John Obi Mikel, Kenneth Omeruo and Nigeria Fall to Argentina 3-2

Jun 3, 2014; Chester, PA, USA; Greece forward Andreas Samaris (22) and Nigeria midfielder John Mikel Obi (10) battle for the ball during a soccer friendly at PPL Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Chelsea FC’s John Obi Mikel and Kenneth Omeruo suffered defeat in Nigeria’s final game in Group F but the Super Eagles move on to the knockout stages of the World Cup.

Nigeria advances to the Round of 16 for the first time since 1998 after finished second in Group F behind Argentina. Their match against Argentina got off to a flying start as Lionel Messi opened the scoring for Argentina in the 3′ minute and Ahmed Musa would equalize a minute later.

A brilliant Messi free-kick in first half stoppage time put the Argentinians ahead going into the break but it was Musa again who would equalize just two minutes after the restart.

Marcos Rojo became the first Argentina player other than Messi to score at the World Cup after he turned home a loose ball in area following a Messi corner, which gave Argentina the lead for good just three minutes after Musa’s second equalizer.

Omeruo, who spent the season on loan at Middlesbrough, had another solid performance in defense and looks to be a very promising talent for the club, as the 22-year-old doesn’t appear to be overwhelmed by the world’s biggest stage.

Mikel had a fairly average performance in the midfield and it didn’t seem like he created much of an impact in the game.

Victor Moses’ abysmal season continues as the Chelsea winger was an unused substitute and hasn’t featured in a match since being subbed of in the 52′ minutes against Iran.

Nigeria plays again on June 30, where they take on the winners of Group E, which will most likely be France.

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