When France striker Karim Benzema was hauled off in the 83rd minute of their 1-0 World Cup qualifying defeat at home to Spain in March last year he was sent packing with a cacophony of boos and whistles.
The fans’ angry reaction at the Stade de France to yet another limp performance from the Real Madrid forward seemed even harsher eight minutes later when they gave Spain playmaker Andres Iniesta a rousing ovation as he was substituted.
Fast forward to the World Cup in Brazil and Benzema is now the toast of the Gallic nation, with three goals in as many games and man-of-the-match performances in the victories over Honduras and Switzerland.
He has earned effusive praise from coach Didier Deschamps and France will need the 26-year-old to maintain his form if they are to beat Nigeria in today’s last-16 clash in Brasilia and set up a quarter-final against Germany or Algeria.
Benzema came into the World Cup following a fine season with Real when he netted 24 goals in 52 games in all competitions and helped the world’s richest club by income to win a 10th Champions League crown and the King’s Cup.
He has put a scoring drought for Les Bleus behind him that stretched for more than 1,200 minutes, and led to him temporarily losing his place in the national team, and looks fit and hungry for success.
“Benzema has extraordinary movement which underpins the team’s play,” Deschamps said.
“We have always focused on his contribution apart from his goals, which is something that doesn’t happen elsewhere.”
Nigeria’s preparations have been disrupted after they became the latest African country to be embroiled in a money row and the players threatened not to train.
Team officials said on Friday promises of quick payment from the country’s president had resolved the situation but it is hardly the best way for the African champions to prepare for the France game.
Nigeria reached the second round on their first two World Cup appearances in 1994 and 1998 but were eliminated at the group stage at their two subsequent finals in 2002 and 2010.
Their progress to the last 16 has been overshadowed by a suspected bomb attack in the capital Abuja during rush hour on Wednesday when at least 21 people died. An explosion overnight in the city of Bauchi killed 10 people.
Key statistics
• France have had more attempts at goal, 62, in their three matches than any other team at the WCup.
• Karim Benzema has scored all his three goals with his right foot.
• Nigeria are aiming to reach their first World Cup quarter-final. They have twice made the last 16, in 1994 and 1998. On both occasions they were beaten in the second round by European opposition. Italy in 94 and Denmark in 98.
• This is the first time two Africans nations (Nigeria and Algeria) have reached the knockout stages of a World Cup.
Previous meeting
• The teams have met once before, Nigeria winning 1-0 in St Etienne in 2009 thanks to a goal by Joseph Akpala.