Iran players protest deadly school attack in Nigeria friendly

Iran’s men’s national football team staged a poignant protest before their recent friendly against Nigeria, holding pink and purple schoolbags and wearing black armbands as a tribute to victims of the deadly bombing at Shajareh Tayyebeh School. The gesture, which took place in the Turkish resort town of Belek ahead of the 2026 World Cup, was intended to honor the at least 168 people killed in last month’s strike on the primary school, according to Iranian officials.

The players raised the bags—decorated with ribbons—as the Iranian national anthem played before Friday’s match. Former FC Porto and Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi was among those visibly participating. According to Nabi, speaking through an association translator, “They were deeply affected by the bombing of the girls’ school and wanted to express their sympathy.” Nabi added that this was a “collective decision by the team,” emphasizing their unity on the issue.

The attack on Shajareh Tayyebeh School, located next to an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps compound in Minab, southern Iran, killed more than 110 children among its victims. Tehran has blamed both the US and Israel for the incident on the first day of conflict between the countries, but neither has accepted responsibility for the strike. US media have reported that American military investigators believe it is likely that US forces were responsible for hitting the school unintentionally, although a final conclusion has not yet been reached and an official investigation is ongoing. The UN’s human rights chief has publicly urged Washington to complete its investigation and publish the findings following a meeting of the UN Human Rights Council.

The protest comes amid uncertainty over Iran’s participation in this summer’s World Cup, which will be hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada from June 11. Although Iran have qualified for their fourth consecutive tournament and are scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles before meeting Egypt in Seattle, their involvement is reportedly in doubt due to security concerns arising from ongoing conflict. US President Donald Trump recently stated that while Iran’s team was “welcome” to play in America, it might not be “appropriate” for their “life and safety.”

Iranian football federation chief Taj responded via social media linked to Iran’s embassy in Mexico: “When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America.” Taj added that Iran were negotiating with FIFA about moving their group matches from the US to Mexico instead. However, FIFA appears to have ruled out that possibility so far.

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Unrest within Iranian football has also surfaced in other areas: earlier this month, members of Iran’s women’s national team remained silent during their anthem at an AFC Women’s Asian Cup fixture. This act drew condemnation from state TV commentators in Tehran, who labeled them “traitors.”

On Friday night in Belek, however, it was Iran’s men who made headlines for standing together on behalf of slain children and teachers. Despite their demonstration before kick-off against Nigeria—a match they went on to lose 2-1—they are set to continue preparations with another friendly versus Costa Rica on Tuesday, also in Turkey.