Nigeria vs Mali: Les Aigles secure 2-0 win over Super Eagles

The Super Eagles of Nigeria suffered a disappointing 2-0 loss to the Les Aigles of Mali in an intentional friendly on Tuesday, March 27, 2024.

After leading the Super Eagles to an impressive 2-1 win over the Black Stars of Ghana on Friday, interim manager Finidi George in a bid to make a lasting impression made three changes to his last starting XI, only to look on helplessly as the Eagles failed to register a shot on target.

The Grand de Stade Marrakech was empty just like in the friendly against Ghana. However, unlike their last outing, the Super Eagles flattered to deceive right from the blast of the whistle.

After a defensive blunder from Chigozie Awaziem who was trying to pass from the back, Atalanta’s El Bilal Toure put the Malians ahead in the 18th minute, before Nigeria lost Moses Simon to an unfortunate injury.

The Nantes winger was played on goal by Alex Iwobi around the 28th minute, but he couldn’t make good contact with the ball, as he collided with goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa.

The winger was stretchered off and replaced by Rangers Cyriel Dessers who only compounded Nigeria’s woes on the night.

After spurning a glorious chance from Wilfred Ndidi’s sublime pass in the 64th minute, Dessers will later go on to control into the hands of the opponent in the 87th minute, allowing Kamory Doumbia to double the Marlians lead and grab their first-ever win over Nigeria for the first time since 1975.