Super Eagles forced to settle for 2-2 draw against Jordan

World Cup-bound Jordan fought back to secure a 2-2 draw against Nigeria’s Super Eagles in an international friendly played on Tuesday night at the Mardan Sports Complex in Antalya, Turkey.

Nigeria concluded their March international window against the Jordanian side, currently ranked 64th in the world.

Jordan took an early lead in the 17th minute when Mousa Tamari converted a well-worked free-kick routine to put his side ahead. Nigeria thought they had equalised shortly after, but Raphael Onyedika’s finish from a Moses Simon cut-back was ruled out for offside.

The Super Eagles eventually drew level in the 30th minute, with Simon—captaining the side on his 97th appearance—pouncing on a rebound from Ademola Lookman’s blocked effort to score his second goal in as many matches.

Nigeria went ahead just before halftime through debutant Emmanuel Fernandez. The defender calmly controlled a pinpoint cross from Bright Osayi-Samuel before firing home to give the Eagles a 2-1 lead at the break.

The second half turned more physical, with goalkeeper Francis Uzoho making way for Adebayo Adeleye in the 57th minute. Head coach Eric Chelle also introduced Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi to steady the midfield, with Iwobi earning his 98th international cap.

Jordan’s persistence paid off in the 77th minute as they found an equaliser to make it 2-2. Nigeria pushed for a late winner, handing a senior debut to Philip Otele, while Samuel Chukwueze replaced Simon.

The match ended on a tense note, with Iwobi shown a straight red card in the closing stages.

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