Argentina, who finished as runners-up at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and reached the quarter-finals at the two previous tournaments, are on the verge of missing out on the knockout stage in Russia after picking up only one point in their two Group D games.

Two-time champions Argentina need to beat Nigeria in their final Group D match in St. Petersburg on Tuesday to keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

"We have to make it to the round of 16 and write a new chapter in Argentina's footballing history. I am confident that our players can beat Nigeria," Sampaoli told journalists.