Goals from Moses Simon and Akor Adams secured a 2-1 win for the Super Eagles in Friday’s international friendly against Iran in Antalya, Turkey on Friday afternoon, March 27.
It is now two wins and one draw in three meetings between Nigeria and Iran.
Head coach Eric Chelle named a strong starting lineup featuring Maduka Okoye, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Igoh Ogbu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Alex Iwobi, captain Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon, Ademola Lookman, and Adams.
Paul Onuachu, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Chidera Ejuke, and Frank Onyeka were introduced in the second half, while new invitees Emmanuel Fernandez and Chibuike Nwaiwu made their debuts.
After an evenly balanced start, the Super Eagles took the lead in the sixth minute as Simon raced onto Chukwueze’s pass, cut inside his marker, and fired a low shot past the goalkeeper.
Iran threatened in the 14th minute, but Okoye made a fine save to deny a low effort. Two minutes later, Chukwueze went close for Nigeria, but his shot drifted just off target.
Iran continued to push forward but were denied by a timely block from Ajayi inside the box. In the 33rd minute, Adams nearly doubled the lead after outmuscling his marker, but his effort struck the side netting.
The Super Eagles started the second half brightly and came close through Lookman, whose left-footed strike went just wide.
Their pressure paid off in the 51st minute when Adams connected with Lookman’s defense-splitting pass and calmly slotted past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
Iran almost responded seven minutes later, but Osayi-Samuel made a crucial block inside the box. The Iranians kept pushing and came close again, but Nwaiwu cleared a dangerous ball for a corner in the 66th minute.
From the resulting corner, Iran pulled one back in the 67th minute as Mehdi Taremi reacted quickest to fire home after the initial header struck the crossbar.
The Super Eagles nearly extended their lead in the 71st minute, but Onuachu’s header was comfortably claimed by the goalkeeper.
Taremi thought he had equalised two minutes later after rounding Okoye and finishing into the net, but the goal was ruled out for handball in the buildup.
With 10 minutes remaining, Lookman tried his luck from outside the box, but his effort went just wide. Shortly after, Ejuke delivered a dangerous cross, which was cleared by the Iranian defence.
The Super Eagles held on for the win and will next face Jordan in another friendly on March 31, also in Antalya
