AFCON 2025
Moses Simon and Akor Adams scored in each half of the 90 as the Super Eagles of Nigeria edged Iran in Antalya, Turkey.
The match took place at the Corendon Airlines Park in Antalya on Friday afternoon, as Eric Chelle fielded a strong XI featuring Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and captain Wilfred Ndidi.
Iran also had veterans like Mehdi Taremi and Mohammad Mohebi in their line-up as they prepared for the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Paris FC forward Moses Simon put the Super Eagles ahead after six minutes as he received a brilliant pass from Samuel Chukwueze, cut into the Iranian defense before burying the ball into the bottom corner of the goal.
While Iran struggled to make a meaningful attacking threat in the first half, Nigeria were lacklustre in the final third after the opener.
Akor Adams, after missing a chance in the first half, doubled Nigeria’s lead a few minutes into the second half as he buried the ball underneath the goalkeeper’s arm from a through pass from Ademola Lookman.
Eric Chelle’s men struggled to control the tie despite having a two-goal lead over the Iranians.
After sustained pressure, veteran striker Mehdi Taremi pulled a goal back for Iran with a brilliant acrobatic finish.
The Super Eagles held on to the lead as the match ended 2-1 in favour of the three-time African champions.
Meanwhile, Chibuike Nwaiwu, who came in for injured Calvin Bassey, and Emmanuel Fernandez made their debuts in the tie as they look to integrate into the squad for future engagements.
Nigeria will take on Jordan on Tuesday as they look to wrap up the March/April international window with another win.
