The Eagles of Mali put up a dominant display to easily dispatch the Super Eagles of Nigeria 2-0 in an international friendly match played at the Grande Stade de Marrakech on Tuesday night in to register their first win in 49 years over the AFCON 2024 finalists.
The Eagles, who were stunned in a quick turn of events by the hosts of the recently concluded AFCON in Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals, recorded a second victory in the March international window with goals from El Bilal Toure in the 18th minute and Kamory Doumbia in the 87th minute securing the win.
Mali had recorded the same scoreline victory over Mauritania last Friday, while the Super Eagles led by Finidi George were seeking another win after beating the Black Stars of Ghana 2-1 last Friday.
Reacting to the performance of his side after a not-so-convincing display, Coach George reflected on the loss to their West African rivals in a chat to NFF TV.
“I think we made a few mistakes that cost us the match. It wasn't a bad game, good intensity was exhibited and we created a couple of chances but failed to score. When you make mistakes and fail to score, you get punished but I was happy with the entire play.
“The formation wasn't bad at all, this is a team that keeps the ball very well. Using two strikers helped us and forced them to play wide. We could have pressed a bit more but overall, we weren't bad.
“The Malians were aggressive in the first half, we committed the blunder and we conceded. In the second half, we had no choice but to come all out and they sat deep. Even with that approach by the opponents, we still created chances. Football is just like that, sometimes you lose, sometimes you win. Overall, we have been able to identify some players that can still be a part of the setup soon.”
Omeruo rues missed chances
After the game, Kasimpasa of Turkey defender and Super Eagles stand-in captain Kenneth Omeruo gave his assessment of the game and lamented that the team missed chances to register goals in the game.
“We played better in the second half. Overall, it wasn't a bad game, we just failed to take our chances and we conceded two goals but I think we played a good game,” said the 2013 AFCON winner.
On his general overview of the window in Morocco, Omeruo had this to say: “I think it's a fantastic experience here in Morocco, I won't talk about the players that are not here but we enjoyed ourselves playing some good football, we just didn't score enough goals.”
Omeruo also lamented the early loss of Simon in the game, admitting that it affected the team's flow and confirming that he was taken to the hospital for further checks and that the team is hopeful that it won't be anything too serious.
When asked about the interim manager, Omeruo had praises for the former Ajax winger. “The coach is good, the players respect him because he is someone we know. He has a good relationship with the players and has every experience to lead us and I think he has managed the team well so far.”
‘I am not desperate for a permanent role' – Finidi
After seeing the outcome of the two games while in charge, Finidi talked about his bond with the players and stated that he was not in any way seeking a permanent role.
“Not a bad performance, lost one, won one. We were not outplayed and that is a good thing. I think we did so well in the first although I would have loved a different outcome in the second but the players performed well.
“I felt really good when I was told to take charge of the team. I have been with the team for almost two years, I know all the players, their strengths, and their weaknesses but I am only here to serve Nigeria the way I know how to do stuff.
I will just take these two games and go back to my club. Whatever the decision is taken after, so be it. I'm not under pressure to say I must get the role permanently.”
What next for the Super Eagles?
The team will regroup in June for its 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and the Benin Republic with hopes of reviving its campaign by bagging maximum points from the two scheduled games. The Super Eagles have only managed two points from a possible six in games against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
Elsewhere, Nigeria's group opponents in the Road to 2026 World Cup chase were also involved in friendly games. South Africa held Algeria to a 3-3 draw in Algiers while Zimbabwe lost 1-3 to Kenya.
Rwanda defeated Madagascar 2-0 on Monday, Lesotho lost 2-1 to Ethiopia in its second friendly against the same opponents in 3 days while Benin Republic narrowly lost to Senegal 1-0 on Tuesday night as well.
