Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi believes getting the better of his opposite number Carlos Queiroz will be the biggest challenge for his side as they take on Iran in their World Cup opener.
The Super Eagles have taken just two points from six matches in their last two appearances at the World Cup, but have higher hopes this time around after winning the African Nations’ Cup last year.
“I think their coach is their biggest weapon, because he’s well experienced, he knows the game well,” Keshi said. “They have a very good coach and I’m sure they also have some quality players. We don’t know Iran very well, but we’ll see them on Monday.”
Nigeria’s campaign will be spearheaded by Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel and goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, while captain Joseph Yobo could make his 100th appearance for hiscountry against Argentina in the final group game.
And Keshi is relying on them to guide his young squad.
He said: “You can’t buy this sort of experience. I pray that Enyeama, Yobo and Mikel Obi will bring all their experience. Youth is good, but if we can combine youth and experience that will be great for us.”
Iran’s preparations for their fourth World Cup have been far from ideal with international sanctions on the Iranian government leading to a lack of funds to arrange friendly matches.
They did go unbeaten in four hastily arranged warm-up games for the tournament against modest opposition, but managed to win just once in a 2-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago last week.
However, they excelled in qualifying and topped a group including perennial qualifiers South Korea. And no matter the result, Queiroz is convinced he will get full commitment from his players.
“We have no doubt about our players’ readiness and I know who will start exactly against Nigeria,” said the former Real Madrid boss. “We will have 90 minutes to fight against Nigeria and the Iranian players are willing to give 100 percent and work hard to get results.”
With Argentina expected to dominate Group F, both sides should face a battle with World Cup newcomers Bosnia & Hercegovina for second place.
LIKELY LINE-UPS
Iran (4-4-2):
Davari; Heydari, Hosseini, Montazeri, Hajsafi; Dejagah, Nekounam, Teymourian, Jahanbakhsh; Ghoochanneijhad, Shojaei.
Nigeria (4-2-3-1)
Enyeama; Ambrose, Omeruo, Oboabona, Elderson; Mikel, Onazi; Odemwingie, Musa, Moses; Emenike.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Iran – Ashkan Dejagah
The Fulham midfielder demonstrated his quality in the Premier League last season, scoring some spectacular goals along the way. Dejagah has bags of ability and loves to commit defenders.
Nigeria – Victor Moses
Iran have an impressive defensive record and will look to maintain that against Nigeria. Unlocking their defence will be key and Moses has the right blend of pace and ability to be able to do this.
PREDICTION
Iran have conceded one goal in their last four games, and they’ll look to suffocate Nigeria here. The Super Eagles attack is not what it once was but they should be able to carve out at least a couple of clear cut opportunities. Iran 0-1 Nigeria.