A Luka Modric penalty and an own goal from Oghenekaro Etebo sunk the Super Eagles denying the African fans a first victory, After Egypt , Morocco had tough Luck.
It was yet another disappointing night for Africa as Nigeria went down 2-0 to Croatia on the third day of the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
It took an own goal from Etebo Oghenekaro and a Luka Modric penalty for Croatia to ensure that the third African team (Nigeria) lost on their inaugural match on the football finals taking place in Russia. The African giants had a bad night and this was of their own making after they failed to sparkle despite the few moments of brilliance from Captain John Obi Mikel and Iwobi.
Earlier on, two other African giants failed to record positive results in what could be described as tough luck, both conceding a lone goal in added time. On Friday, Egypt fought a good fight only to fall in added time where they conceded a goal, an eventuality that befell Morocco, who unfortunately conceded an own goal. Focus now shifts to Tunisia and Senegal who are now looked upon to deliver the first African win in Russia World Cup 2018.
Nigeria's rivals in pool D, Argentina and Iceland had earlier on drawn 1-1 at the Saransk Stadium, opening the leadership of the group to Croatia, and Argentina picking the second spot only on the alphabet alongside Iceland. Nigeria are now officially fourth in the group.
It was a disorganised evening for the Super Eagles after Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic took control of the midline, cancelling the efforts of Etebo and Captain John Obi Mikel who contained them for a while pushing Croatia to use the flanks where they looked a little weak.
The 19-year-old goalkeeper, Uzoho Francis, showed some sparks of brilliance but he was for the most part of the game left exposed by the leaking Nigerian defence. He allowed in the first goal from a Mandzukic industrious display that ended in between Etebo's legs for an own goal, in the 30th minute. Mario Mandzukic began the play with a chest a pass from an Andrej Kramaric cross down to Ante Rebic who had a shot block by the young shot-stopper for a corner kick. Rebic met the flown-in corner with a beautifully crafted flick that was met by a diving Mandzukic. The resulting header would possibly go out for a goal kick if the fumbling Etebo wouldn't be on its way.
From then on, Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi came close with Danjiel Subasic blocking two shots from the duo before the break.
Despite the Super Eagles restarting the second half with some promising signs, William Ekong was spotted holding down Mario Mandzukic as a cross was flown in. He was shown a yellow card for the mistake and a penalty awarded by the referee, which was poked home by the experienced Modric for the night's second goal that buried any hopes for the African giants.
At the end of the day, it was an easy three points for Croatia.