Iran’s head coach Amir Ghaleonei has reacted to his side’s clash with Nigeria national football team following their friendly encounter in Antalya on March 27, 2026.
The match was part of a four-nation invitational tournament hosted at Corendon Airlines Park, with Jordan national football team and Costa Rica national football team also participating.
Match Outcome
Nigeria secured a 2-1 victory over Iran national football team, with goals from Moses Simon and Akor Adams, while Mehdi Taremi scored Iran’s only goal.
According to the Nigeria Football Federation, this marks Nigeria’s second-ever win against Iran, their first being a 1-0 victory at the 1998 Carlsberg Cup in Hong Kong.
Their most recent meeting before this, in 2014, ended in a draw.
Coach’s Reaction
Reflecting on the game, Amir Ghaleonei described it as an important test for his team and acknowledged the quality of the Nigerian side.
“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,” he said.
He further praised the strength of the Super Eagles squad:
“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.”
Speaking on squad rotation and experimentation, he added:
“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.”
What’s Next
Nigeria will now face Jordan national football team in their next fixture, while Iran will take on Costa Rica national football team on March 31, 2026.
World Cup Context
Iran has already secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will compete in Group G alongside Belgium national football team, New Zealand national football team, and Egypt national football team.
Nigeria, however, failed to qualify despite multiple opportunities. The team, managed at different stages by Jose Peseiro, Finidi George, and later Chelle, made it to the African playoff stage but lost to DR Congo national football team.
The NFF challenged the result, filing a petition with FIFA over player eligibility concerns, but the appeal was dismissed.
The case has since been taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in a final attempt to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Meanwhile, DR Congo will face Jamaica national football team in the intercontinental playoff final after Jamaica defeated New Caledonia in the semi-final.
