as Argentina go for broke against Nigeria. A game which a win might not be enough for them to progress to the round of 16 if result elsewhere fail to go their way.
Armani will be expected to keep a rampant Nigerian side at bay after the Super Eagles breath life into their campaign with a 2-0 thumping of Iceland yesterday to move to second spot in the group.
Michael James
