Okoye’s showing, war problems: Five things we learned from Super Eagles’ 2-1 win over Iran

The Super Eagles of Nigeria claimed a 2-1 victory over Iran’s Team Melli in a friendly on Friday, Afrik-Foot reports.

​For Nigeria, this was their first outing since the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations third-place match against Egypt in January. For Iran, it was their first game of 2026 — a fixture they managed to honor despite the ongoing conflict and challenges at home.

​While both teams produced impressive performances, goals from Moses Simon and Akor Adams ensured that Mehdi Taremi’s strike remained a mere consolation.

Here are five things we learned from the encounter:

​1. Iran’s Off-Field Turmoil Laid Bare

​The build-up to the match was overshadowed by geopolitical tensions. With Iran currently embroiled in conflict, the pressure on the national team has been immense. This toll was evident in the squad selection; Coach Amir Ghalenoei was without two of his stars, Saeid Ezatolahi and Sardar Azmoun.

​While Ezatolahi missed out due to injury, Azmoun has been basically branded an enemy of the state following an Instagram post featuring Dubai’s ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Their absence was felt; Ezatolahi’s steel in midfield and Azmoun’s spark in the final third might have altered the result. In a moving tribute before kickoff, the Iranian players carried school bags onto the pitch to honor children affected by the war.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Afrik-Foot NG (@afrikfootng)

​2. No Nwabali, No Problem

​With first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali left out of the squad due to his current clubless status, Maduka Okoye was handed the starting spot. Okoye seized the opportunity with both hands.

​The Udinese man was composed throughout, and the goal he conceded was hardly his fault. This performance is a testament to his hard work and self-improvement.

After being dropped years ago following a string of high-profile errors, Okoye is finally showing the promise he displayed in his early twenties. When Nwabali eventually returns, coach Eric Chelle will face a difficult selection headache.

​3. Alex Iwobi: As Important As Victor Osimhen; Maybe?

​Alex Iwobi was once one of the most criticized players in the squad, but under Eric Chelle, his importance has become undeniable. His impact against Iran was unmistakable. His vision and line-breaking passes dictated the tempo of the game.

​Nigeria’s second goal originated from his brilliance in the middle of the park. Currently, no one else in the squad possesses Iwobi’s unique profile.

While fans often point to Victor Osimhen as Nigeria’s best player, Iwobi has proven to be just as vital—if not more so—to the team’s tactical cohesion.

​4. Chelle Yet to Fully Test the New Boys

​Eric Chelle’s 23-man squad featured several fresh faces: Emmanuel Fernandez, Yira Sor, Philip Otele, and late call-up Chibuike Nwaiwu. However, only the defenders got a look-in.

​Fernandez started the second half, while Nwaiwu was introduced in the 56th minute following an injury to Igoh Ogbu.

Surprisingly, the attacking duo of Otele and Sor remained on the bench. Given the hype surrounding their club form, fans will be hoping to see both players get substantial minutes in the upcoming game against Jordan.

​5. The World Cup Will Miss the Super Eagles

​Nigeria’s performance confirmed that their 2025 AFCON run was no fluke. This team has the quality to compete with some top European sides, which makes their absence from the 2026 World Cup all the more painful.

​The disappointment was made worse by the fact that on the same night, rivals Ghana suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Austria.

While Nigeria’s quality is clear, the failure to qualify remains a bad miss for the players and the NFF alike. This team belongs on the world stage.