Check out the Nigerian player who did not play against Argentina and received Lionel Messi's shirt (photos)

macfranc007 June 27, 2018 Nigeria News today & Breaking news ▷ Read Naija news 24/7 Ibitoye Shittu

- Lionel Messi on Tuesday night, June 26, gave his shirt to Nigerian goalie Ikechukwu Ezenwa

- The Barcelona star scored the first goal as Argentina defeated Nigeria 2-1 in final Group D tie

- Ikechukwu Ezenwa was unable to meet Messi on the pitch as he was on the bench, but met him on the tunnel after the match

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi on Tuesday night, June 26, gave his shirts to Nigerian goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa after helping his country to beat Nigeria 2-1 in their last Group D tie at Russia 2018.

He scored the first goal for Argentina in the match that sent the South Americans to the round of 16, and after his celebration, he met Nigerian goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa at the tunnel.

Ezenwa was in goal for Nigeria during most games in the qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup, but he was not used by coach Gernot Rohr at the tournament in Russia.

He exchanged pleasantry with Lionel Messi at the tunnel in which the Argentina international gave him his shirt.

Lionel Messi gave Nigerian goalie Ikechukwu Ezenwa his shirt (Image: @mundoleodeportv

Lionel Messi gave Nigerian goalie Ikechukwu Ezenwa his shirt. Image: @mundoleodeportv

Ikechukwu Ezenwa began his football career with defunct Ocean Boys F.C in 2005 before moved to Heartland F.C. in July 2008 after winning the Nigerian League title with the Ogara Boys.

He moved to Ifeanyi Ubah in 2016 before his Contract ended in 2017 and later completed a move to Enyimba International F.C of Aba.

He got the call up to the Nigeria Super Eagles in 2015 under the authority ex Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh, and he later became Nigerian number one when Carl Ikeme was diagnosed of leukemia.

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Earlier, NAIJ.com had reported how Argentina left it late to book their place in the round of 16 in Russia 2018 after a 2-1 victory against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Goals from Messi and Rojo secured qualification for Argentina as Chelsea winger Victor Moses also scored his first goal in the World Cup for Nigeria.

Nigeria VS Argentina. World Cup Showdown | Naij.com TV