Argentina was among the favorites going in to the tournament but despite a much-vaunted front four, they have yet to come alive, with the exception of some moments of match-winning magic from Lionel Messi.
Nigeria, representing Africa's richest and most populous nation, have also labored to convince as a team.
Nonetheless, Argentina sits atop Group F with six points thanks to their less-than-emphatic wins over Bosnia and Iran.
The Sky Blues have already qualified for the Round of 16 but will still want finish first to ensure an easier opponent - in principle at least - in the next stage.
Nigeria has four points following a dull draw with Iran and a win over first-timers Bosnia. A draw would be enough to ensure qualification but a loss to Argentina could put them in trouble.
Iran, which surprised many with their tenacious, bold play against Argentina, could still seize second place if they beat Bosnia and rack up a better goal difference.
So a game that could see as much anxiety as adventure is on the cards.
Messi's sublime strike against Iran in stoppage time in Belo Horizonte only highlighted the danger of Argentina relying on the Barcelona man too much. It wasn't supposed to be like that.
He and his fellow strikers Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Angel Di Maria form what should have been one of the most formidable attack forces in the tournament, but so far it has been rather blunt.
The defense has also looked shaky, with central defender Ezekiel Garay repeatedly caught off guard against Iran.
"We have a few causes for concern," head coach Alejandro Sabella admitted after the close-shave against Iran.
With other Latin American teams such as Chile and previously unheralded Costa Rica powering ahead and delighting fans along the way, Argentina will need to step up the pace if they are to quickly regain what they see as their rightful place at the front.
"We know we are not playing as well as we are expected," Messi said. "But as we go along in the tournament, we will be improving and we will reach our full potential."
Argentina will be able to count on fervent support - tens of thousands of fans are expected to flood over the border into the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, a region which shares its gaucho culture but harbors an intense soccer rivalry.
Nigeria may take heart from the fact that they made a slow start in the African Nations Cup before going on to take the title last year.
The Super Eagles cannot afford to give anything away at the back but will need to hunt for goals if they are to be sure of qualifying for the Round of 16 for the first time since 1998.
Playing in their fifth World Cup, Nigeria's performance against Bosnia was an improvement on the Iran game, when they look bereft of ideas. But their defensive frailties were exposed on several occasions and that could prove fatal with a hungry wolf like Messi on the prowl. - Reuters
FACTBOX: Nigeria v. Argentina
Where: The Beira Rio stadium, Porto Alegre
Capacity: 48,849
When: Wednesday June 25, 1300 local (Thursday, 12am, PHL time)
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli
Key stats:
- Argentina has won the World Cup twice, in 1978 and 1986.
- In previous Group F matches, Argentina beat Bosnia 2-1 and Iran 1-0 have already qualified for the Group of 16.
- Nigeria is playing in its fifth World Cup. Its best performances were in 1994 and 1998, when they reached the Round of 16.
- Nigeria drew with Iran in their opening Group F match then beat Bosnia 1-0. They need a point against Argentina to ensure going through in the event that Iran beat Bosnia.
- Nigeria is the reigning African champion.
Previous meetings: The two sides have met six times previously, with Argentina winning four times, Nigeria once, and one match ending in a draw.
source: gmanetwork.com
