Alex Iwobi was sent off in stoppage time as the Super Eagles of Nigeria were held to a 2-2 draw by World Cup-bound Jordan in a friendly in Antalya, Turkey on Tuesday.
Moses Simon and new boy Emmanuel Fernandez scored for the Super Eagles, who came from behind to lead 2-1 before conceding a late equaliser at the Mardan Sports Complex.
Jordan, currently ranked 64th in the world and boasting a formidable recent record, showed their quality early.
In the 17th minute, a well-rehearsed free-kick routine caught the Super Eagles defence off guard, allowing star man Mousa Tamari to fire Jordan into the lead.
The Super Eagles thought they had restored parity just six minutes later when Raphael Onyedika hammered home a clever cut-back from Moses Simon, but the strike was controversially ruled out by the officials.
Undeterred, the Super Eagles pulled level in the 30th minute. Captain for the night Simon, celebrating a landmark 97th appearance, showcased his predatory instincts yet again.
After Ademola Lookman’s initial effort was blocked, the Paris FC forward reacted quickest to slot home with a delightful left-footed finish, marking his second goal in as many games this month.
The turnaround was completed four minutes before the break. Bright Osayi-Samuel delivered a pinpoint cross that found Fernandez who was making his full debut.
The Glasgow Rangers of Scotland man showed remarkable composure to control and fire a left-footed strike into the net, handing the Super Eagles the lead heading into the break.
Super Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was forced off following a clearance in the 57th minute, making way for Adebayo Adeleye.
Seeking to consolidate the midfield, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle introduced veterans Wilfred Ndidi and Iwobi for Yira Sor and Raphael Onyedika.
For Iwobi, the substitution marked his 98th cap for Nigeria, edging him closer to the exclusive “Century Club.”
However, Jordan’s evolution as a global footballing force was evident as they pushed for an equaliser, which eventually arrived in the 77th minute, through Muhammad Al-Dawoud.
In a final push for victory, the Super Eagles handed a senior debut to Philip Otele, who replaced Frank Onyeka, while Samuel Chukwueze came on for Simon.
The closing stages were marred by late tension, resulting in a straight red card for Iwobi.
