Javier Mascherano has described Nigeria’s game against Argentina at the 2018 World Cup as an El Clasico.
The Super Eagles were on Friday drawn in Group D of the soccer showpiece with the La Abiceleste, Croatia and debutants Iceland.
And Mascherano, who was on show as Gernot Rohr’s side trounced his team 4-2 in a friendly last month, admitted that the game will be tough.
“Our game against Nigeria will be another Classico in world football,” the Barcelona star told Ole.com.ar.
“They [Super Eagles] have improved a lot, and like most of the teams that will be going to the World Cup, it will be tough to play against them.”
Jorge Sampaoli’s men will take on the three-time African champions in their last group game on 26 June.
Both teams have met four times at the group phase of the competition, with the South Americans running out winners on all occasions.
