Nigeria and Iran are set to clash at the Antalya Stadium today in an international friendly fixture.
Iran vs Nigeria
Friday 27th March, 2pm
Antalya Stadium
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Nigeria head into Friday’s friendly fixture against Iran looking to rebuild after the devastation of failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup – meaning they will now be absent for two straight competitions having last appeared in 2018.
A difficult start to their qualifying campaign, with just one win in their opening six matches, alongside four draws and one defeat, left the Super Eagles in desperate need of a strong end to the group.
Nigeria did manage to miraculously extend their hopes of reaching the World Cup, winning three of their last four group games, with their final-day win over Benin particularly memorable.
Nigeria required a victory by four goals to move into at least second place in Group C, and thanks to a Victor Osimhen hat-trick and Frank Onyeka 90th-minute goal, the Super Eagles managed to snatch second spot – disappointingly failing to finish top as South Africa retained first place with a win on the final day.
As a result, Nigeria moved into the CAF play-offs, where they initially beat Gabon before losing on penalties to DR Congo in the final, bringing an early end to their hopes of appearing in the summer tournament.
The Super Eagles did appear to bounce back during the following Africa Cup of Nations, winning all of their first five games before losing on penalties to Morocco in the semi-finals.
Now heading into the upcoming friendly fixtures, Eric Chelle is set to use the games to help rebuild for the future, including naming several fresh faces in the squad while also dropping several regular appearance-makers.
Meanwhile, Iran head into this fixture looking to get ready for their upcoming appearance in the World Cup, although unusual circumstances surrounding the nation are casting a shadow over their preparations.
Ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are putting their entire World Cup campaign at risk, with uncertainty over the team’s security in the United States of America, meaning their appearance is still in doubt.
However, Amir Ghalenoei will still look to get his side in shape for the tournament, and they will be hoping to overturn their recent underwhelming form.
Iran have won just one of their last six matches in normal time, alongside two defeats and three draws – one of which ended in a penalty loss and one in a penalty win.
Ghalenoei’s side, therefore, will view this fixture against Nigeria as the perfect opportunity to end that streak, re-establish their confidence within a disrupted squad and start to build momentum ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
Team News
Nigeria are without numerous notable stars, including Victor Osimhen, Ola Aina, Stanley Nwabali and Calvin Bassey, who pulled out of the squad due to an injury concern.
Emmanuel Fernandez, Philip Otele and Yira Sor all received their first senior call-ups by Chelle, and the three are all pushing to make their Nigeria debuts on Friday.
For Iran, veteran striker Mehdi Taremi is expected to lead the line, while Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Saman Ghoddos could start just behind the forward.
Denis Eckert received his first call-up to the Iran squad after completing eligibility requirements, and the Standard Liege player could also make his first appearance in Iran’s forward line.
Nigeria Predicted XI: Okoye; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Fernandez, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi, Onyeka; Adams, Onuachu, Lookman
Iran Predicted XI: Beiranvand; Hardani, Nemati, Kanaanizadegan, Mohammadi; Razzaghinia, Hashemnejad; Ghoddos, Eckert, Jahanbakhsh; Taremi
Bet9ja Tips
While Iran may usually be the slight favourites to claim the victory, their off-pitch situation will certainly be disrupting the side, leaving Nigeria with the opportunity to overcome their World Cup-bound opponents.
Several fresh faces in the Super Eagles squad may also help boost motivation after the disappointment of failing to qualify for the World Cup and losing in the AFCON semi-finals, leading us to expect a Nigeria victory.
