Nigeria face Jordan in friendly as defensive changes force tactical shake-up

The Nigerian national team will face Jordan on Tuesday at Corendon Airlines Park in Antalya, Turkey, in their second international friendly of the European training camp, with coach Eric Chelle forced to reorganize his defense following the departure of two key defenders.

After a strong start to the series with a win last Friday, the Super Eagles enter this match with a squad reduced to 21 players.

Defenders Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi are no longer available, the latter leaving the camp following the birth of his child.

These absences have prompted Chelle to adjust the backline, pairing Igoh Ogbu at the heart of defense while Bright Osayi-Samuel is expected to maintain his role on the right flank. On the left, Zaidu Sanusi is likely to fill Onyemaechi’s spot.

In midfield and attack, familiar faces will lead Nigeria’s efforts. Alex Iwobi is on track to earn his 98th cap alongside captain Wilfred Ndidi, while Moses Simon, who scored in the previous match, seeks his 97th cap.

Other offensive options include Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and striker Akor Adams, who also found the net in Friday’s win.

The Super Eagles enter the fixture in good form, having lost only once in their last five games, a narrow 3-2 defeat to Morocco.

Jordan, meanwhile, come off a 2-2 draw with Costa Rica, following victories against Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Egypt.

Historically, the two sides have met just twice at the international A level. Nigeria secured a 2-0 win in Lagos in April 2004, while Jordan triumphed on penalties in Amman in October 2013.

Tuesday’s match offers Chelle an opportunity to test his defensive adjustments and continue building cohesion ahead of future competitions.