Chris Maduewesi
Member
The first World Cup game for Nigeria,one that really matters because subsequent matches against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Argentina are the perceived tough games in the group.
Nigeria's match against Iran became the first 0-0 draw of the 2014 World Cup,failing to record a goal like the other high scoring matches that has been witnessed so far in the competition.
The Super Eagles started the brighter of both teams but that was as good as they got in the game,as they lacked the penetration to get in between the Iranians' rear guard.
Early flourish afforded Victor Moses a chance to have a shot at goal and Ogenyi Onazi's effort sailing just inches off the post for the opening.
But after that,Nigeria lost balance and the shape intially set up started to fall like a pack of cards.
The more the game went on,the more it had a semblance of Nigeria's tune-up games for the tournament.
Even the best scoring effort was recorded by Iran who almost found the net but for the heroics of Vincent Enyema, Nigeria would have trailed in the match.
Reza got the perfect connection needed to a cross,getting in a header but Enyeama expertly got a one-handed save to keep the ball out.
Just to buttress that everything was not going according to plan for Nigeria,defender Godfrey Oboabona was substituted with an injury and taken straight to the hospital at half time.
Coach Stephen Keshi ringed some changes in the second half taking off the ineffective Victor Moses and throwing Shola Ameobi into the fray.
Osaze Odemwingie also joined in and added urgency in the team,but the desired result still eluded the team.
Team Melli was composed,and were not cowed,making good their promise to really show the world that they are a good team,while the Nigerians toiled under pressure.
Nigeria probed and searched but Carlos Queiroz set up his team to do a perfect job of restraining Keshi's side and they saw out the match,happier that they were not defeated.
It was a disappointing draw that Nigeria might regret not winning,because it will put added pressure in the next two matches.
This was a game that Nigeria was expected to convincingly win,on another day,a draw would have been a good result but against Iran there is no acceptability of the outcome if the team hopes to advance to the next round of the competition.