Super Eagles’ coach, Eric Chelle’s decision to make several second half substitutions after starting with six changes to his line-up for Tuesday’s international friendly with Jordan back fired massively, as the Nigerian squad toiled all through the match and eventually settled for a 2-2 draw.
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Sports247 reports that Chelle had already been forced into three replacements from the squad that won 2-1 against Iran in their first match on Friday, as goalkeeper Maduka Okoye bowed out with injury in training, while left-back Bruno Onyemaechi and central defender Semi Ajayi both left camp due to personal reasons.
Dramatically, Chelle decided to tinker his team further, as he dropped captain of the side, Wilfred Onyinye Ndidi and mercurial midfielder, Alex Iwobi to the bench and gave a debut in attack to Belgium-based Yira Sor agead of Samuel Chukwueze.
However, things started looking ugly for the Franco-Malian tactician and his squad as early as the 17th minute, when alternate keeper Francis Uzoho failed to stop Jordan’s well-worked cheeky free kick from distance and the Eagles had to battle from behind against the ‘hosts.’
Paris FC of France winger, Moses Simon justified wearing the captain’s band for the evening in Antalya, Turkey as he slotted home a crucial equaliser with a pop shot through a swarm of legs in the 26th minute, which spurred the Eagles back into the game.
Glasgow Rangers of Scotland centre-back, Emmanuel Fernández also justified his first start for Nigeria by ramming home a goal in the 42nd minute of play, and the Eagles went into the break 2-1 up; only for Chelle to commence a massive overhaul of his line-up at half time.
The second half turned into a struggle, despite the introduction of Ndidi and 98-capped Iwobi in midfield as they failed to settle down fast, while the arrival of Adebayo Adeleye in goal turned out to be another blunder.
The game turned on its head when Adeleye misjudged his positioning and rushed off his line but failed to stop the ball, which allowed Jordan to equalise, only for Iwobi to get himself sent off after jumping on an opponent who tackled him hard.
That was just two minutes to the final whistle and the ref ended the game seconds after finally getting a restart in the wake of confusion that ensued from Iwobi’s rash reaction, leaving Chelle to rue where he got his team selection wrong on the night in Antalya.
