African champions Nigeria were held to a 0-0 draw by Iran in a passionate and physical Group F game at Curtiba despite a late and relentless assault on the Iran goalmouth featuring two flashing shots saved off the line.
A well organised zonal marking system from Carlos Queiroz's Iran was always going to be hard to break down and Peter Odemwinge came closest late on despite the referee blowing for a handball that never was.
Ahmed Musa had the ball in the back of the net for Nigeria on seven minutes but the whistle had long gone for an infringement on Iran stopper Alireza Haghighi.
In a physical match Vincent Enyeama's reflexes were tested to the limit when Iran striker Reza met a corner in the 34th minute, his header parried away on the line.
Argentina beat Bosnia 2-1 last night in the Group's first game.
