please log in to view this image please log in to view this image Head-to-head Nigeria won the only previous meeting 1-0 in St Etienne in 2009. France have lost two of their last three World Cup matches against African nations: 2002 v Senegal and 2010 v South Africa. They beat Togo between these two defeats, in 2006. France France have won their previous three second-round matches at the World Cup: 2-0 v Italy in 1986, 1-0 v Paraguay in 1998 and 3-1 v Spain in 2006. They had 62 attempts at goal in the group stage, more than any other side. On the last five occasions that France have progressed past the first round at the World Cup, they have reached at least the semi-finals (1958, 1982, 1986, 1998 and 2006). Karim Benzema has scored nine goals in his last nine appearances for France, including three in three games at this World Cup. All of France's goals during this World Cup have come from inside the penalty area. Nigeria Victory in this match would see Nigeria reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history. They have only won one of their last 11 World Cup matches. This is the first time two Africans nations (Nigeria and Algeria) have reached the knockout stage. The Super Eagles are aiming to become just the fourth African side to make the quarter-finals after Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010. Vincent Enyeama recorded the most saves of any goalkeeper in the group phase (18). Joseph Yobo became the first player to reach 100 international caps for Nigeria against Argentina. If he plays against France he will beat Jay Jay Okocha's record of nine World Cup matches for the Super Eagles.
Do I want Morgan to play in this? Oh boy, I want him home so we know what the hell he is doing next season.
Was going to say I'd rather watch Murray...but they have stopped briefly for rain. They really should get a roof on centre court!?!
Hell no. They go on strike at a World Cup which shows they prioritise money over playing at a World Cup. Besides, I want good quarter finals and Nigeria going through would not provide that. Allez les Bleus!
I sympathise with the Nigerian team. Apparently money for the players is passed to their FA, but there is so much corruption it isn't passed on. I know the England players give their money to charity, but I bet they'd protest if Dyke kept it all.
As I mentioned when Cameroon went on strike, the FAs of African nations have a tendency to pocket chunks players' bonuses, because for some reason it is paid to the FA rather than directly to the players. It's not uncommon for players to want to donate their bonuses; for example the Greece players have put theirs towards a new training ground, and the Cameroon players like to distribute theirs among the community.
Yeah not great at all. Not sure he meant to go in that high though. Nigeria have been immense so far!
