Nigeria’s Super Eagles were held to a 2-2 draw by Jordan in an international friendly in Antalya, Turkey, on Tuesday, with substitute Alex Iwobi sent off late in the game for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Nigeria wrapped up their March international window against the Jordan side currently ranked 64th in the world.

Jordan stunned the Super Eagles early in the 17th minute, as Mousa Tamari converted a well-rehearsed free-kick routine to give the hosts the lead.

Nigeria appeared to equalize six minutes later when Raphael Onyedika finished off a clever cut-back from Moses Simon, but the goal was controversially ruled out.

The breakthrough finally came in the 30th minute when Simon, captaining the team on his 97th appearance, reacted quickest after Ademola Lookman’s effort was blocked to score with a clinical left-footed finish, his second goal in as many games this month.

The turnaround was completed just before halftime.Bright Osayi-Samuel delivered a pinpoint cross to Emmanuel Fernandez, making his full international debut.

The Glasgow Rangers forward showed great composure to control and fire a left-footed strike, giving Nigeria a 2-1 lead going into the break.

The second half grew more physical. In the 57th minute, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was replaced by Adebayo Adeleye after a clearance incident.

To strengthen the midfield, coach Eric Chelle introduced veterans; Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi for Yira Sor and Onyedika, with Iwobi earning his 98th cap.

Jordan’s resilience eventually paid off in the 77th minute, as they leveled the score. Nigeria tried to regain the advantage, handing a senior debut to Philip Otele, who replaced Frank Onyeka.

While Samuel Chukwueze came on for Simon, and the closing stages were tense, culminating in a straight red card for Iwobi.

On the positive side, the central defensive partnership of Igoh Ogbu and Emmanuel Fernandez showed significant promise.

Ogbu's physical presence complemented Fernandez's composure and ball-playing ability, suggesting a viable new option for Chelle.

Fernandez, in particular, had an impressive full debut, not only scoring but also demonstrating strong defensive awareness, good game reading, and attacking instincts, nearly adding a second goal with a header.

His performance indicated Nigeria might have found a long-term solution at centre-back.

Furthermore, Moses Simon's goal was his 12th for the Super Eagles, equalling the record held by Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Moses, and Obinna Nsofor, solidifying his status as a key attacking leader for the team.