All eyes were on the Cape Coast Stadium as the WAFU Cup of Nations continued, with Nigeria facing Mali. Now, Nigeria are set to clash in another international friendly in Morocco.
Nigeria slipped to a dreadful defeat against Mali in Tuesday night’s friendly match in Marrakesh. The Super Eagles were looking to build some more momentum in Morocco after bouncing back from last month’s agonizing Africa Cup of Nations final defeat by hosts Ivory Coast with a morale-boosting victory over fierce rivals Ghana in the so-called ‘Jollof Derby’ on Friday.
However, they flattered to deceive massively on Tuesday, with a dreadful defensive blunder from Chidozie Awaziem allowing Atalanta’s El Bilal Toure to put Mali ahead early on from close range. Moses Simon was then stretchered off after spurning a glorious chance to equalize during a collision with goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa, while replacement Cyriel Dessers of Rangers also wasted a golden opportunity to level the game at 1-1 in the second half.
The well below-par Super Eagles just could not find that elusive equalizer and paid the price late on when Kamory Doumbia blasted past Stanley Nwabali to seal a second straight friendly win for Mali and leave Nigeria interim boss Finidi George concerned about his chances of earning the job on a full-time basis.
Nigeria will wrap up their international break with a friendly match against Mali at the Stade de Marrakech on Tuesday. The two nations are looking to build on wins in their earlier matches in the current international window. Mali were 2-0 winners over Mauritania, their second win in three matches. This was a good response to their loss in the earlier game, a late defeat to Ivory Coast at AFCON 2023. The match also marked a first clean sheet in three, and Mali will seek to build on the gains. Their good scoring form will be the biggest strength they carry to this game.
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Mali have failed to score in just one of their last 13 matches. They however have just three clean sheets in 10 matches Les Aigles will be unfazed about having to play away from home. They haven't lost in any of their last four away matches.This will be the first meeting between these two sides in eight years; Nigeria won in the last encounter. The Super Eagles have also been on a string scoring run against Mali, failing to score just once in six meetings.
Coming into this game, Nigeria conceded late in their 2-1 win over Ghana in their first friendly game. Goals from Cyril Dessers and Ademola Lookman rendered Jordan Ayew’s last minute penalty goal a mere consolation. The win was a welcome return to action after their loss to Ivory Coast in the 2023 AFCON final. While they come into this game on a good run of form, Nigeria still need to work on their defence. They haven't managed a clean sheet in their last three matches. Nigeria have however made up for that with a good scoring run.
Nigeria 🇳🇬 vs Mali 🇲🇱 | Extended Highlights | #AfroBasketWomen 2025
Team News
Nigeria are bringing in talented newcomers for their first international call-ups, such as center-back Benjamin Tainimu, and young prospects Nathan Tella, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Tyronne Ebuehi.
Yves Bissouma, the highly regarded midfielder from Tottenham Hotspur and arguably Mali’s most beloved player, is notably absent from the squad. It’s anticipated that Diadie Samassekou from Cadiz CF will fill his spot in the starting lineup, joining forces with Lassana Coulibaly and Amadou Haidara in the midfield.
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Four Nigeria changes from Ghana win So Finidi George makes four changes to the team that started the 2-1 win over Ghana in Morocco on Friday. Captain Kenneth Omeruo is back in defence, joined by Cardiff left-back Jamilu Collins. Raphael Onyedika comes into the midfield as expected, with Moses Simon drafted into the attack. Benjamin Tanimu, Bruno Onyemaechi and Cyriel Dessers all drop to the bench, with Brentford’s Frank Onyeka missing out due to injury as mentioned. Still no place in the starting XI for Ademola Lookman.
Three changes from Mali tonight, with Mamadou Samassa lining up in goal instead of Djigui Diarra. Real Sociedad right-back Hamari Traore comes in and captains the team, while Montpellier centre-back Kimi Kouyate also starts. Abdoulaye Diaby and Falaye Sacko drop out.
Probable Starters:
- Nigeria: Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Osas Okoro, Chima Akas, Ariwachukwu Emmanuel, Stephen Eze, Afeez Aremu, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, Rabiu Ali, Peter Eneji, Kingsley Eduwo, Ubong Friday
- Mali: Diarra, I Samake, I Traore, Samassekou, L Samake, Konte, M Traore, Coulibaly, Malle, Kida, Kone
Hamari Traore, captain of Mali, has emerged as Mali’s standout defender, anchoring the right side of their defensive line with composure and efficiency. His consistent performance in keeping opposition attacks in check highlights his reliability.
Alex Iwobi, although not characterized by the typical ‘lightning feet’ and precise close control often associated with Spanish players, displays a distinctive dribbling style. He navigates through tight spaces with a blend of creativity, improvisation, and cunning, reminiscent of his uncle Jay-Jay Okocha. Despite this, Iwobi’s decision-making and adept skill selection on the field stand out.
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Mali have established themselves as one of the most organized teams in Africa. Their style of play reflects patience and a focus on maximizing their strengths.
Matches between Nigeria and Mali are often closely contested.
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Match Highlights
FT: Nigeria 0-2 Mali
- GOAL! Doumbia wraps up Mali victory late
- GOAL! Toure punishes dreadful defensive error
A real night to forget for Nigeria, who seriously flattered to deceive and surprisingly had no momentum whatsoever despite their victory over rivals Ghana on Friday.
That feels like a real blow to interim boss and Super Eagles legend Finidi George’s chances of landing the manager’s job on a permanent basis ahead of summer World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin.
But what a great win for Mali to back up Friday’s identical result against Mauritania. A real boost for Eric Chelle after that agonizing Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final exit in Ivory Coast.
They will take a lot of confidence into their own June qualifiers against Ghana and Madagascar.
Past Meetings
Here's a summary of past meetings between Nigeria and Mali:
| Date | Match | Score | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Jun 1960 | Nigeria v Mali | 2-3 | International Friendly |
| 10 Dec 1972 | Nigeria v Mali | 3-0 | International Friendly |
| 05 Sep 1975 | Nigeria v Mali | 1-4 | International Friendly |
| 14 Jul 1978 | Nigeria v Mali | 3-1 | All African Games |
| 18 Dec 1983 | Nigeria v Mali | 0-0 | CADECO Cup |
| 24 Jan 2002 | Mali v Nigeria | 0-0 | African Cup of Nations |
| 09 Feb 2002 | Mali v Nigeria | 0-1 | African Cup of Nations |
| 13 Feb 2004 | Nigeria v Mali | 2-1 | African Cup of Nations |
| 25 Jan 2008 | Nigeria v Mali | 0-0 | African Cup of Nations |
| 06 Feb 2013 | Mali v Nigeria | 1-4 | African Cup of Nations |
| 11 Jan 2014 | Mali v Nigeria | 2-1 | African Nations Championship |
| 27 May 2016 | Nigeria v Mali | 1-0 | International Friendly |
Map of Nigeria
Map of Mali
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