Argentina’s coach shocked that Nigerians class them as Team B
By Tony Ubani , Abuja
Are you among the Nigerians who have dubbed Argentina’s squad for today’s friendly with the Super Eagles as their team B? Are you disappointed with the absence of star players like Lionel Messi, Tevez, Higuain, Angel Di Maria?

Argentina’s coach, Sergio Batista was taken aback yesterday in a Press conference when a journalist referred to his team as second string team without the presence of the gladiators in the squad. He looked offended but controlled  his temper. When he spoke, his words were full of meaning and fear.

Eagles in training for today's game. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

“This is Argentina squad; a high class team of players who ply their trades in the big clubs in Europe. If you think this is a second team, we will see tomorrow (today) at the end of the match and the result”. He said that the South American team had many players and needed this friendly to test their abilities and prepare them for the Copa America.

“We need other players to show their colour and they are ready to use this game to show what they have to offer. It is a friendly but we know we have an edge over Nigeria in results. We will try to maintain that edge but we respect Nigeria because they have very good players, too”.

He however said that he was not under pressure to win, noting that the outcome of the match would not have any effect on him.
Argentina legend, Diego Amando Maradona once described the Super Eagles of Nigeria as a team of ‘Lions’ because of their physical play.

But that was in the days  the likes of Chidi Nwanu, Uche Okechukwu, Austin Eguavoen, Ben Iroha, Mike Emenalo etc. Those days are gone. Despite  Nigeria’s  seming  physical play, the South Americans have the upper hand in meetings between these two great football nations. And when the two nations clash in a historic friendly today at the Abuja national stadium, the Argentines would be ready to match Nigeria’s  physical play with aggressiveness.

Skipper Pablo Zabaleta said yesterday that they would be aggressive to check the strength of the Nigerians who would be roared on by their fans. “I agree with Maradona but we will be aggressive as well. I know that Nigerian team are aggressive and have very good players. But we are known for our fluid, beautiful and attractive game that is propelled by our attack. Nigeria also have quality players but our focus will be on set pieces especially on corners .

It is going to be a difficult game but we need this match to prepare us for the COPA AMERICA. We are ready and tomorrow (today) will tell”, the Man City player said.