By Eniola Olatunji reporting for Patmos Media Line
NIGERIA’s SUPER Eagles on Friday at the Arman International Stadium in Turkey before a crowd of 7,428 fans defeated war torn and world cup bound Melli of Iran 2-1 in the 1st of four nation International Friendly.
Benue boy, Simon Moses started the bombing of the Iranians 6 minutes into the game as he received a pass from Samuel Chukweze, sold a dummy to a defender and unleashed a right footer from outside the centre of the box.
Ref Cihan Aydin acknowledged no extra time for the first half from the 4th official but fiery striker, Lookman Ademola who was thoroughly policed by the Iranians from releasing scud missiles and inter continental ballistic misses from any angle was slippery finding Akor Adams who scored the 2nd goal for Nigeria same way and same position in the 51st minute of play.
Then the Iranian defence shot up access from their defence canals with their midfield combining well which payed off as their top striker, Mehdi Taremi in the 57th minute drew one back beating Goalkeeper Okoye in goal for Nigeria.
Nigeria had 56-46 ball possession; only one shot at goal none for Iran; Iran got 2-1 corner kicks advantage meaning they are not good at set pieces and the only two yellow cards went to Iran who refused to commit late injury time goals from pumped up pressure from the Nigerians.
The Osimless Super Eagles were well resisted same way the Nigerian team was resisted at the 2014 world cup group F match played on 16th June when they forced Nigeria to a barren draw.
Eagles then coached by late Big Boss, Stephen Keshi had Enyeama in goal; Ambrose, Oboabana, Omeruo, Oshaniwa, Mikel, Moses, Onazi, Azeez, Emenike and Musa.
There was another International Friendly match played on 28th January 1998 in which Ahmed Garba scored the lone goal for Nigeria in the 51st minute.
Nigeria will meet Jordan on Tuesday while Iran will play Turkey.
#FIFA #AsianFA #CAF
#NSC #NFF.
