African champion Nigeria level 0-0 with Iran in a Group F match on Monday, producing the first draw in the 2014 World Cup.

The two teams split opportunities in the match. Nigeria had more chances in the first half, and Iran did a better job in the second.

Though the temperature of 21 degrees celsius was perfect for football, it wasn't a good-looking match, with too few threatening attacks or good team-works to excite the fans.

Iran became the first team from Asian Football Confederation to win any point at the tournament.

Iran was the highest-ranked Asian team in the most recent FIFA rankings. Nigeria was also one of the best teams in Africa.

"I remember watching the World Cup in South Africa. It was disappointing that we didn't come out of the group in 2010," said the 21-year-old defender Kenneth Omeruo, who had been playing for Chelsea, before the match. "We'll have to play for the Nigerian fans because it was a massive welcome when we won the African Cup of Nations."

Nigeria took an early advantage. Victor Moses cut inside from the Nigerian left and hit a pop shot from the edge of the box, but the shot was too comfortable for Iran goalkeeper Alireza Haghighi.

Nigeria had several good attempts afterwards, and even sent one ball into the goal, but the referee decided Nigeria had committed a foul against the Iran goalkeeper before the shot.

Nigeria defender Godfrey Oboabona went up for a header in the 21st minute. He didn't land well and was carried out of the pitch for treatment.

Haghighi was challenged again in the 32nd minute by a freekick from Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel, and he was quick enough to keep the shot away from the goal.

Iran had a chance in the 34th minute, but the strong header was rejected by Vincent Enyeama.

Nigeria continued the dominance in the second half, but the Iran defenders were strong in size, and the world 44th team couldn't find any better chance.

The Iran attackers also benefited from the strong defense. Both Haji Safi and Reza had opportunities to get the lead for Iran, and the threat got bigger and bigger for the African champion.

There was another chance in the 71st minute for Nigeria. Ameobi tried to get on the edge of a deep cross into the box, but he impeded the Iranian defender and the effort wouldn't have counted anyway.

Both sides made great effort in attacking in the rest of the match, but neither ended up in score.