Modric’s penalty secure a 2-0 victory for Croatia over Super Eagles

The Super Eagles Nigeria tasted their first defeat to Croatia as they lost by 2-0 in their opening match of Group D. Ogehenekaro Etebor unfortunately scored an own goal as Mario Manduzkic’s flying header came off his foot and the ball rolls into the net to put Croatia ahead.

Gernot Rohr’s men did not create a meaningful chance in the first half but came back strongly in the second half.

The three time African champions could not break through the stubborn defence as the team could not trouble the Croatian keeper in goal.

The eastern Europeans got the second as the referee adjudged William Troost-Ekong to have bundled down Mandzukic in the box.

Captain Luka Modric doubled the advantage as the sends Francis Uzoho the wrong way and put the match was put beyond reach of the Nigerian side.

The Green and White will be facing Iceland in their second match as the Scandinavian country secured a point against mighty Argentina in their early fixture.