- Safiu Kehinde
The Super Eagles of Nigeria has kicked-off the invitational four-nation tournament in style as they edged past Iran with a 2-1 victory.
Goals from Paris FC’s forward, Moses Simon, and Sevilla counterpart, Akor Adams, earned the victory for the Eric Chelle -led side at the Mardan Titanic Sports Complex in Antalya, Turkey, on Friday.
Having lost the chance to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup following last year’s defeat to DR Congo at the Africa’s play-off final, the Nigerian national team sought to vent their anger on Iranian side who already qualified for the tournament.
Moses Simon gave the Super Eagles an early the lead in the sixth minute after picking a through pass from Samuel Chukwueze.
He beat his marker by cutting inside before hitting a low shot past the keeper.
Iran attempted to erase the goal deficit in the 14th minute but were denied by Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, who stopped a low strike from the Iranian attack.
Akor Adams came close to doubling the Super Eagles’ lead in the 33rd minute after out muscling his marker but saw his shot hit the side netting.
The second half resumed with the Super Eagles maintaining their dominance and dictating the tempo of the game.
This would yield for the Nigerian side in the 51st minute as Adams connected to Lookman’s defense-splitting pass and slotted past the keeper.
Meanwhile, Iran almost pulled a goal back seven minutes after the Super Eagles doubled their lead but Osayi-Samuel made a good block inside the box.
The Iranians eventually pulled one back from a corner kick in 67th minute bringing the game to 2-1.
The game eventually ended with Nigeria securing the bragging right against the Middle East nation.
The Super Eagles will be playing the second friendly game against Jordan on Tuesday, March 31, also in Antalya.