Super Eagles may reshuffle defense after fresh injury concerns
Nigeria’s preparations for their upcoming international friendly against Jordan have suffered a potential setback, with key defenders Semi Ajayi and Igoh Ogbu emerging as major doubts for the encounter.
Head coach Eric Chelle could be forced into a defensive reshuffle ahead of Tuesday’s fixture, as concerns grow over the availability of both players following the team’s recent outing.
Defensive Concerns After Iran Victory
The Super Eagles head into the match on the back of a 2-1 win over Iran, where goals from Akor Adams and Moses Simon secured victory during the ongoing international break.
However, that win may have come at a cost. Ajayi, who started the match, was substituted at halftime under unclear circumstances, raising questions about his fitness ahead of the Jordan clash.
Meanwhile, Ogbu has also reportedly struggled with fitness issues, with both defenders missing recovery training sessions after the Iran game—further fueling doubts about their availability.
The possible absence of Ajayi and Ogbu adds to an already growing list of unavailable players for the Super Eagles.
Top stars including Victor Osimhen, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, and Stanley Nwabali were all absent from the Iran fixture, leaving the squad stretched in key areas.
With two more defenders now doubtful, Chelle may be forced to rely on less experienced options or experiment with a new defensive pairing.
Big Test Against Jordan
Nigeria will face Jordan—also known as the Al-Nashama—in their second match of the international window, as part of a four-nation tournament serving as preparation for upcoming competitions.
The fixture represents another opportunity for Chelle to assess his squad depth, especially with the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and future tournaments on the horizon.
Jordan, who have shown strong recent form, are expected to provide a stern test for the Super Eagles’ reshuffled lineup.