Iranian Ambassador in Nigeria, Mr Saeid Koozechi, has warned Super Eagles not to expect that the Iranian team will be a stroll in the park when they both meet on June 16 for their Group F opening match at the next month’s World Cup in Brazil.
Ambassador Koozechi who spoke to Blueprint Sports in Abuja , boasted that the Iranian team have sound technical bench and quality professional players that would help them scale any hurdle posed by Coach Stephen Keshi and his boys in Brazil.
He said the Asian minnow will be a surprise package at the World Cup and it will be tough nod to crack for the African champions.
The Iranians are heading into the clash against the three time Africa champions Nigeria on June 16 in Curitiba city of Brazil largely unknown as a soccer nation to many, a factor the Ambassador believe may work to their advantage.
“Nigeria’s football team is very popular in Iran, but many people in Nigeria don’t know Iran team. We have gone far in football and we have worked hard to improve our team.
“At the World Cup, you will see how we have developed and Iran is going to surprise many people. No doubt, Nigeria is a big team and champions of Africa, but Iran will be tough.
The teams are good and have professional players. I pray Iran will have a successful tournament and make the country proud. Hope your team too will do well and make Nigeria,” he said.
Aside Iran’s ‘hidden strength’ being touted as a factor to propel them against Nigeria, the qualities of their coach, Carlos Queiroz is also another factor that may count against Keshi and his boys.
Coach Queiroz has vast World Cup experience, which Iran will hope to make the most of it in Brazil, as the Portuguese gaffer has served as assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United of England, coached Real Madrid of Spain and was also in charge of his native team, Portugal at the South Africa 2010 World Cup.