The Super Eagles yesterday played out a drab 2-2 draw with Jordan in the last of their two friendly games in Antalya, Turkey.

Although the Super Eagles did not have much treasure in the game, as they are not part of the plans for the 2026 World Cup, which starts in 72 days in North America, many followers of the team were eager to see the new players coming into the team. But many would have been left disappointed by the quality of football they saw against Jordan, which is preparing for the World Cup.

The day was made worse for Nigeria in the dying moments of the game when midfielder Alex Iwobi got a straight red card for an unsportsmanlike behaviour.

Jordan started the game on the front foot, forcing two corner kicks in succession to show how serious they took the match.

Their early pressure paid off in the 15th minute when Mousa Tamari received a pass from Al-Rawabdeh to beat Francis Uzoho for the opener.

Nigeria thought they had restored parity just six minutes later when Raphael Onyedika hammered home a clever cut-back from Moses Simon, but the strike was controversially ruled out by the officials.

Undeterred, the Super Eagles equalized in the 30th minute. Captain for the night, Moses Simon, celebrating a landmark 97th appearance showcased his predatory instincts yet again.

After Ademola Lookman’s initial effort was blocked, the Paris FC forward reacted quickest to slot home with a delightful left-footed finish, marking his second goal in as many games this month.

The turnaround was completed four minutes before the break. Bright Osayi-Samuel delivered a pinpoint cross that found Emmanuel Fernandez who was making his full debut. The Glasgow Rangers of Scotland man showed remarkable composure to control and fire a left-footed strike into the net, handing Nigeria the lead heading into the interval.

The second period took a physical turn. In the 57th minute, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was forced off following a clearance, making way for Adebayo Adeleye. Seeking to consolidate the midfield, Eric Chelle introduced veterans Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi for Yira Sor and Raphael Onyedika. For Iwobi, the substitution marked his 98th cap for Nigeria, edging him closer to the exclusive “Century Club.” However, Jordan’s evolution as a global footballing force was evident as they pushed for an equalizer, which eventually arrived in the 77th minute.

In a final push for victory, Nigeria handed a senior debut to Philip Otele, who replaced Frank Onyeka, while Samuel Chukwueze came on for Simon. The closing stages were marred by late tension, resulting in a straight red card for Alex Iwobi.