The Super Eagles of Nigeria delivered an impressive performance to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Iran in an international friendly played in Antalya, Turkey on Friday afternoon.

Nigeria made a bright start and took the lead in the sixth minute through Moses Simon.

The winger produced a moment of brilliance, picking up the ball on the break, gliding past his marker, and finishing clinically into the bottom-left corner to give the Super Eagles an early advantage.

The three-time African champions maintained control for much of the first half, with Wilfred Ndidi anchoring the midfield effectively.

Nigeria’s high press disrupted Iran’s rhythm, while Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze consistently exploited spaces in transition.

The Eric Chelle-led team doubled their lead early in the second half.

In the 51st minute, Akor Adams calmly finished off a well-crafted move after a precise assist from Lookman, putting Nigeria firmly in command.

The match also marked significant milestones, as Emmanuel Fernandez and Chibuike Nwaiwu both made their senior debuts.

Fernandez was introduced at the start of the second half in place of Semi Ajayi, while Nwaiwu came on in the 57th minute for Igoh Ogbu.

Chelle made further tactical adjustments in the 69th minute with a triple substitution, introducing Paul Onuachu, Chidera Ejuke, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru for Chukwueze, Simon, and Adams to maintain intensity and control.

Iran responded in the 67th minute, pulling one goal back through Mehdi Taremi to set up a tense finish, but Nigeria remained composed defensively to see out the victory.

Nigeria will now turn their attention to their next fixture, where they face Jordan in their second game of the tournament on Tuesday, March 31. 

Wale Adejumo