Ahead of the Iran clash, Fenerbahce central defender Joseph Yobo has taken stock of the quality of players in the Super Eagles, and reckons the team will live up to their billing as continental champions in Brazil.

If their last two opening fixture defeats to Argentina  - in South Korea/Japan 2002 and South Africa 2010 - should serve as a lesson, Nigeria know they must target all three points against Iran.

“We are the African champions. Now we have young players. I think people will be surprised.

“As team captain, I try to motivate the entire group. This is a unique chance for us,” Joseph Yobo told reporters..

Nigeria defeated Iran 1 - 0 in the only meeting between the two sides in a pre - World Cup friendly 16 years, thanks to a second half strike from Ahmed Yaro Yaro.