However, despite impressing at the 2014 World Cup, Nigeria's players have failed to captivate some of the nation's fans.

Keshi is quoted by skysports.com as saying: "England and Spain are out of the World Cup, and nobody in these countries has raised hell about their team's performances, yet we get criticised for drawing with Iran.

"The fans have gone to the extent of insulting the players and their families. So how will they get inspired or motivated?

"They keep insulting the players and yet you want them to keep playing for Nigeria? If I were a player now, I'd stop playing for the national team.

"It is a shame what our fans are doing. They thought Iran was easy but they saw how difficult it was for Argentina to beat them.

"To be honest, I'm hugely disappointed. They should just give us a break. You have to support your team to the end, not insult them."