Three-time African champions Nigeria concluded their March international window with a thrilling 2-2 draw against Jordan’s senior men’s team at the Mardan Sports Complex in Antalya, Turkey, on Tuesday night.
Jordan, who are bound for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and currently ranked 64th in the world, signaled their intent early with an impressive display. In the 17th minute, a well-worked free-kick routine caught the Nigerian defence off guard, allowing Mousa Tamari to fire his side into the lead.
Nigeria believed they had equalised just six minutes later when Raphael Onyedika powered home a smart cut-back from Moses Simon, but the effort was controversially disallowed.
The Super Eagles eventually restored parity in the 30th minute through stand-in captain Moses Simon, who was making his 97th appearance. After Ademola Lookman’s initial effort was blocked, the winger reacted quickest to slot home a composed left-footed finish, his second goal in as many matches this month.
Nigeria completed the turnaround four minutes before half-time. Bright Osayi-Samuel delivered a precise cross that found debutant Emmanuel Fernandez, who showed great composure to control and fire home a left-footed strike, giving the Super Eagles the lead at the break.
The second half became increasingly physical, and in the 57th minute, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was forced off after a heavy clearance, with Adebayo Adeleye coming on as his replacement.
Head coach Eric Chelle later introduced experienced midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi in place of Yira Sor and Raphael Onyedika to steady the team.
The appearance marked Iwobi’s 98th cap for Nigeria, bringing him closer to the prestigious century milestone. Jordan, however, continued to press and were rewarded in the 77th minute with a deserved equaliser, underlining their growing status in international football.
Nigeria pushed for a late winner, handing a senior debut to Philip Otele, while Samuel Chukwueze replaced Simon. The closing stages were heated, with tensions boiling over as Alex Iwobi was shown a straight red card late in the game.
