By Our Correspondent

National News – Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a 2-1 victory over Iran’s Team Melli in an international friendly held at Corendon Airlines Park, Antalya, Turkey, on Friday.

Moses Simon opened the scoring in the sixth minute, followed by Akor Adams’ second-half strike, giving Nigeria their second-ever win against the Asian side.

Despite missing key players Victor Osimhen and Calvin Bassey due to injury, the Eagles maintained control and extended their unbeaten run in regular time to eight matches.

The game showcased Nigeria’s attacking intent, with Samuel Chukwueze providing the assist that allowed Simon, earning his 96th cap, to score with a powerful right-footed shot.

Iran struggled to break through Wilfred Ndidi’s midfield dominance.

Coach Eric Chelle introduced debutants Emmanuel Fernandez and Chibuike Nwaiwu to reinforce the squad, while late substitutions including Paul Onuachu and Chidera Ejuke helped manage the closing stages of the match.

Iran pulled one back through Mehdi Taremi in the 66th minute, but a second goal was ruled out for handball, securing Nigeria’s win.

The victory comes ahead of the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign and is a morale boost for the Super Eagles.

This friendly marks Nigeria’s second-ever triumph over Iran, following a 1998 Carlsberg Cup win in Hong Kong.

The sides also met at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where the match ended 0-0. Nigeria will face Jordan on March 31 in another friendly, aiming to maintain their strong international form.