Nigeria’s Super Eagles had their wings clipped at the Grande Stade de Marrakech on Friday, as Mali claimed a fine 2-0 victory over Finidi George’s men, Soccernet.ng reports.
Coach Finidi George made four changes to the team that secured a 2-1 win over Ghana on Friday.
Moses Simon, Kenneth Omeruo, Jamilu Collins, and Raphael Onyedika replaced Cyriel Dessers, Benjamin Tanimu, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Frank Onyeka in the starting eleven.
The Super Eagles looked to build up play from the back early on, but with Mali pressing high up the pitch, Nigeria always looked an error away from conceding the opening goal.
It happened in the 17th minute when a poor Chidozie Awaziem clearance left goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali at the mercy of El Bilal Touré, who made no mistake from close range.
🚨 🇲🇱 GOAL! Huge mistake at the Nigerian defence and Mali score. 0-1. pic.twitter.com/CQfvxg8pYL
— Football View (@FootballViewYT) March 26, 2024
Mali’s defence stood firm against Nigeria’s feeble attempt in attack, but when Simon broke through for a rare sight at goal, the Nantes winger failed to find the finishing touch his stunning run deserved.
Simon got injured in the process and was stretched out of the field, with Dessers replacing him.
Nigeria’s first real chance of the second half fell to the Glasgow Rangers striker, but he struck his effort well wide after Iheanacho had done well to create the chance following a swift counterattack.