ENITAN OBADINA / AIPS* in DUBAI: Iran’s stingy defence will put to test Nigeria’s blistering attack when they clash at the Khalifa Bin Zayed stadium in Al-Ain.

Iran will be the second Asian team Nigeria have faced after their 5-0 thrashing of Iraq in its last group F game. Nigeria scored 14 goals in the group stage while Iran conceded only two.

Playing in the round of 16 for only the second time Iran will attempt to deny the Nigeria team and especially reserve goal keeper, Francis Uzoho his birthday wish.

Celebrating his 15th birthday at the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013, Uzoho could wish for only one thing from his singing team-mates.

Presented with a surprise cake by the local organising committee to celebrate his birthday on Monday, the towering goalkeeper paused before cutting it just long enough to say:  “Just want us to win this cup.”

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* AIPS, the international sports journalists association, is running a Young Reporters course at the FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013 with the support of the local organising committee and FIFA

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