World Cup Update: Super Eagles Attempt to Crush Iran

    The stage is set for the Eagles’ opening game in Brazil against their Iranian counterpart. The Super Eagles will flag off their World Cup campaign when they battle Iran at the Arena da Baixada in Curitibia. It is the first time both teams will be clashing at the World Cup, with the Super Eagles fancying their chances of picking all three points in a group which also comprises of Argentina and Bosnia-Herzegovina. This is Nigeria’s fifth World Cup while it is the fourth for Iran who qualified for the tournament thanks to their mean defence, which conceded just five goals in 10 Asian qualifying matches. The Super Eagles aren’t a team prone to gifting games to the opposition and coach Stephen Keshi wants to show why they are the current champions of Africa at their upcoming match in Brazil. The Super Eagles arrived in South America hoping to ensure this year is their best return home from a World Cup; they reached the round of 16 in 1994 and 1998. Iran doesn’t habitually create many chances, but their strength aside from their mean defence lies in their aerial threat, and it is this which laid the foundations for their qualification. Queiroz’s men go into Group F as heavy underdogs but if they are able to keep things tight at the back and get the ball into the penalty area from the flanks, they are capable of confounding the doubters. Nigeria for their part, aren’t the same team which finished bottom of their World Cup group in South Africa in 2010. Keshi has built a strong, dangerous team who were deservingly crowned the kings of the African Nations’ Cup last year. Keshi varies his system depending on the opponent, but usually sets his team up in a 4-3-3 formation or a 4-2-3-1, which can become as attacking as a 4-2-4 when the situation allows it. In team news, Germany-based Iranian Daniel Davari can expect to get the nod in goal over veteran Rahman Ahmadi. He faces a busy afternoon against the likes of Premier League stars John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses and Osaze Odemwingie. At the other end, Nigeria will call on the formidable Vincent Enyeama, who denied Lionel Messi with impressive saves in the 2010 finals in South Africa. Iran coach Carlos Queiroz favours a 4-2-3-1 formation, with captain Javad Nekounam, the midfield fulcrum, allowing Charlton’s Reza‘Gucci’ Ghoochannejhad and Fulham winger Ashkan Dejagah to counter-attack. Iran is the top-ranked side in Asia with an impressive defensive record and plenty of tactical acumen from manager Carlos Queiroz, former Manchester United and Real Madrid coach. Stephen Keshi is banking on the combination of youth and experience to see the Super Eagles- last year’s African Nations’ Cup champions- conquer Iran. 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 tonight. The Super Eagles have taken two points from six matches in their last two World Cup appearances, but have higher hopes this time around after winning the African Nations’ Cup last year.