Int’l Friendly: Super Eagles test strength against World Cup-bound Jordan

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The Super Eagles are set for their second friendly in four days as they face Jordan in Antalya, Turkey, looking to build on their recent momentum.

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Fresh from a 2–1 victory over Iran, head coach Eric Chelle is confident his side can secure another positive result against the Middle Eastern side, popularly known as Al-Nashama.

Goals from Moses Simon and Akor Adams ensured Nigeria edged Iran in their previous outing, extending their unbeaten run in regulation time to five matches.

However, the Super Eagles head into the clash with a slightly depleted squad. Defenders Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi have both left camp while Maduka Okoye has also been ruled out, leaving Chelle with 20 players to prosecute the fixture.

The team held a final training session on Monday evening as preparations intensified.

Chelle is expected to reshuffle his defence, with Igoh Ogbu likely to anchor the backline, while Zaidu Sanusi could step in at left-back. Bright Osayi-Samuel is set to continue on the right side of defence.

In midfield, Alex Iwobi is in line to earn his 98th cap, partnering captain Wilfred Ndidi alongside one of Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru or Raphael Onyedika.

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Upfront, Simon—approaching his 97th appearance—could again lead the attack, supported by options including Samuel Chukwueze, Adams and Ademola Lookman. Paul Onuachu, Chidera Ejuke, Philip Otele and Yira Sor are also available.

Jordan pose stern test

Despite being ranked 64th in the world, Jordan arrive in strong form and are preparing for the FIFA World Cup. They have lost only once in their last five matches—a narrow 3–2 defeat to Morocco—and have recorded wins over Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Egypt, alongside a 2–2 draw with Costa Rica.

Historically, both teams have met twice, with one win apiece. Nigeria secured a 2–0 victory in Lagos in 2004, while Jordan claimed a 1–0 win in Amman in 2013.

Fernandez relishes opportunity

New invitee Emmanuel Fernandez has expressed his excitement at joining the squad, describing the call-up as a significant milestone.

“When I first got the call to come and play for Nigeria, I was a bit shocked the national team wanted me. I am grateful I am here and I am grateful for the opportunity.

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“I watched the last AFCON and I can say the Nigeria team is very good and star-studded. I love the feeling here. I was formerly a midfield player who was converted into a defender. Playing in the Europa League is an amazing feeling, especially when I think about how I started my career and how I developed from college football into playing at club level and on the European stage,” he said.

While Nigeria were ranked 26th in the world prior to their clash with Iran, Jordan sit lower in the rankings but head into the encounter as a confident, upwardly mobile side.

For Chelle and his players, Tuesday’s fixture billed for 6 p.m. offers another opportunity to build cohesion, test depth, and extend their growing run of positive results.