Maduka Okoye to Miss Super Eagles Friendly Against Jordan Due to Injury
Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye will be sidelined for the Super Eagles’ friendly match against Jordan in Antalya, Turkey, after suffering a thigh injury during training. This setback occurs as Okoye prepares to rejoin the national team following his absence from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Okoye, who played a key role in Nigeria’s recent 2-1 victory over Iran at the same venue, will not take the field for today’s match. Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoge confirmed the news on Monday afternoon.
As Okoye sits out, Francis Uzoho steps in to don the number one jersey against the Jordanians. Additionally, Nigeria will be without defender duo Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi, the latter due to personal commitments following the birth of his child.
In Friday’s matchup, Nigeria secured a win over Iran with early goals from Moses Simon and Akol Adams. Despite the absence of Okoye, head coach Eric Chell remains optimistic that the Super Eagles can achieve another win, bolstered by a roster of 21 players prepared to compete against this rising Asian team.
Jordan, known as Al Nashama, has shown significant improvement leading up to the FIFA World Cup, having lost only one of their last five matches. Currently ranked 64th by FIFA, their solitary loss was a narrow 3-2 defeat against Morocco, a 2022 World Cup semi-finalist. Recently, they triumphed over Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Egypt in competitive fixtures, culminating in a 2-2 draw with Costa Rica.
Chell faces the challenge of finding a new partner for central defender Igo Ogbu, who is based in the Czech Republic. Zaidu Sanusi is likely to replace Onyemaechi, while Ossai-Samuel retains his position at right-back. Calvin Bassey, unfortunately, is out due to a back injury sustained while playing for his English club.
Midfielder Alex Iwobi is on the cusp of reaching his 98th cap, moving steadily towards his century milestone, alongside captain Wilfred Ndidi and either Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Basile, or Rafael Onyedika in midfield. With Moses Simon leading Paris FC, he aims to secure his 97th cap, supported by Samuel Chukwueze, Akole Adams, and Ademola Lookman. Players like Paul Onuachu, Chidera Ijukwu, and newcomers Phillip Otele and Collins Ira So are also available for selection.
Notably, the Super Eagles have maintained an undefeated streak in their last five matches in regulation time, which includes a penalty shootout victory over Egypt for third place in the African Cup of Nations, a win over Algeria, and triumphs against Mozambique and Iran.
Historically, Nigeria and Jordan have faced each other twice in senior international competitions, with each side claiming victory once. Nigeria won their first encounter in the LG Cup in Lagos back in April 2004, with a 2-0 scoreline, but Jordan bounced back with a 1-0 victory in a friendly in Amman in October 2013, thanks to a penalty from Hatem Axel.
