World Cup Preview: Nigeria Vs Iran

World Cup Preview: Nigeria Vs Iran

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will start their World
Cup campaign against Iran on June 16 in Curitiba. A
game which could go a long way in determining the
fate of the best of rest in Group F. Argentina and
Bosnia complete this pool with the La Albiceleste
overwhelming favourites to win the group.
Nigeria’s form in the lead up to the tournament has
been uninspiring – without a win in four games (3
draws, 1 loss) and the Eagles don’t score many
goals as they struggle to unlock teams who sit
back.
That wouldn’t fill Nigerian fans with much
confidence against an Iranian side that has kept 15
clean sheets in their last 26 games since the last
World Cup, albeit against relatively weak opposition.
Both teams line up in a 4-3-3 which could switch to
a 4-2-1-3 formation for Nigeria but Carlos Queiroz’s
side is more defensively organized, while Nigeria is
relatively inexperienced at the back .
First-choice centre-back pairing Godfrey Oboabona
and Kenneth Omeruo have less than 50 caps
between them, regular left-back Uwa Echiejile has
been ruled out of the tournament due to injury, while
right-back Efe Ambrose is naturally a centre-
defender. The team struggles to deal with sides who
break quickly and is poor at defending set-pieces
which incidentally is Iran’s greatest threat.
Iran will be happy to concede possession and hit on
the counter. But, upfront Stephen Keshi’s men are
blessed with pace, power and trickery in the mould
of Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow), Emmanuel
Emenike (Fenerbahce) and Victor Moses (Chelsea)
and will seek to exploit the Asian with this.
The Iranians are a little bit of an unknown entity but
they have got proven quality in their ranks in Javad
Nekounam, formerly of Osasuna and Ashkan Dejagah
of Fulham. With Coach Carlos Queiroz, they’ve got a
tactically astute manager who learnt his trade under
the great Sir Alex Ferguson.
This should be an exciting but low scoring affair as I
expect both sides to go for it while also remaining
cautious of the downside of getting nothing out of
this game. Taking chances when it presents itself
would be key in this game.
Head-to- Head
Both sides have met just once at senior level, with
the Africans recording a 1-0 victory.
STATS
Nigeria is without a win in their last six games at
the World Cup (2002 and 2010) taking just two
points in that run.
Iran didn’t qualify for the 2010 edition in South
Africa and have never gotten past the group stage.
Their only win came in France 1998, a 2-1 win over
the USA.
Probable Nigeria team
Vincent Enyeama looks set to keep his place in goal;
the back four is virtually settled with Juwon
Oshinuiwa replacing the injured Echiejile, while Azeez
should start behind the front three.
The only dilemma for Keshi is a choice between
Odemwingie and Musa. Musa is said to be carrying
a knock but should be fit enough to start.
Odemwingie would be my overwhelming choice to
start as he is more decisive in the final third.
Enyeama
Ambrose-Oboabona-Omeruo-Oshaniwa
Onazi-Mikel
Azeez
Odemwingie- Emenike-Moses
Prediction: Nigeria 2-1 Iran
Though friendly results haven’t been positive,
Nigeria should be fine; the individual quality in the
side should see us through. Not taking anything
away from the Iranians but Nigeria just look better.