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ARSENAL star Alex Iwobi bailed out goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi as Nigeria toyed with a Lionel Messi-less Argentina to win 4-2 at the Krasnodar Stadium.

The shot-stopper bizarrely picked up the ball outside the box with Sergio Aguero closing him down on the edge of the penalty area.

Nigerian goalkeeper handballs it outside the area in match against Argentina
 Nigerian goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi was at fault for the first goal scored by Argentina
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Nigerian goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi was at fault for the first goal scored by ArgentinaCredit: EPA
 Ever Banega celebrates with his team-mates after his fine free-kick
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Ever Banega celebrates with his team-mates after his fine free-kickCredit: EPA
 Sergio Aguero made it 2-0 after getting on the end of a cross from Cristian Pavon
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Sergio Aguero made it 2-0 after getting on the end of a cross from Cristian PavonCredit: AFP
 The 29-year-old reacts during the friendly at Russia's Krasnodar Stadium
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The 29-year-old reacts during the friendly at Russia's Krasnodar StadiumCredit: EPA

Midfielder Ever Banega scored directly from the resulting free-kick in the 27th minute, as his attempt found the bottom right corner in expert fashion.

Argentina should have doubled their lead as Enzo Perez and Nicolas Otamendi both squandered opportunities, but they eventually went two goals ahead courtesy of  Aguero.

The Manchester City striker found the roof of the net from close range after being found by Cristian Pavon inside the box in the 36th minute.

Coincidentally, it was the 29-year-old's 36th international goal for the Albiceleste to become their third all-time top scorer.

Sergio Aguero scores for Argentina against Nigeria before falling ill at half time
 The Nigerian players celebrate after Kelechi Iheanacho netted before half-time
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The Nigerian players celebrate after Kelechi Iheanacho netted before half-timeCredit: AFP
 The Leicester forward scored his second international goal of the season
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The Leicester forward scored his second international goal of the seasonCredit: EPA

His former Citizens team-mate Kelechi Iheanacho pulled one back just before half-time as he netted with an expert free-kick.

The Leicester striker guided his shot into the top left corner for his third goal of the season for club and country.

Seven minutes into the second-half, the Super Eagles drew back on level terms through Gunners ace Iwobi.

Played in by Iheanacho, Iwobi coolly found the bottom left corner as the former African Cup of  Nations champions pushed for more.

 Arsenal star Alex Iwobi equalised for Nigeria shortly into the second half
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Arsenal star Alex Iwobi equalised for Nigeria shortly into the second halfCredit: EPA
 Debutant Brian Idowu celebrates after putting the Super Eagles ahead
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Debutant Brian Idowu celebrates after putting the Super Eagles aheadCredit: AFP

And in the 54th minute, Nigerian fans were sent into jubilation when Brian Idowu scored on his debut in dramatic fashion.

Iheanacho again the provider, he played in the FC Amkar Perm star, as he curled his attempt beyond the outstretched arms of Agustin Marchesin.

Argentina offered nothing in the second period, and they deservedly conceded yet again when Iwobi found the back of the  net in spectacular fashion.

Dancing through the back-line, he nutmegged Javier Mascherano before unleashing a fierce left-footed drive into the bottom corner in the 74th minute.

Arsenal's Alex Iwobi nutmegs Javier Mascherano before scoring as Nigeria shock Argentina in friendly
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