Tuesday night in Marrakesh, Les Aigles defeated the Super Eagles 2-0 thanks to their dominance.
Mali put up a better show to start the game, keeping possession, making accurate passes, and taking advantage of openings with a faster pace and greater energy. El Bilal Toure gave them a well-earned 1-0 lead after scoring after eighteen minutes, rewarding their efforts.
Mali’s well-drilled and unwavering defense prevented the Super Eagles from breaking through, and when the first half came to a close, Mali still had a one-goal lead.
The Nigerians tried to settle into a rhythm as the second half got underway, but they found it difficult to avoid giving up needless fouls, which made the timer run out and halted their momentum.
Les Aigles pulled away in the closing minutes, with Kamory Doumbia winning in the 87th to give Les Aigles a commanding 2-0 victory over Nigeria.
Les Aigles deserves credit for their excellent defense and their impressive display of discipline and effort throughout the game.
Just eighteen minutes into the game, Atalanta attacker Toure slotted the ball past Stanley Nwabali from close range after to a defensive blunder by Nigeria’s Chidozie Awaziem.
The Super Eagles’ next test will come in June when they play South Africa and Benin in the Fifa World Cup qualifying tournament, following the end of the international break.
Nigeria has two points from two games played and is currently in third place in Group C.