Super Eagles Set 2 Unwanted Records After Defeat to Mali in Friendly Game

• Nigeria’s friendly defeat to Mali has dented the Super Eagles' records
• Mali defeated the Super Eagles 2-0 in the friendly game in Marrakech
• The loss marked Nigeria’s first loss under interim boss, Finidi George

Finidi George’s second game in charge of the Super Eagles ended in defeat for Nigeria after the team suffered a 2-0 defeat to the Eagles of Mali on Tuesday night in Marrakech.

Riding on the victory against the Black Stars of Ghana last week Friday, Nigeria headed into the game against Mali as favourites, owing to their superior record against their West African neighbours.

According to Daily Post NG, however, a goal in each half from El Bilal Toure and Kamorou Dounmbia ensured the Malians emerged victorious for the first time against Nigeria since 1975.

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The Super Eagles' defeat to Mali’s Eagles set an unwanted record for the AFCON silver medalists as this is the country’s first loss to their neighbours in 49 years, Complete Sports notes.

Nigeria's unbeaten record of eight games against the Malians was also shattered in the international friendly game.

Super Eagles paid dearly for mistakes

Meanwhile, Finidi has claimed the Super Eagles played better against Mali but were punished for their mistakes against the Eagles after losing 2-0 on Tuesday night, Score Nigeria reports.

The Nigerian team dominated the game but were found wanting in attack after failing to take advantage of the few chances they created, with Cyriel Dessers and Moses Simon missing sitters.

The Super Eagles will now shift their attention to June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and the Benin Republic.

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Reasons for Nigeria's loss against Mail

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that the absence of a traditional centre-forward has been blamed for Nigeria’s 2-0 defeat to Mali as it made it difficult for them to penetrate their opponent’s solid defensive structure.

Kelechi Iheanacho led the Super Eagles' attack alongside winger, Moses Simon, but that selection proved expensive as Nigeria struggled to produce significant opportunities to win the international friendly game.

Nigeria conceded a lacklustre goal against Ghana, and their defensive performance against Mali was even more chaotic, as the opening goal stemmed from a misplaced pass by a Super Eagles defender.