Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a 2-1 victory over Iran in their international friendly played in Antalya, Turkey on Friday, with Moses Simon and Akor Adams getting on the scoresheet to hand Eric Chelle’s side a morale-boosting win.
Chelle named a strong starting lineup for the encounter, with Maduka Okoye returning between the sticks. The defensive pairing featured Semi Ajayi and Igoh Ogbu, while captain Wilfred Ndidi anchored the midfield alongside Fulham star Alex Iwobi. In attack, an exciting front line of Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, and Akor Adams was deployed.
Nigeria made a blistering start, taking the lead just five minutes into the game. Simon opened the scoring after receiving a pass from Chukwueze following a fast break. The winger cut inside before unleashing a powerful finish at the near post, leaving the Iranian goalkeeper with no chance.
The Super Eagles maintained their attacking momentum and nearly doubled their advantage midway through the first half. A slick passing sequence carved open Iran’s defense, allowing Chukwueze to slip in Adams, whose effort from a tight angle narrowly missed the target, hitting the side netting.
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Chelle started ringing the changes at halftime, introducing Emmanuel Fernandez for his debut in place of Ajayi. Few minutes into the second half, Nigeria doubled their lead as Lookman delivered a precise through ball to Adams, who showed composure in front of goal by calmly finishing past the advancing goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
Further changes followed, with another debutant, Chibuike Nwaiwu, replacing Ogbu in defense. However, Iran responded in the 68th minute when Mehdi Taremi pulled one back with an acrobatic finish from close range to set up a tense finale.
Taremi thought he had equalised moments later after rounding Okoye and finding the net, but his effort was ruled out for handball, keeping Nigeria’s lead.
Chelle continued to rotate his squad, introducing Paul Onuachu, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Chidera Ejuke for Adams, Simon, and Chukwueze as the game wore on. Iran piled on late pressure in search of an equaliser, but the Super Eagles held firm defensively to see out the victory.
The win provides a confidence boost for Chelle’s sides ahead of their next international friendly against Jordan, scheduled for Tuesday, March 31.
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