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Nigeria secured a 2-1 victory over Iran in an international friendly on Friday in Antalya, Turkey, with goals from Moses Simon and Jerome Akor Adams sealing the win for the Super Eagles.
Playing at the Corendon Airlines Park, Nigeria made a bright start and took an early lead through Simon, who marked his 96th senior appearance with a composed finish. The winger latched onto a precise through pass from Samuel Chukwueze before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner just six minutes into the encounter.
The Super Eagles maintained control for much of the first half, creating several chances but failing to extend their advantage before the break.
Head coach Eric Chelle made changes at halftime, introducing debutant Emmanuel Fernandez in place of Semi Ajayi. Nigeria continued on the front foot after the restart and doubled their lead in the 51st minute. Ademola Lookman provided the assist, threading a pass to Akor Adams, who finished clinically to make it 2-0.
Further squad rotation saw Chibuike Nwaiwu earn his debut following his late call-up, replacing Igoh Ogbu in the second half.
Iran responded midway through the half, with Mehdi Taremi pulling one back to set up a tense finish. However, Nigeria managed the closing stages effectively, with Chelle introducing fresh legs, including Paul Onuachu, Chidera Ejuke, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, to maintain control. Frank Onyeka also featured late on as Nigeria held firm to secure the win.
The result marks Nigeria’s second-ever victory over Iran, following their 1998 Carlsberg Cup triumph. Their most recent previous meeting ended in a goalless draw at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
The Super Eagles will next face Jordan on March 31 as Chelle continues to fine-tune his squad ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
