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By Joe Apu
Nigeria’s Super Eagles were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against World Cup-bound Jordan national football team in an international friendly played in Antalya, Turkey on Tuesday night.
The three-time African champions wrapped up their March international window with a pulsating contest at the Mardan Sports Complex, as Jordan—ranked 64th in the world—demonstrated their growing pedigree on the global stage.
Jordan struck first in the 17th minute through Mousa Tamari, who capitalised on a well-worked free-kick routine to beat the Nigerian defence and hand Al-Nashama the early advantage.
Nigeria thought they had drawn level shortly after when Raphael Onyedika finished off a clever cut-back from Moses Simon, but the effort was controversially ruled out.
The Super Eagles, however, responded in the 30th minute. Stand-in captain Simon marked his 97th appearance in style, reacting quickest to convert after Ademola Lookman’s initial effort was blocked, scoring his second goal in as many games.
Nigeria completed the turnaround four minutes before half-time when Bright Osayi-Samuel delivered a precise cross that was expertly controlled and finished by debutant Emmanuel Fernandez, giving the Super Eagles a 2-1 lead at the break.
The second half became more physical, with goalkeeper Francis Uzoho forced off due to injury in the 57th minute and replaced by Adebayo Adeleye. Head coach Eric Chelle also introduced Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi to strengthen the midfield, with the latter earning his 98th international cap.
Jordan’s persistence paid off in the 77th minute as they found an equaliser, underlining their recent strong form and resilience.
Nigeria made further changes late on, handing a senior debut to Philip Otele, while Samuel Chukwueze replaced Simon. The closing stages were marred by tension, with Iwobi shown a straight red card.
Despite the result, the match offered valuable insights for Nigeria’s technical crew as they continue preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, while Jordan extended their impressive run, having lost just once in their previous five outings.
