Super Eagles wing clipped in Morocco as Mali records first victory against Nigeria in 49 years
By Olusola Adebayo
The Super Eagles succumbed to goals in each half as Mali recorded a rare two - nil victory over Nigeria in an international friendly played at the Grade de Stade Marrakech lin Morocco on Tuesday night.to record their first win over Nigeria in forty nine years.
Goals from youngsters El Bilal Touré in 17th minutes and Kamory Doumbia in the 87th minute stopped the Finidi George tutored side from ending their international window break on a high, having defeated the Black Stars of Ghana by 2-1 four days earlier.
Coach Finidi George made four changes to the team that defeated Ghana on Friday as Moses Simon, Kenneth Omeruo, Jamilu Collins, and Raphael Onyedika replaced Cyriel Dessers, Benjamin Tanimu, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Frank Onyeka in the starting line up.
The Super Eagles looked lively in the early minutes but a poor clearance from Chigozie Awaziem left goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili exposed as El Bilal Touré, converts from close range.
Nigeria responded by moving the ball forward swiftly as players were committed to getting an equaliser as quickly as possible but all to no avail as the Malians have answers to every questions the Super Eagles were asking neutralising all the threats from the Super Eagles.
Cyril Dressers replaced Simon Moses up front in the first half due to Injury and Nigeria best chance fell on his legs after a fine work from Kelechi Iheanacho only for the Rangers striker to fluff his line to end the first half in 1-0.
Despite the Super Eagles holding the bulk of the ball possession in the second half, the attack remained blunt as the lads from Nigeria laboured in vain with no big chances of scoring created.
The Malians deflated all hopes of the Super Eagles coming back into the game in the dying minute of the match when Kamory Doumbia scored the second goal..
The victory ensured that the Eagles Mali recorded first win over the Super Eagles of Nigeria since 1975, a run which stretches to nine matches with zero victory , six losses and three draws.
