By Crystal Ugoeze
Nigeria national football team secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Iran national football team in an international friendly played on Friday at Antalya Stadium.
Nigeria made a blistering start to the encounter, taking the lead as early as the 6th minute through Moses Simon, who finished off an assist from Samuel Chukwueze to put the Super Eagles ahead.
The West Africans maintained their advantage into halftime, leading 1–0 after a disciplined first-half performance that limited Iran’s attacking threats.
Nigeria doubled their lead in the 51st minute when Akor Adams found the back of the net, converting a pass from Ademola Lookman to make it 2–0.
Iran responded in the 67th minute through star forward Mehdi Taremi, who pulled one back to set up a tense finish. Despite late pressure and several substitutions from both sides, Nigeria held firm to preserve their lead.
Both teams made multiple changes in the second half as part of tactical adjustments and squad rotation, typical of friendly matches. Nigeria introduced fresh legs including Paul Onuachu and Chidera Ejuke, while Iran also shuffled their lineup in search of an equalizer.
The victory marks a positive outing for Nigeria as they continue preparations for upcoming international competitions, while Iran will look to build on their second-half response despite the defeat.
Nigeria, ranked 26th in the world, showed clinical finishing and defensive resilience to edge Iran, ranked 20th, in what proved to be a competitive and entertaining friendly encounter.