Players, coaches and backroom staff of the Super Eagles will have to quickly turn their focus towards their second match of the four-nation competition in Antalya, Turkey, where they will face Jordan on Tuesday night.
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Sports247 reports that it promises to be a tough game against another Arab side, similar to Team Melli of Iran, who the Eagles defeated 2-1 on Friday, with goals from Moses Simon and Akor Adams.
However, Tuesday’s game might turn out to be tougher than what the Eagles faced from Iran on Friday, as Jordan will want to repeat the surprise form that saw them defeat Nigeria 1-0 during a similar friendly in 2019.
A handful of players in Nigeria’s current team played that match and they will have to spur the present squad to step up their efforts in order to give a better performance than they all did against Iran on Friday.
A report by the communications department of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) acknowledged after Friday’s match that Eric Sekou Chelle’s side struggled at a point during the game, especially after the Franco-Malian tactician started making substitutions to his starting line up.
The Eagles were bound to struggle at the back for the better part of the second half, as two rookies – Chibuike Nwaiwu and Emmanuel Fernández – got their debuts at the same time, while the attacking combinations also changed.
That allowed Iran pull a goal back and then start chasing a likely equaliser and, though the Eagles managed to hold unto their slim lead till the first whistle, Chelle and his players must have learnt many crucial lessons heading into Tuesday’s encore at the same venue.
The NFF’s media report stated in part, “At the Corendon Airlines Park in the Turkish city, the Super Eagles combined early attacking verve with late defensive discipline – hallmarks of an Eric Chelle side still taking shape, but already showing identity.
“The three-time AFCON champions wasted no time stamping their authority on the game. Bright and purposeful from kick-off, Samuel Chukwueze unlocked the Iranian backline with a precise through ball that sent Moses Simon racing clear.
“The Paris FC winger made no mistake, guiding his finish calmly into the bottom corner to hand Nigeria the lead after only six minutes. Chelle’s side then dominated large swathes of the first half, creating chances, but (were) unable to extend the advantage before the break.
“At half time, the Franco-Malian (coach) rang the changes, introducing debutant Emmanuel Fernandez in place of Semi Ajayi. The second half began much like the first with Nigeria on the front foot.
“Just six minutes after the restart, Ademola Lookman turned provider, slipping a clever pass into the path of Akor Adams, who finished with composure to double the advantage.
“More fresh legs followed as Chibuike Nwaiwu, a late call-up following the withdrawal of Calvin Bassey, marked his debut after replacing Igoh Ogbu. Iran responded midway through the half, pulling one back through Mehdi Taremi to set up a nervy finish, but Nigeria managed the game well thereafter.
“Chelle turned again to his bench, introducing Paul Onuachu, Chidera Ejuke, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru for Chukwueze, Simon, and Adams, maintaining energy levels and control. In the closing stages, Frank Onyeka made a brief appearance, replacing Lookman as Nigeria saw out the contest with maturity.
“Next up for the Super Eagles is another test, as they face the Jordan national team on March 31, in what promises to be another opportunity for Chelle to further shape his squad ahead of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.”
