The two nations meet for the very first time in their opening game of tournament hoping to give themselves a strong start in the expected battle for second place behind Argentina.
Nigeria have failed to gather any momentum ahead of the tournament with four winless friendlies, including a 2-1 defeat to the United States in Florida last week.
"We're not going there expecting to win the tournament but we think we can cause a few surprises," he told Fulham's official website.
"It's the fourth time the country has reached the World Cup but they've only ever won one game and have never got out of the group stages, so it would be great if we could get into the knockout rounds.
"I think we have a chance."
"The World Cup is a different ball game," he told Daily Newswatch. "I have been there and I know what I'm talking about.
"You can't build your team around two players. There's danger in it.
"The concept and objectives of the team must go collectively. Individually and collectively everybody knows their functions in the team.
"Even those on the bench should be part of the collective effort because they may be called from the bench to play at any time.
"We must be realistic about our chances. We must not underrate Iran."
