Sergio Aguero © Action Images

Aguero wary of Nigeria

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Argentina striker, Sergio “Kun” Aguero has spoken about his respect for Nigeria’s Super Eagles ahead of the 2014 Fifa World Cup finals in Brazil.

Aguero, who has been capped 47 times by Argentina at senior level, has now taken the time to discuss the prospect of facing the Super Eagles in Brazil and believes the three-time African champions will represent complicated opponents.

"People say (Argentina is in an easy group) but how can they (say that?). I might sound cliched but there is no easy match in the World Cup. Nigeria (is in our group and they) are the champions of Africa. It will not be easy at all," Aguero told the Times of India.

Aguero, who has been included in Argentina’s provisional squad for the World Cup, has suffered an injury-blighted 2013/14 season with Manchester City.

He however reckons he’s back to full fitness ahead of the competition in Brazil.

"Yes, I am fully fit now. I played the last match for my club since I was eager to help the team win the Premier League title again and now I am waiting for the World Cup. It will be a great occasion to play the biggest tournament in Brazil," he said.

Asked if Argentina could win the trophy, he replied in the affirmative.

"Yes, why not? We have Lionel Messi, the best footballer on Earth, in our side. He led us to the top of the list in qualifiers from the most difficult zone [Conmebol] with matches to spare.

"We have an excellent forward line where [Ezequiel] Lavezzi and I will try to score more and we have wonderful midfielders to support us. We have the talent and ability to beat any side on a given day," he said.

Argentina and Nigeria will go head-to-head in Group F of the 2014 World Cup at the Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre on 25 June.

Nigeria have never beaten Argentina in a competitive game at senior level.

Making their debut at the World Cup in 1994, Nigeria took a shock lead against La Albiceleste through Samson Siasia in the eighth minute before a quickfire brace by Claudio Caniggia turned the game on its head as the South Americans won a Group D game 2-1 at the Foxboro Stadium on 25 June.

At the 2002 World Cup, Nigeria again met Argentina at the group stage and a Gabriel Batistuta effort on 63 minutes condemned Nigeria to a 1-0 defeat at the Kashima Soccer Stadium, Ibaraki on 2 June.

Both nations would meet again at the 2010 Fifa World Cup finals in South Africa and Argentina came out on top again, by a solitary goal, powerfully headed in by defender Gabriel Heintze as the South Americans put the West Africans to the sword at Ellis Park on 12 June.