The Super Eagles were held to a 2-2 draw by Jordan in their international friendly played in Antalya on Tuesday, Bold Sports reports.
Despite making six changes from the side that defeated Iran on Friday, Eric Chelle’s team still showed their quality for most of the encounter, but a second-half strike from Jordan ensured the game ended level.
Jordan opened the scoring in the 17th minute through Mousa Tamari, who finished off a well-worked free-kick routine with a long-range effort to make it 1-0.
Nigeria responded just eight minutes later, as Ademola Lookman’s blocked shot fell kindly to Moses Simon at the edge of the box. The winger controlled the ball with his chest before firing a brilliant volley into the net to level the score at 1-1.
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The Super Eagles went in front in the 41st minute after a teasing cross from Bright Osayi-Samuel wasn’t cleared by Jordan’s defense. The ball fell to Emmanuel Fernandez who was unmarked at the back post, and the defender calmly controlled before slotting home with his left foot to make it 2-1 on his full debut.
Eric Chelle made changes before the hour mark, bringing on Adebayo Adeleye for Francis Uzoho who could not continue the game, while Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi replaced debutant Yira Sor and Raphael Onyedika.
Jordan also made substitutions in search of an equaliser, and it paid off in the 77th minute. Just two minutes after coming on, Mohammad Al Daoud found the back of the net, finishing after a fine cross from Noor Al-Rawabdeh to make it 2-2.
Chelle made further changes late on, introducing Samuel Chukwueze for Moses Simon and debutant Philip Otele for Frank Onyeka in the 81st minute, as Nigeria pushed for a winner.
However, the Super Eagles were unable to find a breakthrough, with the match ending in a draw. Alex Iwobi was also shown a late red card for misconduct.
Jordan will take confidence from the result ahead of the World Cup where they face Argentina, Austria and Algeria in the group stage, while Nigeria will look to improve in future outings.
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