Mali Defeat Super Eagles For First Time In 49 Years
The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Tuesday were beaten 2-0 by the Les Aiglesof Mali courtesy of goals from El Bilal Toure and Kamory Doumbia in the international friendly.
The game was played in Marrakech, Morocco on Tuesday night.
Nigeria, led by George Finidi, fell behind in the first half and struggled all through to get an equaliser only to concede yet another goal late.
Éric Chelle men showed strong intent at the early stages of the match started the match with a controlled possession and precise passes putting the Super Eagles on the defensive.
They were soon rewarded for their early tempo after a lapse in concentration by Chidozie Awaziem, paved the way for Atalanta striker, El Bilal Toure to beat Stanley Nwabali from close range, just 18 minutes into the match.
The Super Eagles began to grow in confidence and gradually dominate possession but struggled to breakdown a resolute Mali defence as the first half ended with Mali maintaining their one-goal lead.
The last time Mali defeated the Super Eagles was on 5th September 1975, also in a friendly which ended 4-1.
Prior to Tuesday’s game, the Eagles were unbeaten in eight straight fixtures against the Malians, recording five wins and three draws.
Interim coach, Finidi George, gave starting shirts to Jamilu Collins, Raphael Onyedika, and Kenneth Omeruo.
The trio replaced Bruno Onyemaechi, Frank Onyeka and Benjamin Tanimu, who all featured in the 2-1 win against Ghana on Friday.
The loss was Finidi’s first at the helms of affairs following the expiration of Jose Peseiro’s contract.
Finidi won his first game in charge; the friendly against the Black Stars of Ghana.
Up next for Nigeria is the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa in June.
