Nigeria’s Super Eagles are rated clear favourites to win Tuesday’s last match of the four-nation invitational competition in Antalya, Turkey, where they take on ‘hosts’ Jordan in a decisive game that would decide the trophy winner.
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Sports247 gathered that, while the record books and data on all cards give victory to the Eagles, who beat Iran 2-1 in their first match on Friday, a lot of attention is on Jordan’s dangerman, Mohammad Sulaiman Al-Tamari.
Although the attacker from Stade Rennes of France did not score in his country’s 2-2 draw with Costa Rica on Friday, the lad simply known as Mousa Al-Tamari put up a strong performance, which makes him a threat to beware of on his good day.
His most remarkable feat for the national team came in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, where he scored a goal and provided an assist against South Korea in a historic 2-0 win that took Jordan to the competition’s final for the first time in their history.
While the spotlight is on Al-Tamari to put Nigeria’s defence under pressure, attention must also be given Jordan’s Moroccan coach, Jamal Sellami, who is reputed with his defensive strategies, though he played as a midfielder.
Sellami, who starred at club level with Olympique Casablanca, Raja Casablanca and Maghreb Fez of Morocco as well as Beşiktaş of Turkey, played for The Atlas Lions at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and returned to coach their juniors in 2016.
His biggest achievement came when he led Jordan to finish as runners-up in Group B of the World Cup qualification third round, securing their first-ever participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ahead of which he is plotting new strategies.
Tuesday’s game against Nigeria in Antalya provides Sellami with another golden opportunity to build confidence in his players ahead of the World Cup, as victory over the Eagles will not only boost their morale it would also give them a trophy.
A preview by Imhonlamhen of Afrik-Foot added, “Nigeria are the clear favourites, ranked 26th in the world compared to Jordan’s 64th position, and the gap in squad quality is obvious. Chelle’s side have been on a remarkable run since his arrival.
“Going unbeaten in 19 official games while scoring 37 goals and conceding just 14 (including) a record-breaking AFCON 2025 campaign in Morocco where they scored 14 goals across seven matches, setting a new tournament record for Nigeria.
“With wins over Algeria (2-0), Mozambique (4-0) and Uganda (3-1) highlighting a team that plays on the front foot, their only stumbles came against Morocco and Egypt in the semi-final and third-place match, with both ending goalless.
“(For Jordan), Mousa Al-Tamari is fit and available, having played against Costa Rica, and remains the most dangerous player in the squad by some distance. Baha’ Faisal scored from the spot in that game and will be expected to lead the line again.
“Sellami used a 3-4-3 formation against Costa Rica, with Yazeed Abulaila in goal behind a back three of Abdallah Nasib, Yazan Al-Arab and Husam Abu Dahab. Changes are likely after the late collapse, with fresher legs coming in midfield and attack.”
Sports247 also gathered that Nigeria will have three changes to the starting libe-up that beat Iran on Friday, as goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is out injured, left-back Brino Onyemaechi left camp to be with his new born baby and central defender Semi Ajayi also took leave of absence for personal reasons.
Cyprus-based Francis Nduka Uzoho is expected in goal, with Zaidu Sanusi taking Onyemaechi’s place, while Chibuike Nwaiwu from Trabzonspor of Turkey goes into Ajayi’s shoes.
Kick-off is at 6:30pm inside Antalya’s Calderón Stadium, and the winner gets crowned champions of the four nation invitational competition organised by Jordan Football Association (JFA).
