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The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a 2-1 victory over Iran in their opening match of the invitational four-nation tournament in Turkey on Friday.
Goals from Moses Simon and Akor Adams proved decisive as Nigeria edged the Iranians at the Mardan Titanic Sports Complex in Antalya.
The encounter marked the Eagles’ first outing since finishing third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and forms part of their effort to rebuild confidence after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite missing key players, including Victor Osimhen and Calvin Bassey through injury, Nigeria produced a composed display, maintaining the discipline that defined their recent AFCON campaign.
The Eagles made a bright start and took the lead within six minutes. Simon showed fine composure, drifting into the box, evading his marker with a deft movement, and calmly slotting the ball into the near post.
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Nigeria doubled their advantage early in the second half. Ademola Lookman picked out Adams with a well-weighted pass, and the forward kept his nerve to poke the ball past the advancing goalkeeper.
Iran pulled one back later in the contest, but Nigeria held firm to preserve their slender lead in what was a largely controlled performance.
Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye returned to the starting line-up, while Igoh Ogbu also featured as the Eagles reshuffled in the absence of injured players.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to their final fixture of the tournament, where they are set to face Jordan on Tuesday.
