Late football legend, Diego Maradona last made his last international appearance for Argentina during their second group game against Nigeria at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, IgbereTV recalls.
Maradona was 33 years of age at that time as he was obviously star of the match, but the South American team had to battle for victory after Samson Siasia had put the Super Eagles ahead as early as the 8th minute. Argentina leveled-up through Claudio Caniggia in the 21st minute after goalkeeper Peter Rufai spilled a free kick to his path as the striker followed-up with a rebound to make it 1-1.
Barely seven minutes later, Maradona broke the hearts of Nigerians, when he cheekily caught the Nigerian defense unaware when he passed to Caniggia on the left flank before striker ‘wired’ the ball into the far post leaving Rufai hapless in goal.
Argentina won the tie 2-1, but that didn’t stop Nigeria from winning the group which also had Bulgaria and Greece. Argentina qualified as one of the best third-placed teams. Diego Maradona played his last international match at USA 94.
However after the game against the Super Eagles, Maradona was randomly selected for a doping test and after five days, result showed he had a banned stimulant (ephedrine) on June 25.
He was consequently barred from participating in the rest of the competition. And during a press conference after the discovery, the legend famously cried to the press: “They have cut off my legs.” It was the controversy that led to the end of his international career, and things went from bad to worse with Argentina losing their last group game 2-0 to Bulgaria.
