Jordan 1-0 Nigeria: Hatem Aqel’s first half penalty sinks Super Eagles

Al-Nashāmā secured their first ever win over
Nigeria in Tuesday's international friendly
played at the Amman International Stadium
Jordan defeated Nigeria 1-0 at the Amman
International Stadium in an international
friendly played on Monday afternoon.
A 42 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 14
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 22 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 30 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 52 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 78 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.