The Super Eagles defeated Iran 2-1 in their international friendly in Antalya, Turkey. First-half and second-half goals from Moses Simon and Akor Adams secured victory for Eric Chelle’s side.
Nigeria dominated large spells of the contest played at the Corendon Airlines Park in Antalya. However, they held off a late Iranian challenge after Mehdi Taremi pulled one back midway through the second half.
Match highlights
Moses Simon opened the scoring in the sixth minute after Samuel Chukwueze split the Iranian defence with a precise through ball. This sent the Paris FC winger racing clear before he calmly guided his finish into the bottom corner.
Akor Adams doubled Nigeria’s lead six minutes after the restart. Ademola Lookman turned provider, slipping a clever pass into the striker’s path. Adams finished with composure, lifting the ball over goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
Iran pulled one back in the 67th minute. A scramble in the Nigerian penalty area followed a corner kick and allowed Olympiacos striker Mehdi Taremi to pounce and slot home from close range. Nigeria held firm through the final stages to secure the win.
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Chelle handed debuts to defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, called up as a late replacement for the injured Calvin Bassey, and Emmanuel Fernandez. Maduka Okoye started in goal with first-choice Stanley Nwabali absent as a free agent.
The victory marks Nigeria’s second-ever win over Iran, following a narrow triumph at the 1998 Carlsberg Cup in Hong Kong. The two teams’ last meeting at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil ended goalless.
The Super Eagles will face Jordan on March 31 in their second friendly of the four-nation invitational tournament in Antalya.
