Iran hold Nigeria to barren draw

The Custodian June 17, 2014 

The first draw of the World Cup in Brazil was recorded on Monday after Nigeria and Iran battled to a goalless draw at the Arena da Baixada in Curitiba, earning both sides a point apiece in Group F.

Both teams now lie behind Argentina, who had earlier beaten Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-1 on Sunday.

Nigeria appeared to be the more determined side as they took control right from the blast of whistle, taking the game to the Asians who are ranked 43rd, one place above Nigeria, by FIFA.

It was a game dominated by the Super Eagles who had 72 per cent of ball possession and having six shots on target against Iran’s two shots.

The Eagles appeared to have taken the lead as early as the eighth minute when CSKA Moscow forward Ahmed Musa headed home the ball, but it was disallowed as the referee cited an infringement on goalkeeper Alireza Haghighi.

Nigeria missed another chance to take the lead a minute later but the Iran defence was alert enough to deny Musa from reaching the ball.

A freak injury on Godfrey Oboabona meant the Çaykur Rizespor defender had to be replaced by Joseph Yobo in the 30th minute. The substitution allowed defender Efe Ambrose the opportunity to rove forward to assist the midfield.

The Eagles made further efforts to breach the Iran defence when Musa’s long range effort from a free-kick almost got the job done, but it was easily parried off Haghighi in the 31st minute.

Iran’s first corner kick of the game in the 34th minute almost gave them a goal but an alert goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama would not allow the header cross the line.

Coach Stephen Keshi, who appeared uncomfortable with the manner the strikers missed their scoring chances, brought in striker Shola Ameobi for Chelsea’s Victor Moses in the 51st minute. The change brought an instant impact up front.

The attack was made more formidable with the introduction of Osaze Odemwingie, who came on for Ramon Azeez in the 70th minute.

Both Odemwingie and Ameobi combined well up front resulting in a header that went wide.

Another interplay between Mikel Obi and Odemwingie in the 83rd minute almost put Nigeria ahead but the Stoke City forward shot a few inches wide before he was ruled to have controlled the ball with his shoulder.