ordan defeated Nigeria 1-0 at the Amman International Stadium in an international friendly played on Monday afternoon.
A 42nd minute strike from captain, Hatem Aqel was all the
host needed to beat Stephen Keshi’s men as they continue preparation for
their make or break 2014 World Cup qualifying play-offs against the
Uruguayan national team.
The West Asian coached by legendary Egyptian striker, Hossam Hassan
started on an impressive note threatening the Nigerian defence led by
Azubuike Egwuekwe but could not get the curtain raiser due to poor
finishing.
Nigeria tried to curtail the attacking forays of their opponent but
were unable to take control of the game as Jordan proved a threat on the
counterattack. The Super Eagles chance at getting the opening goal came
in the 14th minute when Etebo quick burst of pace into the
Al-Nashāmā defence but it was wasted by Sunday Mba as his first touch
was cleared by Jordan’s defence.
Few minutes later, the 22nd minute to be precise, Obiozor made a quick run then turns back towards the goal but shot waywardly at the opponents goal.
Not quite long, Jordan won a free kick in front of the Nigeria area
after Egwuekwe rough challenge on his opponent but the resulting
freekick was blocked by the Nigeria wall as the hosts continue to
dominate possession.
In the 30th minute, some fine play from the Eagles could
have shot them into the lead as Benjamin Francis was brought down for a
free kick on the left side of the Jordanian goal. The resulting kick was
cleared off the line by the host's goalkeeper from Ugonna's close range
shot.
The hosts however got the curtain raiser via a cool penalty taken by
skipper Hatem Aqel after Obiozor stopped Yousef in his stride.
On resumption of the second half, Keshi’s side mounted pressure on the host and almost got the equaliser in the 52nd
minutes when Mba's shot from inside the Jordanian box narrowly missed
the goal. Seconds later, Uzoenyi dribbled past his marker but does
poorly in giving the final pass inside the box.
Despite the introduction of Ifeanyi Edeh, Barnabas Imenger and
Christian Pyagbara, the Eagles failed to score as they look lethargic in
front of goal.
In the 78th minute, the host almost doubled their lead but Chadli’s header struck the cross bar from a corner kick.
With this result, Keshi records his second defeat with the Home based
Super Eagles as they intensify preparation for next year’s Chan billed
to hold in South Africa.
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