Eagles Lose World Cup Opener To Croatia

The Super Eagles of Nigeria started their Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign on a losing note following the 2-0 loss to Croatia in their opening match in Group D.

A goal in either half was enough to give the Croatians their first opening match win since the 1998 edition in France.

Newly signed Stoke City midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo unfortunately put through his own net in the 32nd minute off an header from Mario Mandzukic from a corner kick to give Zlatko Dalic’s side the lead before star player a second goal from the penalty spot on 71 minutes.

William Troost-Ekong was the guilty party for the penalty as he was penalised for grabbing Mandzukic in the box off a corner kick and the Real Madrid man made no mistake from the spot to wrap up the three points for his side.

Nigeria will now attempt to get back to reckoning when they play Iceland in their second group game on Friday while new leaders Croatia take on former champions Argentina.