The senior national team of Nigeria lost their second friendly game in Morocco after suffering a 0-2 defeat in the hands of Mali, four days after defeating Ghana 1-2 at the same venue, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Atalanta forward El Bilal Touré made the most of a horrendous pass from Chidozie Awaziem across the defence of Nigeria to put his side one goal up after 18 minutes. It remained that way until the half time break with Nigeria forced into making a substitution when Moses Simon went off injured.
Simon was subbed of for Cyriel Dessers after a collision in the box as he raced through to meet a pass from Alex Iwobi. Nigeria returned from the break the better side and almost drew level through Dessers.
He was put through by Kelechi Iheanacho but with only the goalkeeper at his mercy he skied his effort wide off the goal much to the bewilderment of his teammates, who felt he should have drawn them level.
Super Eagles were made to pay for that miss when Kamory Doumbia fired home a second for the Malian Eagles with three minutes left to play in the game. A goal which they thoroughly deserved due to their organization and approach.
Nigeria will now regroup in June for the world cup 2026 qualifiers, where they will take on South Africa with probably a new coach who will replace interim coach Finidi George, who was meant to stay in the role and prosecute the two friendly games for this month.
