Super Eagles target victory against Jordan’s Al-Nashama
Head Coach Eric Chelle is confident the Super Eagles of Nigeria will pluck another win when they confront their Jordanian counterparts in another international friendly match today, March 31, in Antalya, Turkiye. This optimism is following their 2-1 victory over Iran last Friday evening. Goals by Moses Simon, early in the first half, and Akor […]
Super Eagles players during yesterday’s training for the international friendly against Jordan
Head Coach Eric Chelle is confident the Super Eagles of Nigeria will pluck another win when they confront their Jordanian counterparts in another international friendly match today, March 31, in Antalya, Turkiye.
This optimism is following their 2-1 victory over Iran last Friday evening.
Goals by Moses Simon, early in the first half, and Akor Adams, early in the second period, lifted the Eagles above Team Melli at the Corendon Airlines Park.
Despite the departures from the camp of defenders Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi (whose wife was delivered of a baby) Chelle is looking ahead to win with the 21 players available to take on the emerging Asian power.
According to the statement from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Director of Communication, Dr Ademola Olajire, the Franco-Malian and his assistants again drilled the players in a training session yesterday evening.
Chelle must find a new partner for Czech-based central defender Igoh Ogbu, while Portugal-based Zaidu Sanusi is likely to take the place of Onyemaechi.
Bright Osayi-Samuel will remain at right back.
Alex Iwobi, set to win his 98th cap as he marches quietly but sure-footedly towards the century mark, will work the middle with captain Wilfred Ndidi and any of Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika.
Paris FC of France’s Moses Simon, in line for his 97th cap, may once more be at the fore with two of Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams and Ademola Lookman. Paul Onuachu, Chidera Ejuke and newbies Philip Otele and Collins Yira Sor are also available.
The Super Eagles remain unbeaten in regulation time in their past five matches, including a penalty shootout defeat of Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations’ third-place match, and wins over Algeria, Mozambique and Iran.
Nigeria and Jordan have met only twice previously at senior international level, with honours shared. Goals by Emeka Akueme and Chukwudi Nworgu earned Nigeria a 2-0 in a LG Cup opener in Lagos in April 2004, while Hatem Aqel scored from the penalty spot to give Jordan a 1-0 win in a friendly in Amman in October 2013.