Argentina go into today's contest knowing they have already secured a place in the knockout stages, while their opponents need only a draw to become the first African team of the tournament to advance beyond the group stage.
Will the free-flowing Argentine attack that was stifled by Iran get back into its groove ahead of the last 16, or will Nigeria be able to pull off the upset and top the group?
Based on the surprises this World Cup has provided already, we probably shouldn't be too quick to dismiss the possibility of the latter.
The Details
Teams: Nigeria vs. Argentina
Time: 12:00 PM EST
Venue: Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre
Television: ESPN (U.S.), CBC (Canada)
Injury Report and Suspensions
Argentine manager Alejandro Sabella has no injury concerns to deal with heading into the match, and could opt to give some of his starters a rest before embarking on the knockout stages.
Nigerian bench boss Stephen Keshi, meanwhile, may field the same team that defeated Bosnia 1-0 last week, with the only potential change being the return of defender Godfrey Oboabona in place of veteran Joseph Yobo.
The former missed the match against Bosnia after suffering an ankle injury versus Iran, but has since returned to training and says that he is fully fit.
Historic Head-To-Head
The two teams have met six times in their history, with Argentina not surprisingly holding the edge with four victories. The African side has come away with a win only once.
The most recent encounter saw the Albiceleste claim a 3-1 triumph in 2011, with the game-winner from Angel Di Maria sandwiched between a pair of goals from Gonzalo Higuain.
The two sides were also drawn alongside one another at the 2010 World Cup, with the South Americans taking all three points courtesy of a 1-0 win.
3 Things To Watch
Lionel Messi vs. Vincent Enyeama
The diminutive attacker will be tasked with opening up a defense that is yet to concede after two matches - the only remaining team with an unblemished defensive record in the tournament.
Much of that is down to the heroics of goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who was magnificent when these two teams met in the aforementioned contest four years ago. He was particularly good at foiling Messi, something he'll need to repeat today if Nigeria have a chance to pull off the upset.
Nigeria are the only team at the World Cup NOT to have conceded a goal yet. They face Argentina next. Best of luck... pic.twitter.com/E3RX9nPrgX
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 23, 2014
Argentina on the counter attack
While Nigeria are almost assured second place in Group F, the Super Eagles head into the contest knowing that only a win will be enough to see them overtake their South American counterparts for top spot in the group.
That would afford them what looks to be (on paper) an easier path to the latter stages of the tournament, and should see them come out looking for the win.
As such, Argentina's vast wealth of attacking talent could find themselves with more space to operate. It might not end well for Nigeria, but at least it will be fun for the neutrals.
Can Marcos Rojo and Ezequiel Garay contain Emmanuel Emenike?
Bosnian defenders Emir Spahic and Senad Lulic were absolutely annihilated by the powerful Nigerian striker, whose combination of pace and strength will give the duo nightmares for months to come.
Rojo has been impressive going forward, but his defensive ability will be tested today by Emenike, who likes to drift out to the right wing and set up one-on-one situations with defenders.
If Rojo is beaten at any point, the task will likely fall to Garay. For Argentina's sake, the center-back will have to fare far better than Spahic did.