Nigeria vs Mali: Match details, team news, head-to-head

Nigeria is set to take on Mali in their second international friendly at the Stade de Grande in Marrakech, Morocco on Tuesday, March 26(today).

Both teams come into the game on the back of wins in their last match.

Nigeria beat Ghana 2-1 in a feisty friendly encounter last Friday whereas Mali eased past Mauritania with a comfortable 2-0 win on the same day.

Team News

Nigeria's Interim coach Finidi George is likely to tweak the starting line-up he deployed in the last game against Ghana.

Some players who did not play against the Black Stars are likely to be handed the opportunity to feature against the Eagles of Mali.

Fulham's Calvin Bassey and Brentford's Frank Onyeka are currently out of the squad due to injury.

The former international is likely to maintain the same defensive backline against Ghana by fielding Benjamin Tanimu, Chidozie Awaziem, and Semi Ajayi

Francis Uzoho is likely to replace Stanley Nwabali in the post.

Fenerbahce's Bright Osayi-Samuel is likely to maintain his right-back role while Jamilu Collins could replace Bruno Onyemaechi in the left-back position.

Ndidi, Iwobi and Onyedika are likely to be the preferred candidates in the midfield area.

Meanwhile, the attack is likely to see some changes as Ademola Lookman and Umar Sadiq are likely to replace Cyriel Dessers and Kelechi Iheanacho who started against Ghana.

Head-to-head

There have been 11 matches played between Nigeria and Mali. The Super Eagles have recorded the highest number of wins (6) with 3 draws and 2 losses.

Nigeria last lost to Mali back in 1975 in a friendly encounter.

The Super Eagles' memorable win against the Eagles came in 2013 when Nigeria thumped Mali 4-1 in the semi-finals before going on to beat Burkina Faso in the final.

In their last meeting in 2016, the Super Eagles beat Mali by a lone goal courtesy of Kelechi Iheanacho.

Match details

Competition: International friendly
Match: Nigeria vs Mali
Venue: Grand Stade de Marrakech
Date: Tuesday, 26 March 2024
Kickoff time: 9 pm (Nigerian time)