A major talking point heading into Tuesday’s clash between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Jordan’s national team is that Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon will both take one step closer to featuring in 100 games for their country.
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Sports247 gathered that Iwobi, who plays for Fulham of England, currently has 97 caps in Nigeria’s colours, while Simon, who stars for Paris FC of France, had 96.
Although they are both ahead of Eagles’ current captain, Wilfred Oyinyen Ndidi in terms of national team appearances, none of the duo will wear the skipper’s band for Tuesday’s game in Antalya, Turkey.
Nonetheless, the record books show that Iwobi is just three matches away from joining the trio of Ahmed Musa, Vincent Enyeama and Joseph Yobo, who are currently Nigeria’s only century legends.
In the same vein, Simon, who is the Eagles’ assistant captain at this mini-competition in Turkey is just four caps away from joining the elite few on the log of Nigeris’s national team players with a century of appearances in the green-and-white jersey.
Iwobi and Simon will now hope to mark their milestone game with victory, and probably a goal each, knowing that the Eagles are on the verge of returning to their hotel with a trophy later on, as winners of this invitational competition – once they defeat the ‘host’ team on Tuesday night.
A media release by the communications department of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) noted, “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 winger, 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 as well as 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.”
Sports247 gathered that the game will start at 6:30pm Nigeria time, with the Eagles missing three players who started Friday’s 2-1 win over Iran – as Maduka Okoye is injured while Bruno Onyemaechi and Semi Ajayi both left camp for different personal reasons.
