Super Eagles held to 2-2 draw by Jordan in Antalya friendly

The Super Eagles on Tuesday settled for a 2-2 draw against Jordan in their final friendly match played in Antalya, Turkey.

The encounter, which formed part of Nigeria’s build-up despite the team not featuring in the upcoming 2026 World Cup in North America, offered an opportunity to assess new and fringe players. However, the performance fell short of expectations, as many observers were underwhelmed by the team’s overall display against a Jordan side preparing for the global tournament.

Nigeria’s evening ended on a disappointing note after midfielder Alex Iwobi was shown a straight red card in the closing stages for unsporting behaviour.

Jordan began the game brightly, applying early pressure and earning two consecutive corner kicks. Their attacking intent paid off in the 15th minute when Mousa Tamari latched onto a pass from Al-Rawabdeh and calmly finished past goalkeeper Francis Uzoho to give his side the lead.

The Super Eagles thought they had equalised six minutes later through Raphael Onyedika, who converted a cut-back from Moses Simon. However, the goal was disallowed by the match officials under controversial circumstances.

Nigeria eventually restored parity in the 30th minute. Captain for the match, Moses Simon, marking his 97th appearance for the national team, reacted quickest to a blocked attempt from Ademola Lookman and slotted home with his left foot for his second goal in as many matches this month.

The comeback was completed just before halftime when Bright Osayi-Samuel delivered an accurate cross that found Emmanuel Fernandez. On his full debut, the Rangers defender showed composure to control and finish with his left foot, sending Nigeria into the break with a 2-1 advantage.

The second half proved more physical, with both sides contesting fiercely. In the 57th minute, Uzoho was forced off after a clearance and was replaced by Adebayo Adeleye. Nigeria also made midfield changes, introducing Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi for Yira Sor and Onyedika, with Iwobi earning his 98th international cap.

Jordan continued to push forward and eventually found an equaliser in the 77th minute, reflecting their growing influence in the game.

In the closing stages, Nigeria handed a debut to Philip Otele, who came on for Frank Onyeka, while Samuel Chukwueze replaced Moses Simon. Tension rose late on, culminating in Iwobi’s dismissal with a straight red card.

The match ended 2-2, leaving both sides with mixed takeaways from an evenly contested encounter.