Iran, which has been drawn in Group C, is to play Gambia on Sunday in its opener. Colombia and the Netherlands are in Group C as well.
“Iran has come to Nigeria to win the championship. We have won our 11 previous matches in the Asian Championship. We conceded just three goals in these games. We are well-prepared and will continue getting good results,” Doosti Mehr said.
“Gambia is the African champion, the Netherlands is the European runner-up and Colombia is one of the best South American teams. However, we are the Asian champion and will succeed in the group stage,” he added.
A total of 24 teams have been divided into six groups each consisting of four teams.
The two top places in each group plus the four best third-placed teams will advance to the knockout phase.
The 13th edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup kicks off on Saturday and will be finished on November 15. Matches will be played in nine cities across Nigeria.
