I'm not afraid of Lionel Messi, said Enyama

(AFP) – Nigeria’s talismanic keeper Vincent Enyeama is relishing the renewal of his rivalry with Argentina’s Lionel Messi in Wednesday’s closing World Cup Group H game where the African champions are aiming to seal qualification to the last 16.

Enyeama faced the player he hailed on Tuesday as “a genius” at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa where despite some notable saves the Argentines won 1-0.

Asked if he was anxious about the looming skirmish with the four time World Footballer of the Year the Lille shot-stopper replied: “To tell you the truth I’m never afraid of footballers,

“Messi is one of the best players on the planet, but it’s not a game between him and me, it’s a game between Nigeria and Argentina.

“Everybody knows he’s made a lot of progress since the last time we played against each other in 2010.

“Messi is a genius, one of the best footballers the world has produced, but tomorrow’s game is against Argentina, not just him.”

After an opening goalless draw against Iran and a 1-0 win over Bosnia-Hercegovina the Super Eagles are assured of taking the runners-up spot behind already qualified Argentina if they come away from the game at Porto Alegre’s Beira-Rio stadium with a draw, irrespective of how their rivals for second spot, Iran, fare against Bosnia.

Coach Stephen Keshi, appearing alongside Enyeama at the pre-match press conference, hinted that defender Godfrey Oboabuna, sidelined for Bosnia after an injury in the opening game, was fit again and could return to his starting XI.