By Ayomide Otitoju
FIFA World Cup-bound Jordan national football team fought back to secure a 2-2 draw against the Nigeria national football team in an international friendly played on Tuesday at the Mardan Sports Complex in Antalya, Turkey.
Nigeria concluded their March international window against the Jordanian side, currently ranked 64th in the world.
Jordan took an early lead in the 17th minute through Mousa Tamari, who converted a well-executed free-kick routine. The Super Eagles thought they had equalised shortly after when Raphael Onyedika finished from a cut-back by Moses Simon, but the goal was ruled out.
Nigeria eventually levelled in the 30th minute, with Simon, captaining the side on his 97th appearance, reacting quickest to slot home after an effort by Ademola Lookman was blocked.
The Super Eagles took the lead just before halftime when Bright Osayi-Samuel delivered a precise cross to debutant Emmanuel Fernandez, who controlled well before firing home to make it 2-1.
The second half saw increased physicality, with goalkeeper Francis Uzoho replaced by Adebayo Adeleye following a clearance incident. Head coach Eric Chelle also introduced Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi to bolster the midfield, with Iwobi making his 98th appearance.
Jordan equalised in the 77th minute to restore parity. Nigeria pushed for a late winner, handing a senior debut to Philip Otele, while Samuel Chukwueze was introduced for Simon.
The match ended on a tense note, with Iwobi shown a straight red card in the closing stages.
