TEHRAN - Iran national football team lost to Nigeria 2-1 in a friendly match on Friday.

In the match held in Antalya, Turkey, Moses Simon was on target for the Nigerian team in the sixth minute and Akor Adams made the scoreboard 2-0 in the 52nd minute.

Mehdi Taremi pulled a goal back for Iran in the 67th minute.

Team Melli will play Costa Rica four days later in Antalya.

The matches are part of preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Iran are drawn in Group G along with Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt.