World Cup-bound Jordan came from behind to force a 2-2 draw against Nigeria’s Super Eagles in an international friendly played on Tuesday night at the Mardan Sports Complex in Antalya, Turkey.
Nigeria rounded off their March international window against the Jordanian side, ranked 64th in the world.
Jordan took an early lead in the 17th minute through Mousa Tamari, who converted a well-worked free-kick routine to stun the Super Eagles.
Nigeria thought they had equalised six minutes later when Raphael Onyedika finished from a Moses Simon cut-back, but the effort was controversially ruled out.
The breakthrough eventually came in the 30th minute, as Simon, captaining the side on his 97th appearance, reacted quickest after Ademola Lookman’s shot was blocked, firing home with his left foot for his second goal in as many games.
Nigeria completed the turnaround just before halftime. Bright Osayi-Samuel delivered a precise cross to Emmanuel Fernandez, who marked his full international debut with a composed left-footed finish to give the Super Eagles a 2-1 lead at the break.
The second half turned more physical, with goalkeeper Francis Uzoho replaced by Adebayo Adeleye in the 57th minute following a clearance incident. Coach Eric Chelle later introduced Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi to shore up the midfield, with Iwobi earning his 98th cap.
Jordan’s persistence paid off in the 77th minute as they equalised to make it 2-2.
Nigeria pushed for a winner, handing a senior debut to Philip Otele, while Samuel Chukwueze replaced Simon. However, the match ended on a sour note for the Super Eagles, as Iwobi was shown a straight red card in the closing stages.
