Nigeria vs Jordan Lineup: Iwobi Benched, Sor Handed Debut

Eric Chelle has named his starting XI for Nigeria’s friendly against Jordan on Tuesday in Antalya — and there are a couple of surprises.

Alex Iwobi starts on the bench. So does Wilfred Ndidi. Emmanuel Fernandez keeps his place after his cameo against Iran, this time from the off. And Yira Sor is handed his senior debut.

Full lineup: Uzoho; Osayi-Samuel, Fernandez, Ogbu, Sanusi; Onyeka, Onyedika, Lookman; Sor, Simon, Akor Adams.

Maduka Okoye misses out through unavailability — Francis Uzoho takes the gloves. Three players are missing altogether: Okoye, Semi Ajayi and Bright Onyenaechi, which has forced Chelle’s hand in selection.

The midfield pairing of Onyedika and Onyeka is an interesting one to watch. Adeleke, Dele-Bashiru and Chukwueze are among those waiting on the bench alongside Iwobi.

Chelle is using these friendlies to test the squad’s depth ahead of what promises to be a busy competitive calendar. Tuesday will tell him a lot about where some of these players truly stand.