Iwobi inches closer to Centurion as Eagles target Jordan win in Antalya
Midfield maestro Alex Iwobi is set to be in the spotlight as the Super Eagles face Jordan in an international friendly at the Corendon Airlines Park today. The Fulham playmaker
- By Morakinyo Abodunrin
Midfield maestro Alex Iwobi is set to be in the spotlight as the Super Eagles face Jordan in an international friendly at the Corendon Airlines Park today.
The Fulham playmaker is poised to earn his 98th cap, moving within touching distance of the elusive century mark. Iwobi’s consistency has become the heartbeat of the Nigerian side and Head Coach Eric Chelle will rely on his experience to navigate a resilient Jordanian squad.
Coming off a 2-1 victory over Iran on Friday—fuelled by goals from Moses Simon and Akor Adams—Nigeria is looking for a clean sweep of their Antalya fixtures. However, the task is made tougher by the departure of defenders Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi, the latter leaving camp to celebrate the birth of his child.
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With Iwobi anchoring the middle alongside captain Wilfred Ndidi, Chelle has options in Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Raphael Onyedika to complete the engine room.
With Onyemaechi out, Zaidu Sanusi is expected to slot in at left-back, while Chelle must identify a new partner for central defender Igoh Ogbu. Bright Osayi-Samuel is slated to retain his position at right-back.
Jordan, currently 64th in the FIFA rankings and bound for the World Cup, arrives in Turkey in formidable form. Aside from a narrow 3-2 loss to Morocco, they have recently dispatched Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Egypt.
With Moses Simon also nearing a milestone with his 97th cap, the Super Eagles boast a veteran core determined to maintain their unbeaten run in regulation time.
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.
