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 on Saturday.
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 is now officially fourth in the group. It was a disorganized evening for the Super Eagles after Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic took control of the midline, canceling 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 defense.
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.
Tunisia take on to the field on Monday to face an unpredictable England side.
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