World Cup: Mikel slams Croatia decision to rest stars

The Super Eagles could find themselves relying on the Group D leaders – who plan

to leave big names out against Iceland – to reach the knockout stages .

Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel has called on Croatia to be professional and not

rest players against Iceland in a match that could yet decide the Super Eagles ’

World Cup fate .

Two goals from Ahmed Musa ensured Nigeria remain in the hunt for a place in the

knockout stages as they saw off Iceland in Volgograd .

Gernot Rohr’ s side now know that a victory over Argentina in Saint Petersburg will be enough for them to reach the last 16 for the fourth time in their history .

And though a defeat to the Albiceleste would confirm their elimination , a draw would mean they require Croatia to do them a favour against Iceland .

Croatia have already booked their place in the latter stages of the competition ,

and as such manager Zlatko Dalic has vowed to leave out some of his star players

in a bid to conserve their fitness.

Mikel , though , does not understand the reasoning behind Dalic ’ s decision and feels

it is unfair on the rest of the teams in the group .

“ I don ’t think it ’ s the best thing to do , ” he told Goal . “ This is a massive

tournament – you can’ t rest people and give others a chance of qualification .

“ They should be professional and play their best team . This is such a big stage that

you can ’ t rest players just to help other teams to qualify . ”

Nigeria have faced Argentina four times in their previous five World Cup

appearances , losing on all four occasions , but the form of the South American

outfit have raised hopes that the Super Eagles can end that run .

Despite having Lionel Messi in their number , Jorge Sampaoli ’ s side have picked up just one point from their two games thus far , including an embarrassing 3 - 0 defeat to Croatia on Thursday .

However, Mikel is aware that recording the victory his side require will be no easy task .

“ I think they have played well . It ’s going to be a tough and difficult game for us . ”

Both Nigeria’ s clash with Argentina and Iceland ’s match with Croatia take place

simultaneously on Tuesday