Goals from Moses Simon and Akor Adams secured a 2-1 victory for Nigeria’s Super Eagles over Iran in an international friendly played in Antalya, Turkey, on Friday.

The result means Nigeria now boasts two wins and one draw in three meetings with Iran.

Head coach Eric Chelle named a strong starting lineup featuring Maduka Okoye, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Igoh Ogbu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Alex Iwobi, captain Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, and Akor Adams.

Substitutes Paul Onuachu, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Chidera Ejuke, and Frank Onyeka were introduced in the second half, while new invitees Emmanuel Fernandez and Chibuike Nwaiwu made their debuts.

After an evenly balanced start, the Super Eagles took the lead in the 6th minute. Simon latched onto a pass from Chukwueze, cut inside his marker, and fired a low shot past the goalkeeper.

Iran responded in the 14th minute, but Okoye made a fine save to deny a low effort. Two minutes later, Chukwueze came close to doubling Nigeria’s lead, but his shot went just wide.

Iran continued to threaten, but Ajayi produced a timely block to keep the advantage intact. In the 33rd minute, Adams had a chance to extend the lead but saw his effort hit the side netting after outmuscling his defender.

Nigeria started the second half brightly and nearly scored through Lookman, whose left-footed strike narrowly missed the target.

The pressure paid off in the 51st minute when Adams connected with a defence-splitting pass from Lookman and calmly slotted past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

Iran nearly pulled one back shortly after, but Osayi-Samuel made a crucial block. The Iranians continued to push and eventually reduced the deficit in the 67th minute, with Mehdi Taremi reacting quickest to score after a header from a corner struck the crossbar.

Taremi thought he had equalised in the 73rd minute after rounding Okoye, but the goal was ruled out for handball in the buildup.

Nigeria had chances to extend their lead late on, with Onuachu’s header comfortably gathered by the goalkeeper and Lookman firing just wide from outside the box. Ejuke also delivered a dangerous cross that was cleared by the Iranian defence.

The Super Eagles will next face Jordan in another friendly match on Tuesday, March 31, also in Antalya.