Lose To Nigeria And Don’t Return Home – Maradona Says

World Cup legend, Diego Maradona has warned national team manager, Jorge Sampaoli to beat Nigeria in the final group D game and qualify to the next stage of the World Cup or he would not be welcome back home in Argentina.

Argentina got a rude shock when they played out a 1-1 draw against Iceland who are first timers at the world cup on Saturday and will play group leaders Croatia on Friday before clashing with Nigeria on June 26. Lionel Messi had the chance to put his team in front from the penalty spot but had his shot stopped by the Iceland goalkeeperand warned Jorge Sampaoli not to return home

Speaking with Argentina TV station Telesur, the 57-year-old lambasted the coach’s poor tactics.

In his words,

“If he carries on like this, Sampaoli can’t come back to Argentina, it’s a disgrace. Not having prepared for the match knowing that Iceland are all 1.90m tall. I get the feeling there’s a general anger at the heart of the team,”

He added that the road to qualification is difficult as he pointed out Nigeria to be a stubborn opponent that may stop them in their last qualification match.

“The Nigerians are young and very fast. Their counter-attacks and pace are a beauty to behold. I wonder how Sampaoli will do it. All I know is that he would not be welcomed back to Argentina if he does not guide Argentina to beat Croatia and Nigeria to qualify.”