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

By Shina Oludare

Oct 28, 2013 6:00:00 PM

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^nd 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^th 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^nd 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^th 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^nd 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^th 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. ----------------- goal.com