Inside Nigeria’s camp … just before the Iran game

The Super Eagles of Nigeria went on a walk a few hours to their World Cup opener against Iran. 

Before they set out, a sizeable contingent of Iran fans gathered outside the Eagles’ hotel, singing loudly, perhaps to distract the players.

But the Nigerians seemed to pay them little attention, until they embarked on a 20-minute walk and then returned to their hotel for lunch.

Team media officer, Ben Alaiya, dispelled concerns over the fitness of midfielder, Gabriel Reuben, saying:  “Reuben has trained twice now with the team and is fit enough for selection as far as I know.

“Bear in mind that since we arrived Brazil, the team has been training only once a day, so you can see he is up to speed.”

The Super Eagles take on Iran at 8pm Nigerian time, at the Arena de Baixada in Curitiba.