Al Ain (UAE)

After leading his team to the last 16 of the FIFA U-17 World Cup , Ali Doustimehr said that the match against Nigeria is an early final for them “We have not come here to this championship to leave empty handed. Our goal is to win and and make it all the way to the finals.”

In the pre-match press conference , Iran U-17 coach said “Nigeria is a strong team from every aspect , be it physical , mental and tactical. They have won several titles at this level and will be aiming to continue their championship trail. We will be facing a tough task , but that does not mean much to us as we have to give it our best regardless to whom we face.”

Asked whether there was any request by Iran to double check the age of the Nigerian players as many reports have indicated the possibility of Nigeria fielding over-aged players, Doustimehr said “That is FIFA’s duty. These championship is held every two years and FIFA has the necessary tools to control the validity of players’ ages. As far as I am concerned , the result of the match is the pitch not in the corridors of power. We will leave FIFA to decide on any outcome in these matters”

Mano Gabra, the Nigerian coach warned his team against complacency against Iran. “If we we make such mistake , we might end up stunned like Argentina found out playing against Iran.”

“Nigeria has won 3 titles and were runners up 3 times. The people of Nigerian are expecting a lot from us and we have to deliver.

Iran and Nigeria will be p[laying in Al Ain today for a place in the quarter finals of the FIFA U-17 Championship. Iran will be wearing their white Jersey while Nigeria is wearing their traditional green outfit.

FIFA has announced that the knock out stages will not have extra time in case of a tie in the regulation time of 90 minutes, a draw will lead to penalty kicks without the extra 30 minutes being played. FIFA attributed this change of rule to the possibility pf physical exhaustion of players at this age level.