Jordan threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Costa Rica in Antalya, a result that hands Nigeria a clearer picture ahead of their final tournament game against the same Jordanian side on March 31, Footynaija.com reports.
Baha Faisal converted a penalty on the stroke of half time to break the deadlock, before Ibrahim Sabra made it 2-0 in the 76th minute. Jordan looked set for a comfortable win, but Costa Rica refused to fold.
Josimar Alcócer pulled one back in the 84th minute, then Warren Madrigal headed home in stoppage time to deny Jordan all three points.
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Nigeria, meanwhile, had earlier beaten Iran 2-1 in the other tournament fixture. Moses Simon opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Akor Adams doubled the lead just after the restart. Mehdi Taremi’s late reply made it nervy, but Chelle’s side held on for a winning start.
What Nigeria learned from the Jordan game
Jordan are not easy to break down early. They sat deep against Costa Rica, absorbed pressure, and waited for their moments. The two goals they scored came from structured situations rather than flair, which tells you they are coached to be disciplined and direct. Nigeria will need patience in the early stages rather than rushing the game.
The Al-Tamari threat
Mousa Al-Tamari is one of Jordan’s most dangerous player and the one Nigeria must plan around. The Stade Rennais forward is quick, direct, and capable of producing something from very little on the counter. Nigeria’s full-backs, particularly whoever starts on the left, will need to stay switched on every time Jordan win possession in their own half.
Where Jordan are vulnerable
The Costa Rica game exposed something real. Jordan were comfortable and controlled until the 83rd minute, then conceded twice in stoppage time as their concentration dropped. Nigeria, who scored early against Iran and pressed high throughout, will fancy their chances of exploiting that same vulnerability if they can stay patient and build pressure into the final quarter.
Chelle’s selection dilemma
With several players pushing for starting spots, the Nigeria coach has genuine options. Chibuike Nwaiwu impressed on debut when he came on against Iran, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru showed energy in his cameo, and Paul Onuachu offers a different kind of threat up front. Chelle could rotate to manage loads or back the same starting eleven that beat Iran. Either way, the decision will tell us something about his priorities heading into the summer.
What a win would mean for Nigeria
This is a friendly tournament with no trophy attached, but momentum matters. Back-to-back wins would send a message that the Super Eagles are moving in the right direction under Chelle after an AFCON campaign that fell short of expectations.
