Iran and Nigeria go jam for international friendly on Friday evening for Antalya Stadium for Turkey. The two teams dey enter dis match with different levels of “wahala” and ginger.
While Team Melli (Iran) dey deal with plenty palava outside field as dem dey prepare for 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Super Eagles come with different plan—dem wan build the team again after dem miss out on the world tournament.
Match Preview
Iran dey enter dis match inside unusual condition. Even though dem qualify for the 2026 World Cup early, plenty things don happen wey dey affect dia preparation. Dem draw dem with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand for the World Cup group stage, but Iran federation still dey get fear about security and logistics, especially for the matches wey dem suppose play for USA.
Inside pitch, Iran form no too sweet lately. Dem never win any of dia last three matches; dem lose 2-1 to Russia and draw 0-0 with Cape Verde and Uzbekistan. Coach Amir Ghalenoei go see dis match as chance to get dia confidence back.
Nigeria, on the oda hand, still dey feel the pain say dem no go show for 2026 World Cup. DR Congo beat dem for playoff after penalty shootout, and even the appeal wey dem carry go FIFA no work.
But the Super Eagles don start to show say dem get “never say die” spirit. Dem carry third place for the 2025 AFCON after dem beat Egypt for bronze medal match. Under dia new coach, Eric Chelle, the focus now na to rebuild the team. The good news be say Nigeria never lose any match for dia last six games, wey show say dem dey find dia rhythm small-small.
Team News
Iran:
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Dem no go get Saeid Ezatolahi because of leg injury.
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Sardar Azmoun no dey the squad because of small fight with the federation.
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Mehdi Taremi na him go lead the attack, while Saman Ghoddos go handle the creative work for midfield.
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New guy Denis Eckert fit play him first match for Iran.
Nigeria:
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The biggest miss na Victor Osimhen wey get injury for him arm.
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Ola Aina and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali no dey the squad too.
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Calvin Bassey also pull out because of injury.
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Alex Iwobi dey close to him 100th cap (he dey on 97 now), so he go lead the midfield.
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Coach Chelle don call new boys like Emmanuel Fernandez, Philip Otele, and Yira Sor to see wetin dem fit do.
Possible Starting Lineups
Iran:
Beiranvand; Hardani, Nemati, Kanaanizadegan, Mohammadi; Razzaghinia, Ezatolahi (if fit) or backup; Hashemnejad, Ghoddos, Mohebi; Taremi.
Nigeria:
Okoye; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Ogbu, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi, Onyeka; Akor, Onuachu, Lookman.
Our Prediction: Iran 1-3 Nigeria
Even though Iran get experience, the plenty wahala for dia camp and dia recent poor form fit make dem struggle. Nigeria dey on top gear under Eric Chelle, and with the kind strikers dem get, the Super Eagles suppose fit win dis one well.
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