Super Eagles Edge Iran 2–1 in Antalya Friendly

Super Eagles Edge Iran 2–1 in Antalya Friendly

Nigeria’s senior national team, the Super Eagles, began their March international break on a winning note with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Iran in an international friendly at the Antalya Stadium in Turkey on Friday, March 27.

The three-time African champions made a bright start, asserting their dominance early in the encounter. Winger Moses Simon opened the scoring in the sixth minute after latching onto a swift counterattack, evading his marker before slotting a low shot into the bottom-left corner.

Nigeria continued to press forward, creating several chances and maintaining control for much of the first half, though they were unable to extend their lead before the break.

The Super Eagles doubled their advantage shortly after the restart. In the 51st minute, Ademola Lookman provided a precise through pass to Akor Adams, who calmly finished to make it 2–0.

Head coach Eric Chelle utilized the friendly to test new options, handing debuts to Emmanuel Fernandez and Chibuike Nwaiwu, who came on for Semi Ajayi and Igoh Ogbu respectively. Later substitutions saw Paul Onuachu, Chidera Ejuke and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru introduced in place of Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Akor Adams, while Frank Onyeka also featured late on.

Iran reduced the deficit in the closing stages, setting up a nervy finish, but Nigeria held firm to secure the victory.

The match marked Nigeria’s first outing since finishing third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and comes after the disappointment of missing out on World Cup qualification following a penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo.

Friday’s encounter was only the third meeting between both nations. Nigeria previously defeated Iran in a 1998 friendly, while their group-stage clash at the 2014 FIFA World Cup ended in a goalless draw.

The Super Eagles will now shift focus to their next friendly fixture against Jordan on Tuesday, also scheduled to take place in Turkey.