Di Super Eagles of Nigeria don start dia March international break with one sweet win as dem beat Iran 2-1 for friendly match wey hold for Antalya Stadium for Turkey today, March 27. Na early goal from Moses Simon and second half finish from Akor Adams give Nigeria di victory, even though Iran try to come back late for di game.
Di match begin with Nigeria wey dey control di game from di start. For just six minutes into di first half, Moses Simon collect ball for break, pass im marker, and shoot low finish into bottom-left corner to give Super Eagles early lead. Di goal come after Nigeria don dey threaten Iran defense from di beginning of di match.
For second half, Nigeria increase dia lead when Ademola Lookman give neat assist to Akor Adams wey finish calmly to make am 2-0 for 51st minute. Di goal come as Victor Osimhen no dey for match because of injury, but Adams show say e fit handle striker position well.
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle use di opportunity to test some new players as di match dey go on. Emmanuel Fernandez replace Semi Ajayi at halftime to make im debut for Super Eagles, while Chibuike Nwaiwu also earn im first cap after coming on for Igoh Ogbu. Later for di match, Paul Onuachu, Chidera Ejuke and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru enter as substitutes for Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Akor Adams.
Iran manage to score one goal late for di match when Mehdi Taremi turn home from close range after defensive scramble from corner kick for 67th minute. Di goal from Olympiacos striker make di last part of di game tense, but Super Eagles hold dia ground well. Frank Onyeka also make late appearance as Nigeria see out di remaining minutes.
Di friendly match na Nigeria first gathering since dem win bronze medal for 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Di win come as timely boost after dia World Cup hopes end with penalty defeat to DR Congo for African playoff section last year. Na only third time Nigeria and Iran dey meet for football match. Nigeria win dia previous friendly for 1998, while dia 2014 World Cup group match finish goalless.
For Iran side, dem dey prepare for World Cup wey go hold this summer even though concern dey about whether dem go withdraw because of Middle East conflict. Iran coach field experienced goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand and striker Mehdi Taremi for starting lineup, but dem miss some key players like Saeid Ezatolahi and Sardar Azmoun.
Di match hold for Corendon Airlines Park, home of Turkish Super Lig side Antalyaspor, and mostly play behind closed doors. Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye get chance to stake claim for number one position as Stanley Nwabali no dey for squad because e no get club currently.
Super Eagles now go turn attention to dia next friendly match against Jordan for Tuesday wey also go hold for Turkey. Di match against Jordan go complete dia participation for four-nation invitational tournament wey also include Costa Rica.
Eric Chelle, wey lead Nigeria to AFCON semi-finals earlier this year, say di friendly matches important for rebuilding process after World Cup disappointment. Di coach talk say e dey use di opportunity to test new players and combinations as e dey work toward long-term vision for Super Eagles.
For Iran side, dem dey drawn in World Cup group with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. Dem go begin dia World Cup campaign against New Zealand for June 15 at SoFi Stadium for Inglewood, California.
Match statistics show Nigeria control possession for most part of di game, with Moses Simon and Akor Adams getting di goals. Iran try to come back late but dem no fit find equalizer before referee blow final whistle.
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