Future Eagles held to second draw at FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival

Nigeria’s Future Eagles conceded a late equaliser as they drew 2-2 with Jordan in their second Group AD match at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Patrick Bassey’s side took the lead through captain Timothy Ijachi in the 24th minute at the Hovsan Competition Complex on Sunday morning.

Jordan levelled five minutes later, with Zinedine Abushaer finding the net in the 29th minute. Abdelrahman Khear then completed the turnaround by putting Jordan ahead in the 37th minute.

Nigeria appeared set to suffer defeat until Abdulrazak Mufutau, who plays for 12Alive FC, Ibadan, scored in the second minute of stoppage time to secure a point for the Future Eagles.

The draw followed Nigeria’s 3-3 stalemate with South Sudan in their opening Group AD fixture on Saturday. The result leaves the team with two points from two matches.

The tournament is being played in an eight-a-side format, with each match consisting of two 20-minute halves.

Nigeria are scheduled to return to action later on Sunday, facing fellow West African side The Gambia at 4:30pm WAT in their third group game.

The Future Eagles will complete their group-stage programme on Monday with two further fixtures. They will meet Cyprus at 8:30am before playing Pakistan at 3:15pm.

Results in the group stage will decide which tier each participating country enters in the second phase, to be held on October 28 and 29. The finals for the different tiers are scheduled for October 30.