Top five performers: Ranking Super Eagles’ best players from 2-1 win over Iran

The Super Eagles of Nigeria claimed a 2-1 win over Iran in a friendly on Friday afternoon, Afrik-Foot reports.

​It was their first game since the conclusion of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, and they produced a decent showing under the bright sun at the Corendon Airlines Stadium in Antalya. Goals from Moses Simon and Akor Adams ensured that Mehdi Taremi’s strike was a mere consolation for Team Melli.

​It was a largely positive outing for the Super Eagles; they dominated play, created the better chances, and looked like the superior side overall. While Iran had patches where they influenced the game, Nigeria remained the better team on the day.

​Next up for Eric Chelle and his squad is a clash against Jordan. But before then, Afrik-Foot rates Nigeria’s top performers from the Iran fixture, counting down to the player of the match.

5. Bruno Onyemaechi

​Onyemaechi was a standout performer at AFCON 2025; in fact, he was a revelation, successfully keeping world-class wingers like Brahim Diaz and Riyad Mahrez quiet.

​The Olympiakos star produced a similar showing against Iran on Friday. He was rock solid and hardly put a foot wrong. He also used the ball efficiently and combined well with the two different center-backs who featured on his side of the pitch.

4. Moses Simon

​Moses Simon got the Super Eagles off to a flying start with his goal in the 5th minute. It was a beautiful strike, and coming from Simon — who has faced periods of inconsistency during his time with the national team — it was an impressive statement.

​The Paris FC man also made several dangerous attacking forays and put in a shift defensively. While he made a few minor mistakes, it was a very decent showing overall.

3. Ademola Lookman

​Ademola Lookman had a very strong game for Nigeria as well. He acted as the creative spark in the final third and provided the assist for Akor Adams’ goal.

​The Atletico Madrid star was full of running all afternoon and contributed his fair share defensively. Whenever he had the ball in the final third, he looked dangerous, marking a highly productive outing for him.

2. Akor Adams

​Adams was a top performer throughout the afternoon. Based on his recent displays, it appears that playing alongside Victor Osimhen has heavily influenced him.

Goal!! 🔥 🇳🇬 🔥 🇳🇬

Akor Adams

Super eagles pic.twitter.com/6GjobpiKUb

— Akin (@lacahzet) March 27, 2026

​He was full of running and put in immense effort across the pitch. He also linked up effectively with the other forwards. Although he missed a big chance in the first half, he made amends by netting Nigeria’s second goal after the break.

1. Alex Iwobi

​Once again, the Fulham star produced a masterclass for Nigeria in the middle of the park. Under Eric Chelle, Iwobi’s quality has become even more apparent, and he has consistently influenced the game’s rhythm.

​Iwobi was the glue in midfield, dictating the tempo from deep and breaking lines with his incisive passing. Had Samuel Chukwueze been a bit more clinical, Nigeria might have scored more than two. It was a brilliant showing from the Fulham man, who is rapidly establishing himself as one of the most indispensable players in the current setup.