Ahmed Musa rallies teammates for Iran

Ahmed Musa | credits: www.soccerroomtoday.com

CSKA Moscow forward Ahmed Musa insists the Super Eagles will not underestimate Iran in their Brazil 2014 World Cup Group F clash on Monday, AfricanFootball reports.

African champions Nigeria are favourites to pick up three points in the encounter but Musa believes the Iranians could spring a surprise in the game.

Nigeria beat Team Melli 1-0 in their only meeting in Hong Kong in 1998.

“We will not toy with the game against Iran. We are gunning for all three points as we know how important it is to win the first game in any competition,” Musa told AfricanFootball.

“Iran will be tough, but we are ready. And I am ready to give everything for us to win.”

Musa suffered a thigh injury in the warm-up against Greece, but he has since resumed full squad training with the Eagles in Brazil to be in line for a place in starting XI against Iran.

Meanwhile. Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel is looking to banish memories of the 2010 World Cup and lead the Super Eagles to the final of this summer’s tournament, Goal reports.

Mikel, who is making his debut after missing out on South Africa 2010 due to last minute knee surgery, said that it is dream come true to play the World Cup in Brazil where the Eagles hope to last the distance.

“We want to make sure we stay here till the end of the tournament, we want to play the final, we want to win the cup, same as everyone, nothing short of that,” Mikel told reporters.

“We want to make sure we go a step ahead of where we normally finish in this tournament. It’s going to be tough but it’s one we’re looking forward to.”