Former Nigeria international, Mutiu Adepoju has charged the Super Eagles to go all out and defeat Iran in their opening group match of the World Cup in Brazil.

Speaking with Sports Vanguard at the national stadium Lagos yesterday, the two-time World Cup player said “the match against Iran is a very important game for Nigeria. To a large extent the match will define our fate in the tournament because a good result against them will give the players a psychological boost before the encounter against Bosnia and Herzegovina which will be their next game.”

Mutiu Adepoju

Adepoju who was fondly called The Headmaster in his active days warned the Eagles not to underrate any of their opponents because, in his words, “no match is won before the ball is kicked.

“There is no team that qualified for the World Cup without qualifying from their continent. Iran played well in Asia to qualify for Brazil just like Nigeria.” He said the Super Eagles must prepare and work hard before every match as every opponent poses fresh challenges.

He dismissed insinuations that Bosnia-Herzegovina lack experience because they will be making their maiden World Cup appearance in Brazil. “We (Nigeria) were at USA ’94 as first timers but we dazzled the world with our brand of football. Nobody should undermine the strength and depth of the Bosnia-Herzegovina team. They equally have players in top European clubs, and they are doing very well. Their qualification for the tournament was well deserved. They have a good side,” he said.

Argentina have been tipped by bookmakers to top Group F but the CEO of Kwara Football Academy said the Argentines are like any other team. “No special respect should be accorded them because any team that qualified for the World Cup should be given equal respect,” adding, “that they have been tipped to top the group does not give them any edge over others. Anybody can tip any team. I can tip Nigeria. So, ti does not mean anything in football.”