Iwobi Sees Red as Jordan Hold Super Eagles in Turkey

*Iran hammer Costa Rica 5-0 in other game of the four-nation tourney

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi, was sent off as FIFA World Cup-bound Jordan came from behind to hold Nigeria 2-2 in an international friendly match played in Antalya, Turkey on Tuesday night.

 In the other game of the four-nation tournament, Iran trounced Costa Rica 5-0.

Three-time African champions Nigeria wrapped up their March international window with the pulsating 2-2 draw against the Jordan senior men team at the Mardan Sports Complex. Al-Nashama, currently ranked 64th in the world.

In the 17th minute, a well-rehearsed free-kick routine caught the Nigerian defence off-guard, allowing star man Mousa Tamari to fire Jordan into the lead.

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 equalised in the 30th minute. Captain for the night, Moses 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 Emmanuel 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 Nigeria the lead heading into the interval.

The second period took a physical turn. In the 57th minute, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was forced off following a clearance, making way for Adebayo Adeleye. Seeking to consolidate the midfield, Eric Chelle introduced veterans Wilfred Ndidi and Alex 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.

In a final push for victory, Nigeria 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 Alex Iwobi.

Tuanzebe Qualifies DR Congo for World Cup After 52 Years

Burnley defender, Axel Tuanzebe, scored the lone goal winner that made the difference as DR Congo defeated Jamaica 1-0 to  book their ticket to the World Cup first time in 52 years. 

The 1-0  victory was achieved in extra time as there were no goals scored in 90 minutes regulation period.

The  Manchester United academy graduate scored the winner in the 100th minute when he bundled in from close range Brian Cipenga’s corner kick diverted to his path.

Now, DR Congo who denied Super Eagles the ticket to the playoffs in Mexico, are now to join a group containing Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia for the 2026 FIFA World Cup this coming summer in USA.

It is the central Africa country’s second appearance at the Mundial. Their first was in 1974 then known as Zaire.

 RESULTS 

World Cup 

Playoffs 

DR Congo 1-0 Jamaica

Qualifiers

Bosnia & H 4-1 Italy

Czechia 2-2 Denmark 

Kosovo 0-1 Turkey

Sweden 3-2 Poland