Croatia v Nigeria - Preview and possible lineups

Croatia: The Croats have no new injury concerns and are expected to name an all-star side featuring the likes of Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Vedran Corluka and Mario Mandzukic.

Nigeria: Defender Leon Balogun could miss out after missing training on Thursday, with Kenneth Omeruo waiting in the wings to replace him.Midfielder Wilfred Ndidi should make it, despite concern over a hanstring problem, whilst Odion Ighalo is likely to lead the line ahead of Kelechi Iheanacho on what will be the former Watford man's 29th birthday.

Croatia striker Nikola Kalinic: 

"The most important thing now are those three points. We certainly have very high quality offensive players and we shouldn't be afraid. It's important that we play well and create opportunities for our attackers."

Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr: 

"We know this pressure. We have this all the time. We had it in the qualifiers. I'm sure we'll make Nigerians happy.

"We have such a young team, maybe this World Cup is too soon for them. We have the youngest squad, so maybe 2022 will be their World Cup.

"We want to make Nigerian people happy, but it's not only the results, it's the attitude and the way we play. Football must also bring values to this big country."

Form:

Did you know:

This will be the first game between Croatia and Nigeria.

Croatia have a 100% record against African sides at the World Cup (P1, W1).

Possible lineups:

Croatia: Subasic; Vida, Corluka, Lovren, Strinic; Badejl, Rakitic, Modric; Rebic, Mandzukic, Perisic.

Nigeria: Uzoho; Omeruo, Troots-Ekong, Ogu; shehu, Iwobi, Mikel, Ndidi, Idowu; Moses, Ighalo.