Following their 2–1 victory over Iran in Antalya on Friday, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has expressed confidence that Nigeria will secure another win when they face Jordan in an international friendly in the same Turkish city on Tuesday.
Goals from Moses Simon early in the first half and Akor Adams shortly after the restart handed the Eagles victory over Team Melli at the Corendon Airlines Park on Friday evening.
Despite the departures of defenders Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi—who left camp following the birth of his child—Chelle remains optimistic about his side’s chances, with 21 players available for the encounter against the emerging Asian side. The Franco-Malian tactician and his assistants intensified preparations with a training session on Monday evening.
World Cup-bound Jordan are no longer pushovers, having shown significant improvement in recent years. Although ranked 64th in the latest FIFA standings, they have lost just one of their last five matches.
Chelle is expected to reshuffle his defence, with a new partner needed for Czech-based centre-back Igoh Ogbu, while Portugal-based Zaidu Sanusi is likely to replace Onyemaechi at left-back. Bright Osayi-Samuel is set to retain his place at right-back.
In midfield, Alex Iwobi—poised to earn his 98th cap—will continue his steady march toward the 100-cap milestone alongside captain Wilfred Ndidi. One of Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, or Raphael Onyedika is expected to complete the trio.
Simon, who is nearing his 97th cap, could once again lead the attack, alongside two of Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, and Ademola Lookman. Paul Onuachu, Chidera Ejuke, and newcomers Philip Otele and Collins Yira Sor are also in contention.
Nigeria and Jordan have met twice previously at senior level, with both sides recording one win each. Nigeria secured a 2–0 victory in an LG Cup opener in Lagos in April 2004, thanks to goals from Emeka Akueme and Chukwudi Nworgu. Jordan, however, claimed a 1–0 win in a friendly in Amman in October 2013, with Hatem Aqel converting from the penalty spot.
