The four-nation tourney in Antalya, Turkey, will serve up the third installment of the Nigeria Vs Iran football story as the two countries carry the burden of a World Cup miss and the other, the burden of an unwanted war.
The two countries have met only twice previously at a senior level, with Nigeria winning one and the other drawn.
Nigeria Vs Iran: The H2H
Ahmed Garba scored a second-half goal to separate the two teams at the Carlsberg Cup in Hong Kong in January 1998, while the two teams’ Group F clash in Curitiba at the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil ended scoreless.
Goalkeeper Willy Okpara, defenders Uche Okafor (of blessed memory), Jero Shakpoke, Kingsley Obiekwu, Ganiyu Ajide, Pascal Ojigwe, Henry Onwuzurike, Emmanuel Ebiede, Gabriel Okolosi, Garba, and Daniel Amokachi started for Nigeria in Hong Kong.
Stars To Watch
Head Coach Eric Chelle will have to make do with the group of 22, as he plots his tactics and strategies for Friday’s encounter against Iran.
On Friday, Coach Chelle will have a mix of the wise old heads and the ambitious youth to pick from, with 96-cap Alex Iwobi and 95-cap Moses Simon embedded in his squad. Additionally, he has captain Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, and forwards Paul Onuachu and Samuel Chukwueze.
Atletico Madrid’s Ademola Lookman, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defenders Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi, and Bruno Onyemaechi, midfielders Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke are established in the family. Still, defender Emmanuel Oluwasegun Fernandez and forwards Collins Yira Sor and Philip Otele are stepping into the patio for the first time.
Iran is attending its fourth straight World Cup after securing automatic qualification from Group A in the Asian qualifiers.
Returning head coach, Amir Ghalenoei, will depend on the talents of former Inter Milan player, Mehdi Taremi, currently playing for Olympiacos in Greece.
Also, he will have Majid Hosseini, who adds World Cup experience to the defence after multiple seasons in Turkey’s Süper Lig.
The clash with Iran’s Team Melli starts at 4 pm Turkey time (2 pm Nigeria time) on Friday.
Meanwhile, Nigerians can watch the game live on M4STv online and in the app.
