HOME-BASED EAGLES LOSE TO JORDAN

The Home-based Eagles lost by a lone goal to Jordan at the Amman International Stadium in an international friendly played on monday. The goal came from a 42nd minute strike from captain, Hatem Aqel and it was all the host needed to beat Stephen Keshi’s men as they continue preparation for their make or mar 2014 World Cup qualifying play-offs against the Uruguayan national team.The Jordan team 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 area. 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.