Owolabi wants physical game

Iraq-based forward Raheem Owolabi has charged the Stephen Keshi-led Super Eagles not to underrate Iran in Monday’s Brazil 2014 Group F clash.

Owolabi, who moved to Iraq in 2012, revealed that the Iranians have continued to develop over the years.

“Football is Iran is developing and the bulk of the team play their club football at home. We must be physical to overcome them,” Owolabi, who plays for Iraq’s most successful team, Al-Zawra’a Sports Club, told supersport.com.

Speaking on the mood in the Gulf, Owolabi said: “Iraq may not be part of the World Cup, but the awareness is heavy. Football fans in Iraq are in support of the Iranian team.

“The league is likely to go on break because of the World Cup.”

Owolabi played for Lagos-based First Bank and the famous Shooting Stars before heading for the Iraq, in 2012, where he signed for his first team, Al-Najaf.