By our reporter 27.3.2026
World Cup bound Iran were beaten by World Cup back-to-back unqualified Nigeria in the opening game of the four-nation tournament ongoing at the Antalya Stadium, Antalya Turkey on Friday.
Moses Simon and Akor Adams were on the score sheet and just like the rest of the Super Eagles team players, they all must be biting their nails they couldn’t pick up the ticket for the 2026 World Cup after they were given second chances to do so.
The Super Eagles looked sharp in the attack and maintained defensive discipline, showing glimpse of the team that emerged the best team at the last Africa Cup of Nations. The three-time AFCON champions wasted no time stamping their authority on the game.
In the 6th minute Samuel Chukwueze found onrushing Simon in space; he outwitted his marker and tucked the ball into the bottom left-hand corner of the Iranian net.
And from then on, the Super Eagles dominated the game and created chances, which begged to be finished but there was no Nigerian boot to take advantage.
At the break the Super Eagles maintained their grip on the match, they found the back of the net in the 51st minute when Ademola Lookman slip through the Iranian defence and laid the ball for a simple tap in by Akor.
In the 67th minute Iran captain Mehdi Taremi reminded the Super Eagles they were still in the game with nervy finish. Coach Eric Chelle needing more goals introduced Paul Onuachu, Chidera Ejike and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, but it seems the game has been won and lost.
The Super Eagles will play against Jordan next.