Simon, Adams Fire Super Eagles Past Iran in Antalya
Nigeria’s Super Eagles defeated Iran’s Team Melli 2–1 in an international friendly at the Corendon Airlines Park in Antalya, Turkey, on Friday.
Moses Simon, earning his 96th senior cap, opened the scoring in the sixth minute after racing onto Samuel Chukwueze’s precise through ball and calmly slotting home.
Head coach Eric Chelle’s men continued to dominate after the break. Just six minutes into the second half, Ademola Lookman set up Jerome Akor Adams, who finished with composure to make it 2–0. The strike marked Adams’ growing influence in the squad.
Iran responded midway through the half when Mehdi Taremi pulled one back, setting up a tense finish. Nigeria, however, managed the game with discipline, aided by Chelle’s tactical substitutions that kept energy levels high.
Debutants Emmanuel Fernandez and Chibuike Nwaiwu featured, while Paul Onuachu, Chidera Ejuke, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru added fresh legs late on.
Frank Onyeka also made a brief appearance as Nigeria closed out the contest.
The win is Nigeria’s second-ever victory over Iran, following a 1998 Carlsberg Cup triumph in Hong Kong. Their last meeting at the 2014 FIFA World Cup ended in a goalless draw.
Next up for the Super Eagles is a clash against Jordan on March 31, another opportunity for Chelle to refine his squad ahead of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
