Nigeria’s Super Eagles were forced to a 2-2 draw by Jordan in an international friendly played in Antalya, Turkey on Tuesday night.
Despite making six changes to the side that defeated Iran on Friday, Eric Chelle’s team delivered a strong performance but were denied victory by a late equaliser from the Jordanians.
Jordan took the lead in the 17th minute through Mousa Tamari, who capped a well-worked free-kick routine with a long-range strike to put his side ahead.
Nigeria responded in the 25th minute when Ademola Lookman’s blocked effort fell kindly to Moses Simon at the edge of the box. The winger controlled with his chest before unleashing a superb volley to level the score.
The Super Eagles went ahead in the 41st minute after a dangerous cross from Bright Osayi-Samuel caused confusion in Jordan’s defence. Emmanuel Fernandez, left unmarked at the back post, calmly controlled and slotted home with his left foot on his full debut to give Nigeria a 2-1 lead at halftime.
Chelle made changes before the hour mark, introducing Adebayo Adeleye for the injured Francis Uzoho, while Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi replaced Yira Sor and Raphael Onyedika.
Jordan responded with substitutions of their own and found the equaliser in the 77th minute. Mohammad Al Daoud, just two minutes after coming on, finished from close range following a precise cross from Noor Al-Rawabdeh to make it 2-2.
Nigeria pushed for a winner in the closing stages, with Samuel Chukwueze and debutant Philip Otele introduced in the 81st minute, but the breakthrough proved elusive.
The Super Eagles’ task was further complicated when Alex Iwobi was shown a late red card for misconduct.
While Jordan will take confidence from the result ahead of their World Cup campaign, Nigeria will look to address defensive lapses and build on their performance in subsequent matches.