Super Eagles Of Nigeria Beat Iran In Turkey

The Super Eagles of Nigeria kicked off their March international break with a 2-1 win over Iran in a friendly at the Antalya Stadium in Turkey earlier today, March 27.

The Nigeria national football team scored early and stayed in control for long spells before surviving a late scare.

The Super Eagles wasted little time asserting themselves. In the sixth minute, Moses Simon collected the ball on the break, skipped past his marker and buried a low finish into the bottom-left corner to set the tone. The opener capped a bright start that saw Nigeria threaten repeatedly before the half-time break.

The Super Eagles doubled their lead early in the second half. Ademola Lookman slipped a neat assist into the path of Akor Adams, who finished calmly to make it 2-0 after 51 minutes.

Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, turned to his bench as the match wore on. Emmanuel Fernandez replaced Semi Ajayi at the break to make his debut, while Chibuike Nwaiwu also earned his first cap after coming on for Igoh Ogbu. Later, Paul Onuachu, Chidera Ejuke and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru were introduced in a triple change for Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Akor Adams.

Iran pulled one back late on to set up a tense finish, but the Super Eagles held firm. Frank Onyeka made a late cameo as the Super Eagles saw out the closing moments.

Naija News reports that the fixture marked Nigeria’s first gathering since securing bronze at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and provided a timely boost after their World Cup hopes ended in a penalty defeat to DR Congo.

Friday’s meeting was only the third clash between Nigeria and Iran. Nigeria won their previous friendly in 1998, while their 2014 World Cup group match finished goalless.

The Super Eagles now turn attention to their next friendly against Jordan on Tuesday, also in Turkey.