Simon, Adams Strike As Nigeria Defeat Iran

Moses Simon and Akor Adams scocred both goals as Nigeria claimed a deserved 2-1 win over Iran at the Antalyaspor stadium, Atalya, on Friday.

The first match of the four-nation invitational tournament in Turkey saw the Super Eagles pip their conflict-hardened opponents in the third ever meeting between both nations.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle handed Maduka Okoye the starting berth in goal, while Igoh Ogbu partnered Semi Ajayi in the heart of defence.

The team was led out by captain Wilfred Ndidi, while Akor Adams led the attack, supported by the trio of Ademola Lookman, Simon and Samuel Chukwueze.

Simon put Nigeria in the lead on six minutes; the Paris FC winger collected the ball on the edge of the area following a swift counter attack, shifted the ball to his right foot to create space and evade the defender before lashing a low shot into the bottom corner at goalkeeper’s near post.

Nigeria survived a penalty shout for a foul by Ogbu and took the lead into the halftime break, before netting again on 52 minutes to double their advantage through Adams.

The Sevilla dangerman collected Chukwueze’s through ball, outmuscled a defender and nudged the ball beyond the goalkeeper before sending his rising shot into the empty net for 2-0.

Mehdi Taremi scored Iran’s first ever goal against Nigeria to reduce the deficit, the Olympiacos striker reacted first to the rebound following a header that crashed off the crossbar, bundling into the net for 2-1 on 67 minutes. Iran pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages but the Super Eagles stayed resolute to claim the win.

Nigeria continues its unbeaten run against Iran with a second victory in three meetings, and extended its unbeaten streak to seven matches in all competitions in regulation time.

Chelle’s team will face Jordan in the second of two friendlies next week Tuesday.