Super Eagles Too Strong For Iran, Admits Team Melli Coach

Amir Ghalenoei, head coach of Iran, has openly admitted that Nigeria’s Super Eagles were superior in Friday’s international friendly.

Team Melli suffered a 2-1 defeat to Éric Chelle’s men at the Mardan Sports Complex in Antalya, Turkey.

Moses Simon opened the scoring early for the Super Eagles, while Akor Adams added the second goal. Mehdi Taremi of Olympiacos pulled one back for Iran in the second half.

NaijaChoice News reports that Ghalenoei praised the Nigerians’ physicality and quality after the match.

“I think this was a very useful preparation game, especially since we were able to implement Plan B in defence against a strong and physical team like Nigeria,” the Iranian tactician was quoted by Tasnim News Agency.

He added that the encounter will put his side in proper shape ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The result marks another positive step for the Super Eagles under Chelle, who continues to blend home-based and European-based stars.

On Tuesday, Iran will face Costa Rica in their next friendly, while Nigeria take on Jordan the same day.

The back-to-back games form part of a four-nation invitational tournament that offers both teams valuable competitive minutes before bigger assignments.