Naija Super Eagles don land for Turkey, ready to face Jordan for one international friendly match wey dey hold for Antalya. The match na part of four-nation invitational tournament wey Nigeria dey participate. Coach Eric Chelle don announce him starting lineup, with some changes from the last game wey dem play against Iran.
For the last match, Nigeria beat Iran 2-1. Moses Simon and Akor Adams score the goals wey give Super Eagles the win. But star striker Victor Osimhen no dey for squad this time. The Galatasaray player suffer broken forearm for club match against Liverpool for Champions League. Osimhen don undergo surgery and just discharge from hospital today.
Coach Chelle rotate him squad small for this Jordan match. Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika get chance to play for midfield. For attack, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and Akor Adams all return to starting lineup. Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi dey for bench as substitutes.
Jordan side, wey dem call Chivalrous Ones, just play 2-2 draw with Costa Rica for their last match. Their coach Jamal Sellami dey use 3-4-3 formation. Mousa Al-Taamari from Rennes dey among their key players wey fit cause problem for Nigeria defense.
This match suppose hold for Jordan capital Amman originally. But because of military conflict for Middle East, dem move everything to Turkey. Both Nigeria matches for this break – against Iran and Jordan – now dey hold for Antalya.
For team news, Nigeria goalkeeper Francis Uzoho dey between the sticks. Defense line include Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi, Jamilu Collins, and Calvin Bassey. Midfield get Onyeka and Onyedika, while attack line na Lookman, Simon, and Adams.
Jordan lineup include goalkeeper Yazid Abulaila. Defense get Yazan Alarab, Salem Al-Ajalin, and Abdallah Nasib. Midfielders include Noor Alrawabdeh and Ibrahim Alrashdan, with attack led by Al-Taamari and Ali Olwan.
The match kick off by 6:30pm BST time for Mardan Stadyumu. For early minutes, Jordan try make quick start but Nigeria take control of possession. Super Eagles dey pass ball with confidence, though dem concede few early fouls wey give Jordan set-piece opportunities.
This friendly match come after Nigeria finish third for Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year. For that tournament, Super Eagles beat Egypt on penalties for third-place playoff. Lookman score winning penalty kick that day for Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, Morocco.
Since AFCON, Nigeria miss World Cup qualification after dem lose to DR Congo for African play-offs. This friendly matches na chance for team to rebuild and try new players before next competitions.
For Jordan side, dem dey use this tournament as preparation for their own World Cup qualifiers. Their team include mix of local Jordanian league players and foreign-based professionals like Al-Taamari wey play for French club Rennes.
The match dey available for limited broadcast options because na friendly. But some platforms dey show am on YouTube for those wey want watch. No major TV station dey carry the match live for Nigeria.
As game dey progress, Nigeria dey look for first goal. Adams get one early chance but him shot go wide. Lookman dey create chances from number 10 position, while Simon dey trouble Jordan defenders from left wing.
Jordan get their own dangerous moments too. Al-Taamari dey show why him be key player for dem, with good runs and crosses from right side. But Nigeria defense dey hold firm so far.
Coach Chelle dey watch from touchline, sometimes shout instructions to him players. The Nigerian bench dey active, with players like Chukwueze and Iwobi ready to enter if need arise.
This match no get big crowd like competitive games, but still get decent number of fans for stadium. Some Naija supporters travel follow team to Turkey, while others join from Jordan side.
The weather for Antalya dey good for football – not too hot, with small breeze. Pitch condition dey excellent, allow both teams play their passing game.
As first half dey reach middle, no team don score yet. Both sides dey careful, no want make mistake wey go lead to goal. But chances dey come, and sooner or later, goal fit enter.
Nigeria dey miss Osimhen presence for attack, but Adams dey try him best as replacement. The young striker get physical presence and good movement, but finishing still dey worry for Super Eagles.
For midfield, Onyeka and Onyedika partnership dey work okay. Dem win balls and start attacks, though sometimes dem lose possession cheaply. Jordan midfielders dey press well when Nigeria dey with ball.
Referee from Turkey dey control game well so far. Only give yellow cards to two players – one from each side – for rough tackles. Game flow dey good, with small interruptions.
The four-nation tournament include Nigeria, Jordan, Iran, and Costa Rica. All matches dey hold for same stadium in Antalya. After today game, tournament go end, and teams go return to their countries.
For Nigeria, this break na first since AFCON. Players dey use am to bond again and work on tactics under Coach Chelle. The German-born coach still dey build him team after taking over last year.
Jordan coach Sellami, wey be Moroccan, also dey build him team. Him want use these friendlies prepare Jordan for Asian Cup qualifiers and World Cup qualifying campaign.
As first half dey near end, game tempo increase small. Both teams dey look for goal before break. Nigeria get corner kick, but Jordan defense clear am. Counter attack from Jordan nearly lead to chance, but last pass no accurate.
Half-time whistle blow with score still 0-0. Both teams go enter dressing room to receive instructions from their coaches. Second half promise more action as players don settle into game.
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