Nigeria were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against Jordan on Tuesday night in Turkey, as a lively friendly encounter exposed both promise and lingering frailties in Eric Chelle’s evolving Super Eagles side, Footynaija reports.
It was a night that should have belonged to Emmanuel Fernandez. The Rangers defender marked his full international debut with a well-taken goal and an assured performance, but the Super Eagles could not hold on to their lead as Jordan struck late to deny them victory.
Chelle made six changes from the side that defeated Iran, handing debuts and opportunities across his squad. Among them were Genk winger Yira Sor and goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, while Fernandez partnered Igoh Ogbu in central defence.
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After a cautious opening, Jordan struck first in the 16th minute through Mousa Al Tamari. A poorly organised Nigerian wall allowed his free-kick to travel through, and Uzoho could only help it into the net.
It was Nigeria’s first time conceding the opening goal since their friendly defeat to Egypt in December, and they were nearly punished again moments later, only for Uzoho to produce a sharp save before a rebound was squandered.
Nigeria thought they had equalised when Raphael Onyedika fired home from distance, but the goal was ruled out for offside against Akor Adams after a lengthy discussion between the officials.
Simon and Fernandez turn the game
The Super Eagles responded positively, and their pressure paid off when stand-in captain Moses Simon levelled in the 32nd minute. The Paris FC winger reacted quickest after a blocked effort from Ademola Lookman, firing a low shot into the corner for his 12th international goal on his 97th appearance.
Nigeria grew into the game and took the lead four minutes before half-time. A corner from Lookman was only partially cleared, and after neat recycling by Frank Onyeka, Bright Osayi-Samuel delivered the ball back into the box for Fernandez to finish calmly from close range.
It was a composed striker’s finish from a defender enjoying a breakthrough moment.
Late setback denies Nigeria
The second half remained open. Onyeka went close with a powerful effort, while Fernandez nearly added a second with a header that drifted narrowly wide.
Nigeria suffered a setback when Uzoho was forced off through injury, with Adebayo Adeleye coming on for his first appearance since 2023. He impressed, producing a fine save midway through the half to preserve Nigeria’s lead.
However, defensive lapses proved costly again. In the 77th minute, substitute Mohammad Al Daoud capitalised on hesitation at the back, slipping the ball past Adeleye to make it 2-2.
Nigeria pushed for a winner late on but lacked precision in the final third. Their frustration was compounded when Alex Iwobi was sent off in stoppage time for retaliation, ending any hopes of a late comeback.
The draw meant Nigeria finished second in the four-nation tournament behind Costa Rica, who thrashed Iran 5-0 to top the standings on goal difference.
Chelle’s side remain unbeaten under his leadership, but this result will feel like a missed opportunity, particularly against a team ranked significantly lower in the world.
