Future Eagles held by Jordan as Nigeria draw twice at FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival

Nigeria’s Future Eagles were held to a second consecutive draw at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival, drawing 2-2 with Jordan in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Coach Patrick Bassey’s side took a point from their second Group AD match at the Hovsan Competition Complex on Sunday morning, despite surrendering an early lead and facing defeat until the final moments.

Captain Timothy Ijachi put Nigeria ahead in the 24th minute, but Jordan levelled five minutes later through Zinedine Abushaer.

Jordan then completed the turnaround when Abdelrahman Khear scored in the 37th minute. Nigeria’s Abdulrazak Mufutau, who plays for 12Alive FC, Ibadan, rescued his side with an equaliser in the second minute of stoppage time, listed as 40+2.

The result gives the Future Eagles two points from their opening two matches in the eight-a-side tournament. Matches are played over two 20-minute halves.

Nigeria had begun the competition with a 3-3 draw against South Sudan on Saturday, meaning they have scored six goals across their first two games but remain without a victory.

The Future Eagles are due to return to action later on Sunday, facing fellow West African side The Gambia in their third group fixture at 4:30pm WAT.

They will complete the group stage on Monday with two further matches. Nigeria will play Cyprus at 8:30am before meeting Pakistan at 3:15pm.

Results and performances in the group phase will determine the tier in which each country continues during the second phase of the competition. Those matches will be played on October 28 and 29, with the tier finals scheduled for October 30.

The FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival is being staged in Baku, Azerbaijan, with Nigeria competing in Group AD alongside South Sudan, Jordan, The Gambia, Cyprus and Pakistan.