The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a comfortable 2-0 win against Iran at the Antalya Stadium in Turkiye, despite being without several household names, Soccernet.ng reports.
Victor Osimhen wasn't called up due to his forearm fracture, while Calvin Bassey pulled out from the squad due to a back injury, and was replaced by Chibuike Nwaiwu, who came on for Igoh Ogbu in the second half.
Moses Simon broke the deadlock in the seventh minute, squaring the ball into the near post to give Nigeria the lead.
Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!
Akor Adams doubled the lead in the 51st minute, placing the ball under Iran's goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
Iran and Olympiakos striker Mehdi Taremi pulled one back in the 67th minute, putting the ball beyond Maduka Okoye's reach, although the Udinese goalkeeper was scrambling after the ball initially came off the crossbar.
Full-time#IRNNGA #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/551p4UFyMm
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 27, 2026
How the Super Eagles of Nigeria fared against Iran
1. Maduka Okoye (6.5/10)
The Udinese goalkeeper didn't have much to do against Team Melli, as the opponents struggled to muster attempts against a sturdy Nigerian defence.
He was vocal in claiming crosses, and came out on time when there were gaps between the midfield and the defence, although he could've done a bit better in holding out Mehdi Taremi's equaliser.
2. Bright Osayi-Samuel (6.8/10)
The Birmingham City full-back didn't have much on his hands defensively. He provided width for the midfielders to work with and bombed forward on several occasions.
3. Semi Ajayi (6.6/10)
A towering figure in the heart of the Nigerian defence, the Hull City centre back dealt with the aerial balls perfectly, thwarting the attacks Iran attempted. He was taken off at half-time, replaced by the debuting Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez.
4. Igoh Ogbu (6.4/10)
Brought in to start in Calvin Bassey's place, the Slavia Prague defender had a few shaky moments, but was able to pick himself up as the game went on. He was replaced by Chibuike Nwaiwu at half-time.
5. Bruno Onyemaechi (6.8/10)
The Olympiakos full-back played all 90 minutes at the Antalya Stadium in Turkiye, and his mazy runs down the left caused some problems for the Iranians. However, his deliveries into the box could've been better.
6. Wilfred Ndidi (6.9/10)
The Super Eagles captain contained the physicality of the Iranian team, winning loose balls and making crucial interceptions in the middle of the park.
7. Alex Iwobi (7/10)
The Fulham midfielder picked up right from where he left off at the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco, piercing the Iranians with precise defence-splitting passes.
He also combined well with Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman in Chelle's diamond to help progress the ball in tight areas.
8. Moses Simon (7.5/ 10)
The Paris FC winger opened the scoring after some brilliant, intricate touches on the edge of the box. He could've had a bigger impact, but the final ball was always lacking, although he completed a decent number of his take-ons.
9. Samuel Chukwueze (7.1/ 10)
Chukwueze set up Moses Simon's opener, and was also very involved defensively in the second half as Iran grew into the game. He was replaced by Chidera Ejuke in the 69th minute.
10. Ademola Lookman (7.3/ 10)
The Atletico Madrid attacker stung the palms of the Iranian goalkeeper twice, before setting up Akor Adams at the start of the second half.
Lookman made way for Frank Onyeka in the closing minutes of the game as Eric Chelle's men looked to secure their win.
11. Akor Adams (7.8/10)
The Sevilla scored his 5th goal for the Super Eagles in just his 13th outing with the Green and Whites. While he could've scored more, he put his clearest attempt to bed, and that's what counts.
Substitutes
Emmanuel Fernandez (6/10) – The Rangers centre-back made his debut for Nigeria, coming on for Semi Ajayi at the start of the second half. He wasn't particularly tested, but was calm the few times the ball was at his feet.
Chibuike Nwaiwu (6/10) – Like Fernandez, Nwaiwu came off the bench to make his debut, replacing Igoh Ogbu, but overall, didn't have much to do.
Paul Onuachu, Chidera Ejuke, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Frank Onyeka all came on later in the second half, but didn't make any impact on the game.
