When Moses equalised for the Super Eagles in the 51st minute, hopes and expectations were rife that they would proceed to the round of 16.
They only needed a draw that would give them four points, earning them the second position behind Croatia who were on top with nine points after beating Iceland.
That Messi strike in the first half had broken hearts but it was answered by a well-executed Moses' penalty that brought Argentina and Nigeria to level terms.
The Nigerians held up so well against the sustained attacks by the Argentine star-studded frontline.
In the 86th minute, the tables turned as Marco Rojo came from the blues with a brutal strike that found the back of the net, re-establishing Argentina's lead and denying Nigeria the chance to make it to the round of 16.
African hearts have doubtless been broken with this defeat which means that Croatia and Argentina cruise to the next phase of the tournament.
In spite of the loss, the Nigerians have to be patted in the back for showing ambition throughout the game.
Senegal, the only remaining African team at the world cup, faces a resurgent Colombia in a fixture on whose outcome rides the aspirations of Africans.
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