Simon and Adams lift Super Eagles above Iran’s Team Melli in Antalya

Goals from Moses Simon, in his 96th cap for Nigeria, and Jerome Akor Adams saw Nigeria beat Iran 2-1 in an international friendly in Antalya, Turkey, on Friday.

At Corendon Airlines Park in the Turkish city, the Super Eagles combined early offensive enthusiasm with late defensive discipline, characteristics of an Eric Chelle team that is still taking shape, but already showing identity. The three-time AFCON champions wasted no time and showed their authority in the game.

Brilliant and determined from the kick-off, Samuel Chukwueze opened up the Iranian defense with a precise pass that sent Moses Simon racing. The Paris FC winger made no mistake and calmly guided his shot into the bottom corner to give Nigeria the lead after just six minutes. Chelle’s team dominated much of the first half, creating chances but failing to extend the lead before the break.

At half-time, the Franco-Malian made changes, introducing debutant Emmanuel Fernández in place of Semi Ajayi. The second half began much like the first, with Nigeria taking the lead. Just six minutes after the restart, Ademola Lookman turned provider, slipping a clever pass into the path of Akor Adams, who finished with composure to double the lead. More fresh legs followed when Chibuike Nwaiwu, a late call-up following the retirement of Calvin Bassey, marked his debut after replacing Igoh Ogbu.

Iran responded midway through the half, closing the gap through Mehdi Taremi to set up a nervy finish, but Nigeria managed the game well thereafter. Chelle returned to his bench, introducing Paul Onuachu, Chidera Ejuke and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in place of Chukwueze, Simon and Adams, maintaining energy levels and control.

In the closing stages, Frank Onyeka made a brief appearance, replacing Lookman, as Nigeria finished the match maturely. The victory marks Nigeria’s second victory over the Asian team, adding to the narrow victory recorded in the Carlsberg Cup in Hong Kong in 1998, courtesy of Ahmed Garba, while the last meeting between the two teams at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil ended goalless.

Next up for the Super Eagles is another test as they take on the Jordan national team on March 31, in what promises to be another opportunity for Chelle to further shape his team ahead of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.