A good team – Iran coach rates Super Eagles after 2-1 loss

By Editor

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei has praised the Super Eagles after his team’s 2-1 defeat to Nigeria in an international friendly match played in Antalya, Turkey, on Friday afternoon.

Speaking to the Tasnim News Agency after the match, Ghalenoei said that he was impressed by the physically imposing Nigerian side and highlighted the calibre of players in the Super Eagles squad.

He said, “I think this was a very useful preparation game, especially since we were able to implement Plan B in defense against a strong and physical team like Nigeria. Nigeria was a very good team, and all eleven players on this team play in major European leagues such as Spain, Italy, England, France, Greece, and Turkey.

“The national team needs such games. We also tried to use more players. Fortunately, with the new rules and the possibility of making eight substitutions, we had a good opportunity to evaluate different players.”

Goals by Moses Simon, on his 96th senior cap for Nigeria, and Jerome Akor Adams saw Nigeria edge Iran 2-1 in an international friendly played in Antalya, Turkey, on Friday.

At the Corendon Airlines Park in the Turkish city, the Super Eagles combined early attacking verve with late defensive discipline. The three-time AFCON champions wasted no time stamping their authority on the game.

Bright and purposeful from kickoff, Samuel Chukwueze unlocked the Iranian backline with a precise through ball that sent Moses Simon racing clear. The Paris FC winger made no mistake, guiding his finish calmly into the bottom corner to hand Nigeria the lead after only six minutes. Chelle’s side then dominated large swathes of the first half, creating chances but unable to extend the advantage before the break.

At half time, Eric Chelle rang the changes in the Eagles, introducing debutant Emmanuel Fernandez in place of Semi Ajayi. The second half began much like the first, with Nigeria on the front foot. Just six minutes after the restart, Ademola Lookman turned provider, slipping a clever pass into the path of Akor Adams, who finished with composure to double the advantage. More fresh legs followed as Chibuike Nwaiwu, a late call-up following the withdrawal of Calvin Bassey, marked his debut after replacing Igoh Ogbu.

Iran responded midway through the half, pulling one back through Mehdi Taremi to set up a nervy finish, but Nigeria managed the game well thereafter. Chelle turned again to his bench, introducing Paul Onuachu, Chidera Ejuke, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru for Chukwueze, Simon, and Adams, maintaining energy levels and control.

In the closing stages, Frank Onyeka made a brief appearance, replacing Lookman as Nigeria saw out the contest with maturity. The victory marks Nigeria’s second-ever win over the Asian side, adding to the narrow triumph recorded at the Carlsberg Cup in Hong Kong in 1998 courtesy of Ahmed Garba, while the two teams’ last meeting at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil ended scoreless.

Next up for the Super Eagles is another test, as they face the Jordan national team on March 31, in what promises to be another opportunity for Chelle to further shape his squad ahead of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.