Sport
What Chelle Got Right and Wrong in Nigeria’s 2-1 Win Over Iran in Antalya
Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Iran at the Mardan Stadium in Antalya, Turkey on Friday, March 27, was an encouraging start to the March 2026 international window — but like any coaching exercise worth examining, it told a story of both progress and unfinished business for Eric Chelle.
The most striking of Chelle’s pre-match decisions was leaving out Victor Osimhen, even before the Galatasaray striker sustained an arm injury against Liverpool that required surgery. The impact was immediate — without their usual focal point, Nigeria had to find other ways to attack, and Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and Akor Adams stepped up, sharing the responsibility and stretching Iran’s defence with pace and movement. The decision demonstrated that Nigeria are not a one-man team and helped build confidence among the attacking players.
Equally bold was the goalkeeping call. Chelle’s decision to drop Stanley Nwabali — currently without a club after leaving Chippa United — sent a strong message about standards. His faith in Maduka Okoye was vindicated, with the Udinese keeper’s return adding experience and composure behind a makeshift backline.
The defensive reconstruction also deserves credit. Igoh Ogbu was handed a rare start alongside the returning Semi Ajayi, while debutants Emmanuel Fernandez and Chibuike Nwaiwu were introduced later in the match. This new-look defence had never played together, yet they showed strong understanding and dealt well with Iran’s attacks for most of the game.
In midfield, the captain’s return anchored everything. Wilfred Ndidi’s presence gave Nigeria a platform to control transitions and shield the back line, with his ability to break up play and recycle possession proving central to the team’s structure throughout the first half.
The opening goal itself reflected sharp tactical thinking. Moses Simon’s seventh-minute strike — set up by Samuel Chukwueze down the right flank — came through a quick counter-attack that immediately exposed Iran’s defensive shape. Akor Adams’ second goal in the 52nd minute, finished off a slick move initiated by Lookman, showed the range of attacking options at Chelle’s disposal.
The second half told a more complicated story. After Adams extended the lead, Nigeria began to sit deeper — a predictable tactical shift that invited Iran’s pressure and ultimately led to Mehdi Taremi’s 67th-minute goal. The final 23 minutes carried genuine tension, and Chelle will want to address that tendency to retreat prematurely before the next competitive window.
The underuse of the most anticipated new faces also raised eyebrows. Despite the hype surrounding their club form, the attacking debutants Philip Otele and Yira Sor remained on the bench for the entire match. Given that this was explicitly a squad-building exercise, fans will be hoping both players get substantial minutes against Jordan.
The broader assessment, however, favours Chelle. Moses Simon offered perhaps the clearest explanation of what has changed since the coach’s arrival, noting that the system requires everyone to be involved both defensively and offensively — and that the philosophy of “if we can’t win it, don’t lose” demands an aggression and intensity that has become the squad’s defining characteristic under the Malian-French coach. On the basis of Friday’s evidence, that philosophy is taking hold. The Jordan game on Tuesday will test whether it can be sustained.
Milton Keynes Dons captain Favour Omenazu has received her first-ever call-up to the Nigeria senior women’s national team after committing her international future to the Super Falcons.
Omenazu was included in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualifying fixtures against Comoros, marking a major milestone in the 24-year-old’s career.
The midfielder, who is also eligible to represent England, publicly expressed her desire to play for Nigeria earlier this year. She said representing the country would be a proud moment because of her Nigerian heritage and family roots.
Omenazu also said her ambition was not simply to earn a place in the national team but to contribute to the Super Falcons’ success.
The MK Dons captain has developed into an important player for the English club and is known for her versatility. Although she primarily operates as a midfielder, she has also impressed at right-back, a position where she has earned several Player of the Match awards.
Her football journey began at Leicester City before spells with Bugbrooke St Michaels, Northampton Town and Stourbridge preceded her move to MK Dons.
Omenazu’s invitation comes as Nigeria prepares for a two-legged Olympic qualifying tie against Comoros.
The first leg is scheduled for October 9, while the return fixture will take place on October 13. Both matches are set to be played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo because Comoros does not have a CAF-approved venue for the fixture.
The Super Falcons have also been dealing with several player withdrawals ahead of the qualifiers, creating opportunities for new faces to join the squad.
Omenazu has now joined the group in camp as Nigeria begins preparations for the crucial Olympic qualifying encounter.
The call-up gives the MK Dons captain an opportunity to make her senior international debut and begin her journey with the Super Falcons after choosing Nigeria over England.
Cristiano Ronaldo has sensationally walked away from Portugal’s national-team camp after head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner would not start the upcoming match against Denmark.
The dramatic development follows Ronaldo’s shock omission from Portugal’s 2–1 victory over Norway, where he spent the entire match on the bench despite warming up.
Ronaldo has now broken his silence, revealing that he decided to leave the camp following Jesus’ press conference and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.
“After the press conference of the National Team Coach, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I decided to leave the National Team camp,” Ronaldo said.
The Portugal captain added that he would eventually reveal the reasons behind his decision, before wishing the national team and his teammates well.
The timing has immediately raised questions over whether Ronaldo has effectively called time on his international career.
However, there is currently no confirmed official announcement that Ronaldo has permanently retired from international football. What is confirmed is that he has left the camp amid an escalating dispute over his role under Jorge Jesus.
After more than two decades of carrying Portugal’s No. 7 shirt, the football world is now waiting for Ronaldo’s next move — and, crucially, the explanation he has promised to give.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have begun their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
The visitors took an early lead in the 16th minute when Clément Couturier headed Ryan Ponti’s cross beyond the Nigerian defence to put Madagascar 1-0 ahead.
Nigeria responded with sustained pressure as George Ilenikhena came close on several occasions. The young forward eventually got his reward in first-half stoppage time after Alex Iwobi picked him out inside the box. Ilenikhena calmly placed the ball into the bottom-left corner to restore parity.
The Super Eagles returned for the second half looking for a winner, with Ademola Lookman and Calvin Bassey both going close.
Coach Eric Chelle then made changes, bringing on Moses Usor and Moses Simon in an attempt to add more attacking energy.
The substitutions quickly paid off.
In the 65th minute, Usor collected a pass from Semi Ajayi inside Nigeria’s half, drove forward past two Madagascar players and finished with his left foot to give Nigeria a 2-1 advantage.
The goal marked an impressive competitive debut for the LASK winger.
Madagascar refused to give up and created opportunities as they searched for an equaliser. Nigeria also had chances to extend their lead, but the Super Eagles ultimately held on to secure all three points.
The victory gives Nigeria a positive start in Group L of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Their next assignment will be an away match against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
The 2027 AFCON finals will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with Tanzania already assured of a place as one of the co-hosts.
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