Nigeria return to action tonight with another high-profile friendly match in Marrakesh. The Super Eagles bounced back from their agonising Africa Cup of Nations final defeat by hosts Ivory Coast last month by seeing off rivals Ghana at the same venue on Friday, with goals from Rangers’ Cyriel Dessers and Ademola Lookman securing victory for interim boss Finidi George despite a last-gasp Jordan Ayew penalty.
Nigeria remain in Morocco for a second fixture against Mali, with the legendary George looking for another strong performance and result that could see him win the race to succeed former head coach Jose Peseiro on a permanent basis ahead of the return of the World Cup qualifiers in the summer. They could face a stern test against Mali, who topped their group at the latest edition of AFCON and reached the quarter-finals before also being edged out by Ivory Coast after extra time.
Les Aigles also come into this evening’s game off the back of a victory, having beaten Mauritania 2-0 in Marrakesh on Friday night. They may fancy their chances of repeating that feat against a team missing several key players including striking talisman Victor Osimhen, with George making four changes to his starting team also now missing Frank Onyeka. Follow Nigeria vs Mali live below!
Nigeria vs Mali highlights
- FT: Nigeria 0-2 Mali
- GOAL! Doumbia wraps up Mali victory late
- GOAL! Toure punishes dreadful defensive error
Nigeria 0-2 Mali
23:08 , George Flood
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.
Nigeria 0-2 Mali
23:01 , George Flood
89 mins: The few Mali fans inside the Le Grand Stade de Marrakesh are really enjoying themselves now.
A poor foul on Kamory Doumbia that brings a yellow card sums up Nigeria’s frustration.
GOAL! Nigeria 0-2 Mali | Kamory Doumbia 87′
22:58 , George Flood
87 mins: And that will surely seal it!
Mamady Diambou plays in Kamory Doumbia, who needs no second invitation to thump a powerful effort beyond the helpless Stanley Nwabali from inside the box.
Nigeria have just has no answers tonight.
Nigeria 0-1 Mali
22:53 , George Flood
Nigeria 0-1 Mali
22:50 , George Flood
82 mins: Amadou Haidara is among the players to make way now as Mali take more precious seconds off the clock.
Kelechi Iheanacho delivers a free-kick from the left that is easily gathered by Mamadou Samassa.
Nigeria 0-1 Mali
22:49 , George Flood
80 mins: Both Mamadou Samassa and Kiki Kouyate are now back on their feet.
They’ve had a flurry of second-half corners. All come to nothing, but the intent is much better at least than in a truly turgid first 45 minutes.
Nigeria 0-1 Mali
22:24 , George Flood
55 mins: Some treatment is now being given to Mali’s Diadie Samassekou before Nigeria deliver a couple of quick-fire corners that are easily cleared.
The delivery has to be better from Kelechi Iheanacho.
Nigeria 0-1 Mali
22:22 , George Flood
53 mins: I think Mali goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa has just been booked for time-wasting at a goal kick.
There are still more than 35 minutes to play in Marrakesh.
Nigeria 0-1 Mali
22:21 , George Flood
Nigeria 0-1 Mali
22:14 , George Flood
Back underway in Marrakesh!
A huge improvement needed from the Super Eagles.
GOAL! Nigeria 0-1 Mali | El Bilal Toure 18′
22:02 , George Flood
18 mins: The Super Eagles deservedly fall behind early in Marrakesh!
They are caught out badly at the back and Eric Chelle’s side take full advantage.
I think it was Chidozie Awaziem who was the culprit, pressured by RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara as he slips and tries to play a bizarre lofted ball across his own box.
It’s chested down gratefully by Atalanta striker El Bilal Toure in the middle and he taps past Stanley Nwabali from close range.
An absolutely dreadful goal to concede. How will Nigeria respond?
Nigeria 0-1 Mali
21:59 , George Flood
Very far from a classic first half in Marrakesh.
Nigeria deservedly trail at the break in this friendly match after a terrible defensive error from Chidozie Awaziem opened the door for Atalanta striker El Bilal Toure to beat Stanley Nwabali from close range after only 18 minutes.
Not much else of note to report so far, with the already depleted Super Eagles losing Moses Simon to injury as he spurned their best chance.
A lot of work for Finidi George to do here to avoid a defeat that would presumably greatly harm his chances of getting the Nigeria head coach job on a full-time basis.
Nigeria 0-1 Mali
21:55 , George Flood
Half-time
Nigeria 0-1 Mali
21:54 , George Flood
45 mins: The fourth official’s board goes up and two minutes of added time have been signalled at the end of this first half.
Nigeria could really use some stern or inspiring words from Finidi George at the break to spur them into action.
Nigeria 0-1 Mali
21:53 , George Flood
44 mins: Good defending from former QPR man Osayi-Samuel under pressure from St Gallen’s Daouda Guindo as Mali initially combine nicely down their left flank before giving up a pressure-relieving free-kick.
Nigeria 0-1 Mali
21:49 , George Flood
42 mins: Nice link-up play between Bright Osayi-Samuel and Kelechi Iheanacho in the right-hand channel, but Mali are able to scramble clear.
Nigeria 0-1 Mali
21:48 , George Flood
40 mins: Not a lot happening at the moment as half-time looms in Marrakesh.
Nigeria are seeing a lot more of the ball now, but cannot find a way through Mali’s disciplined and determined rearguard.
Eric Chelle’s side are keeping their shape very well out of possession, it must be said.
Three Mali changes after Mauritania win
20:42 , George Flood
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.
Mali lineup
20:28 , George Flood
And finally, here’s how Mali line up for this evening’s friendly contest…
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