Goals from El-Bilal Toure and Kamouri Doumbia sunk the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Stade de Marrakech in Morocco as they lost to Mali by two goals.
Soccernet.ng brings the five major takeaways from the encounter.
2. Nigeria clueless without Osimhen up-front
Despite not being at his best in terms of clinicality at the AFCON 2023 tournament, Victor Osimhen undoubtedly offers way more than any other Nigeria striker in terms of hold-up play. Kelechi Iheanacho showed tonight why his best role is usually just behind the striker and not being the leader of the attack. It was also seemingly evident that the partnership with Moses Simon up-front was an abysmal decision by Finidi George.
3. Cyriel Dessers wasteful
The Rangers striker scored from the spot against Ghana but started tonight’s game on the bench. He came on in the 34th minute to replace the injured Moses Simon. He had the golden chance to draw the Super Eagles level just past the hour mark, but skied his chance, and the miss came back to haunt the three-time AFCON winners.
4. Moses Simon’s nasty injury
The Nantes winger had to be stretchered off and rushed to the hospital after clashing with the Malian goalkeeper in the 30th minute. It looked like a very nasty knee injury as he was in tears and had to be taken off.
5. Ademola Lookman is Nigeria’s best option from the flank
Lookman’s versatility and ability to drift inwards from either flank makes him Nigeria’s best option out wide. Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon consistently struggle with their decision-making in the final third, but the ability of the Atalanta S.C. man to stand out makes him the best of the bunch, alongside his ability to link up with strikers up front. If Nigeria wants to win games, Lookman should be an undisputed starter.
N.B: We want to know your thoughts. What stood out for you in the game between Nigeria and Mali? Let us know in the comments.