Antalya, Turkey – The Super Eagles of Nigeria have returned to winning ways, securing a 2-1 victory over Iran in an international friendly played on Friday in Antalya, Turkiye. The match, hosted at the home stadium of Turkish Super Lig side Antalyaspor, is Nigeria’s first outing since winning the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Nigeria started strong, taking the lead just six minutes into the game. Moses Simon cut in from the left wing and fired a shot past Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand. Despite creating a flurry of chances throughout the first half, the Super Eagles could not immediately extend their lead against their Middle Eastern opponents.
The pressure finally paid off in the 61st minute when Akor Adams netted Nigeria’s second goal. The Sevilla forward, starting in place of the injured Victor Osimhen, wasted no time dispatching the ball into the back of the net after receiving a pass from Atletico Madrid’s Ademola Lookman. Iran eventually pulled one back when striker Mehdi Taremi scored from close range following a goalmouth scramble, but Nigeria held on to claim the win.
Head Coach Eric Chelle fielded a formidable starting lineup for the fixture. The most notable change to the squad was Maduka Okoye starting in goal to replace the absent first-choice keeper, Stanley Nwabali. The Super Eagles are scheduled to play their second game of the four-nation tournament against Jordan on Tuesday.
