Nigeria: Super Eagles get title boost as Jordan hold Costa Rica in 4-goal thriller

Nigeria’s Super Eagles now have a clear advantage in the race to win the four-nation invitational tournament after results in both matches went their way, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Super Eagles’ 2-1 win over Iran, combined with Jordan’s 2-2 draw against Costa Rica, means Nigeria are in control going into the final round of games.

The situation is simple. If Nigeria beat Jordan on Tuesday, they will win the tournament. A draw could also be enough, if Iran defeat Costa Rica in the other match or both teams play out a draw. That leaves the Super Eagles knowing that their fate is firmly in their own hands.

Jordan’s failure to hold on to victory against Costa Rica could prove costly. They led 2-0 late in the game and looked set to move level with Nigeria at the top. But a late comeback from Costa Rica changed the picture completely.

First, Costa Rica pulled a goal back in the 84th minute after a penalty was saved but turned in on the rebound. Then, deep into stoppage time, they equalised through a powerful header from a corner. Instead of three points, Jordan had to settle for one.

That result keeps Nigeria ahead and gives them a strong chance of lifting the trophy. With momentum on their side and a win already secured, the Super Eagles will approach Tuesday’s game knowing exactly what is required.

How Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Jordan performed in their opening games

Nigeria’s performance against Iran was organised, confident and effective. They started quickly and took the lead inside six minutes through Moses Simon, who finished well after a swift counter-attack.

From that moment, Nigeria controlled much of the first half. Wilfred Ndidi protected the defence, while Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze caused problems in wide areas. The team pressed high and did not allow Iran to settle.

The second goal came early in the second half. Akor Adams finished calmly after a good move involving Lookman, giving Nigeria a two-goal cushion and putting them in a strong position.

There were also important moments for new players. Emmanuel Fernandez and Chibuike Nwaiwu both made their senior debuts, showing the squad depth available to the coach.Iran did respond, with Mehdi Taremi scoring to make it 2-1 and set up a tense finish.

But Nigeria stayed disciplined at the back and saw out the game without panic.

Jordan’s match against Costa Rica followed a different pattern. After a quiet first half, they took control early in the second period. A penalty gave them the lead, and they added a second goal with a well-worked attacking move.

At 2-0, Jordan looked comfortable. They kept possession well and slowed the game down, making it difficult for Costa Rica to respond. But the closing stages changed everything.

Costa Rica showed determination, winning a penalty and then scoring from the rebound. That lifted their confidence, and they pushed forward again. In stoppage time, they found the equaliser from a corner, turning defeat into a draw.