Edi Umoh
The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Iran 2-1 in their first match of the invitational four-nation tournament in Turkey.
Goals from Moses Simon and Akor Adams gave Nigeria a slim victory over the Iranians at the Mardan Titanic Sports Complex in Antalya on Friday.
The tournament is the Eagles’ first assignment since their third-placed finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and also the continuation of the team’s pride-restoring campaign following their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Iran’s participation in the World Cup is still uncertain following the country’s pulling out over the ongoing war with the US and Israel. However, there have been reports that Iran is making a potential U-turn amid talks with FIFA to move its World Cup game away from the US.
Maduka Okoye returned to the team and the starting line-up. The other new face in the eleven was Igoh Ogbu, replacing Bassey.
The Eagles wasted no time before bearing their talon. Simon pulled the team ahead in the first six minutes. The strike was produced with the signature move of FC Paris: drifting into the opponent’s box to collect the ball, beating a defender with the drop of the shoulder, before wrapping his boot around the ball and sending it low into the near post.
The second goal was also early in the second half. Ademola Lookman spotted a space in the Iranian defence and sensed the run of Adams into the channel. A clean pass through, and Adams chased the ball down before toe-poking the ball underneath the goalkeeper.
Although Iran pulled one back, Nigeria held on for the victory in front of an almost empty stadium.
The Eagles will play Jordan in their final match of the tournament on Tuesday.
