Nigeria Stumble Against Mali As Les Aigles Get First Win Against Super Eagles After 49 Years

• Nigeria failed to make it two wins in a row under Finidi George as they lost to Mali in Morocco
• The Super Eagles fell to defeat with goals from two youngsters in Les Aigles' team in the game
• Eric Chelle's team ended a 49-year-old bad record against the Super Eagles on Tuesday evening

The Super Eagles of Nigeria failed to replicate their performance against Ghana in their second friendly match as they fell to Mali in Morocco.

Les Aigles claimed a deserving 2-0 win over the Super Eagles with goals in each half from youngsters El Bilal Toure and Kamory Doumbia.

Nigeria came into the game with a 2-1 win over Ghana, while the Malians also got a 2-0 victory over Mauritania in their first friendly match.

Finidi George made a lot of changes to his team that started the Ghana game, with Moses Simon, Kenneth Omeruo, Jamilu Collins, and Raphael Onyedika replacing Cyriel Dessers, Benjamin Tanimu, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Frank Onyeka in the starting lineup.

Victor Osimhen: Napoli Striker Ruled Out of Super Eagles Friendlies With Ghana, Mali

Football

Nigeria started the game brightly, but the press from Mali paid off after a defensive error from Chidozie Awaziem left Stanley Nwabali at the mercy of El Bilal Toure, who hit the back of the net from close range in the 17th minute.

Eric Chelle's defensive setup was challenging for the Super Eagles as the first half ended with a lone goal led by Les Aigles.

Nigeria's first chance in the game came from a swift counterattack, but Dessers could not punish the Malian defence after being set up by Iheanacho.

Mali put the game to bed after 21-year-old Doumbia hit the back of the net with three minutes left.

The win means Les Aigles have ended their 49-year-old winless run against the Super Eagles. The last time they defeated the three-time AFCON champions was in 1975.

Barcelona, PSG win away in Women's Champions League

Football

Osimhen’s AFCON display impacted George's tactics

Sports Brief also reported that Nigeria's interim coach, Finidi, explained how Victor Osimhen's performance at the 2023 AFCON influenced his team's formation against Ghana.

The 52-year-old emphasised the burden placed on the Napoli superstar during the tournament and was keen to avoid a repeat of it.