Evening Standard
·26 March 2024
Evening Standard
·26 March 2024
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 agonising 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 equalise 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 equaliser 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. Follow Nigeria vs Mali reaction live below!