Okitipupa – Football fans in Ondo State on Friday, urged Coach Stephen Keshi of the Super Eagles not to underrate Iran at the ongoing 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The super Eagles will take on their Iranian counterparts on June 16 in their first Group F game. They will later meet Bosnia-Herzgovina and Argentina.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Okitipupa, the fans called on Keshi to make use of his best players in the first half.

According to the fans, Eagles will triumph over Iran if they discharge their best, especially in the first half.

Tunde Ogunja, a former Director, Ondo State Football Academy, expressed concern that Iran could spring surprises if they were not adequately tackled.

“I think the Eagles need to work on their coordination and they must not underrate Iran because they have some good players who can spring surprises,” Ogunja said.

Idowu Akinbulumo, the General Manager, Ondo State Sports Council, advised the Eagles to imbibe “Team Spirit” for them to be able to dislodge the Iranians.

He, however, noted that the Eagles did not exhibit team spirit in their friendly matches, saying that they needed to work hard during the tournament.

“Eagles need team spirit and hard work for them to surpass difficulties at the World Cup,” Akinbulumo said.

A sports analyst, Oluwatoyin Olafusi, also advised Keshi to ensure that the best players were featured in the first half of the match against Iran.

Damola Olasanmi said that the coach should work on the midfield and defence for them not to concede early goals.

“The midfield is too loose without coordination, while the defence is porous too, I think these are the areas that Keshi needs to work on for the success of the team,” he said.

Kehinde Akinusi also predicted victory for the Eagles but urged them to work hard.

– NAN