Iran confident ahead of clash with Nigeria – Abarghouei

Iran defender Hossein Abarghouei has expressed strong confidence in his team’s readiness to face Nigeria’s Super Eagles in their upcoming international friendly on Friday.

Speaking ahead of the match, Abarghouei said the Iranian squad has been working hard in training and is fully focused on delivering a good performance. He noted that the atmosphere in camp is positive, with players showing determination and commitment.

According to him, the team’s preparation has been smooth despite some challenges. He explained that the players have stayed active and disciplined, maintaining their fitness levels even when they were not training together as a full squad.

“We have been training well, and everything in camp is going in the right direction,” he said. “The players are in good condition, and we are ready for the game.”

The defender added that the friendly matches against Nigeria and Costa Rica are very important for Iran’s long-term plans, especially as they continue their build-up towards future international competitions, including the FIFA World Cup.

He also addressed concerns about limited time spent together as a team, stressing that all players are professionals who understand the importance of staying fit and ready at all times.

“Even when we were not together, everyone was training individually. It’s not like we have just been resting. We are prepared and ready to compete,” Abarghouei said.

Iran held part of their training camp in Turkey, where the players worked on tactics, fitness, and team coordination ahead of the friendly matches.

On the other hand, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have also been preparing seriously for the encounter. The team opened camp on Tuesday with 13 players and members of the technical crew. By Wednesday, the number increased to 22 following the arrival of more players, including midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.

However, the Nigerian camp suffered a minor setback after defender Calvin Bassey withdrew from the squad due to a back injury, reducing the team’s defensive options.

Despite this, the Super Eagles remain focused on putting up a strong performance as they continue their preparations for upcoming international tournaments.

The match is expected to be a competitive one, as both teams aim to test their strength, improve team chemistry, and build momentum.

The last time Nigeria and Iran met was at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where both sides played out a goalless draw in the group stage.