Nigeria's Super Eagles secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory against World Cup-bound Iran at the Corendon Airlines Park in Antalya, Turkey, Soccernet.ng reports.
Despite the absence of Calvin Bassey and Victor Osimhen, goals from Moses Simon and Akor Adams ensured the former African champions maintained their dominance over the Persians.
After a period of uncertainty when he reportedly came close to joining Marseille, head coach Eric Chelle would be pleased to lead the Super Eagles to his 14th win since he took charge.
However, there are others who would have been happier than Chelle for how the day turned out and a few who would be concerned about being left behind.
Here are the winners and losers of the Super Eagles' confident win over the Lions of Iran.
Winners from Nigeria Super Eagles' win over Iran
Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Iran in Antalya offered several players the chance to step forward and show their value to coach Eric Chelle ahead of bigger tests.
Akor Adams was the standout name. He led the attack in the absence of Victor Osimhen and proved he can carry that responsibility on his own. During the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Adams often played alongside Osimhen, doing the hard work to support him.
This time, he was the main man. His goal sealed the win, but more importantly, his movement, strength and pressing showed he can lead the line, not just support it. That is a big step for a striker trying to become a regular starter.
Maduka Okoye also came out of the game in a strong position. After time away from the national team, he returned and looked calm on the ball. His passing from the back helped Nigeria keep control, especially under pressure. He did concede a goal, which raised some questions, but he also made key saves late in the match. With competition for the number one shirt growing, this was a timely reminder of his quality.
Emmanuel Fernandez made a very solid debut. Coming on at half-time is never easy, especially in a tight game, but he looked comfortable straight away. He used his height well, won aerial battles and read the game smartly. His partnership at the back helped Nigeria stay organised when Iran pushed forward. It was the kind of performance that suggests he will be called up again.
Chibuike Nwaiwu was another debutant who took his chance. Brought on in the second half, he stayed disciplined and did his job without fuss. Even after Iran scored, he did not panic. Instead, he kept his shape and helped the team see out the win. For a player coming in late as a replacement, that is exactly what the coach would have wanted.
Loser: Nwabali’s risky decision backfires
While others moved forward, Stanley Nwabali has slipped behind and not because of anything he did on the pitch.
The goalkeeper was not part of the squad after ending his contract with Chippa United earlier this year without securing a new club. That decision has cost him match fitness and, more importantly, his place in the national team.
Coach Eric Chelle has made it clear he prefers players who are active at club level. As a result, Nwabali was left out of the squad for the Iran game. In his absence, Okoye stepped in and delivered a performance strong enough to reopen the race for the number one shirt.
This is where the problem grows. Nwabali had sealed his spot as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper after the last two AFCONs, but football moves quickly. Missing matches means missing chances to impress. While he waits for a new club, others are playing, improving, and making their case.
His decision to leave Chippa United without a deal in place now looks like a gamble that has not paid off. Without regular football, he risks falling further down the pecking order. And if Okoye or Francis Uzoho or another goalkeeper continues to perform, Nwabali may find it difficult to win back his spot.
At the moment, Nigeria’s win over Iran has created clear winners on the pitch, and one big loser off it.
