It's Nigeria against Iran for this week's second day at the Brazil World Cup 2014 tournament! With Nigeria being widely known as the dynamo of African soccer, can Iran still pull a few tricks and surprises to satisfy their hunger for a win?
For full live stream and a preview of the World Cup clash visit.
Date: Tuesday, June 17
Time: 8 p.m. BST; 3 p.m. ET
TV Info: BBC One (UK), ESPN (US)
Live Stream: BBC Website (UK), ESPN Player (US)
Nigeria hope to extend their international success streak against Iran since France 1998, but the team's statistics has not been as impressive as before. The Super Eagles' win against Bulgaria at the World Cup has not been followed for 16 years. Their lousiest attempt for the Cup has yet to be South Africa in 2010, where they finished with an outstanding two points.
However, new coach Stephen Keshi, who played for Nigeria in the 1994 World Cup, doesn't seem to be concerned at the team's three losses at the previous friendlies before Brazil 2014. He said, "My concern is how I'm going to bring my players to understand the style of play, to bring them back into the rhythm that we are used to, because it's a long time we were apart."
Much awaited players for Nigeria are mostly ex-Europe members. Fenerbahce striker Emmanuel Emenike has been productive since his recruit in 2011. Next in line is Mikel John Obi, who proves himself to be more innovative since Chelsea. And Lille's Vincent Enyeama is reliable enough to win his spot as one of the best goalkeepers in the Cup.
On the other hand, Iran's last triumph was at the Germany World Cup 2006 over USA, but nothing progressed since. Coach Carlos Quieroz, a former manager of Real Madrid and Portugal, is an assurance that Iran could be something more.
The players to watch out are Iran natives Reza "Gucci" Ghoochannejhad, who scored 10 goals out of 14 cameos since 2012, Ashkan Dejagah, who secured Iran a spot in Asian qualifying group against the powerful South Korea, and Javad Nekounam, the experienced team's captain.
Interestingly enough, this is their only second meet at the World Cup since France 1998. Grouped at the F bracket, the two are expected to compete among crowd beloved Argentina and wildcard Bosnia-Herzegovina.
