Nigeria vs Mali LIVE!

Nigeria slipped to a dreadful defeat against Mali in Tuesday night’s friendly match in Marrakesh. The Super Eagles were looking to build some more momentum in Morocco after bouncing back from last month’s agonising Africa Cup of Nations final defeat by hosts Ivory Coast with a morale-boosting victory over fierce rivals Ghana in the so-called ‘Jollof Derby’ on Friday.

However, they flattered to deceive massively on Tuesday, with a dreadful defensive blunder from Chidozie Awaziem allowing Atalanta’s El Bilal Toure to put Mali ahead early on from close range. Moses Simon was then stretchered off after spurning a glorious chance to equalise during a collision with goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa, while replacement Cyriel Dessers of Rangers also wasted a golden opportunity to level the game at 1-1 in the second half.

The well below-par Super Eagles just could not find that elusive equaliser and paid the price late on when Kamory Doumbia blasted past Stanley Nwabali to seal a second straight friendly win for Mali and leave Nigeria interim boss Finidi George concerned about his chances of earning the job on a full-time basis. Follow Nigeria vs Mali reaction live below!

Nigeria vs Mali highlights

• FT: Nigeria 0-2 Mali

• GOAL! Doumbia wraps up Mali victory late

• GOAL! Toure punishes dreadful defensive error

Nigeria 0-2 Mali

23:08 , George Flood

A real night to forget for Nigeria, who seriously flattered to deceive and surprisingly had no momentum whatsoever despite their victory over rivals Ghana on Friday.

That feels like a real blow to interim boss and Super Eagles legend Finidi George’s chances of landing the manager’s job on a permanent basis ahead of summer World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin.

But what a great win for Mali to back up Friday’s identical result against Mauritania.

A real boost for Eric Chelle after that agonising Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final exit in Ivory Coast.

They will take a lot of confidence into their own June qualifiers against Ghana and Madagascar.

Nigeria 0-2 Mali

23:05 , George Flood

Full-time

Nigeria 0-2 Mali

23:02 , George Flood

90 mins: Four minutes of stoppage time signalled.

Nigeria could have another 90 minutes and look like they still wouldn’t score.

A real off-night for the Super Eagles.

Nigeria 0-2 Mali

23:01 , George Flood

89 mins: The few Mali fans inside the Le Grand Stade de Marrakesh are really enjoying themselves now.

A poor foul on Kamory Doumbia that brings a yellow card sums up Nigeria’s frustration.

GOAL! Nigeria 0-2 Mali | Kamory Doumbia 87'

22:58 , George Flood

87 mins: And that will surely seal it!

Mamady Diambou plays in Kamory Doumbia, who needs no second invitation to thump a powerful effort beyond the helpless Stanley Nwabali from inside the box.

Nigeria have just has no answers tonight.

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

22:53 , George Flood

84 mins: Mali have offered next to nothing in attack in this second half but suddenly spark into life.

A poor squared pass from Kamory Doumbia ruins one attack before one shot from inside the box is blocked and another sails hopelessly over the crossbar.

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

22:50 , George Flood

82 mins: Amadou Haidara is among the players to make way now as Mali take more precious seconds off the clock.

Kelechi Iheanacho delivers a free-kick from the left that is easily gathered by Mamadou Samassa.

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

22:49 , George Flood

80 mins: Both Mamadou Samassa and Kiki Kouyate are now back on their feet.

They both seem fine to continue.

Nigeria have 10 minutes plus stoppage time remaining to rescue this.

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

22:47 , George Flood

78 mins: Mali goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa and defender Kiki Kouyate are both down inside the box after a painful collision.

The physios are immediately summoned.

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

22:44 , George Flood

74 mins: Nice feet from substitute Ademola Lookman inside the Mali box, but he’s dispossessed and Jamilu Collins can’t earn a corner near the byline.

After a brighter spell, Nigeria have regressed again and time is slipping away.

Lassana Coulibaly has been a threat for Mali on the break down the right-hand side.

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

22:39 , George Flood

70 mins: Into the final 20 minutes in Marrakesh and Nigeria are knocking on the door.

Can they find that elusive equaliser?

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

22:36 , George Flood

66 mins: Close again for Nigeria as a low, long-range drive from Kelechi Iheanacho is saved wonderfully by Mamadou Samassa.

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

22:36 , George Flood

65 mins: Nigeria’s best chance of the game!

Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers is put clean through but somehow misses the target from inside the box with Mamadou Samassa doing his best to close the angle.

A terrible miss.

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

22:32 , George Flood

63 mins: Nigeria just cannot help but to keep giving away these tiresome little fouls that are bleeding time off the clock and completely disrupting their momentum.

They are playing right into Mali’s hands at the moment.

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

22:29 , George Flood

60 mins: Lassana Coulibaly has also been down and in need of treatment for Mali, who have offered very little in this second period so far.

They look content to sit back on their lead and soak up the pressure, taking time off the clock whenever they can with these frequent stoppages.

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

22:27 , George Flood

58 mins: Alert defending from Mali’s Kiki Kouyate to turn behind a dangerous right-wing cross from Nigeria, who are just beginning to ramp up the tempo and pressure now as we tick towards the hour mark.

They’ve had a flurry of second-half corners. All come to nothing, but the intent is much better at least than in a truly turgid first 45 minutes.

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

22:24 , George Flood

55 mins: Some treatment is now being given to Mali’s Diadie Samassekou before Nigeria deliver a couple of quick-fire corners that are easily cleared.

The delivery has to be better from Kelechi Iheanacho.

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

22:22 , George Flood

53 mins: I think Mali goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa has just been booked for time-wasting at a goal kick.

There are still more than 35 minutes to play in Marrakesh.

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

22:21 , George Flood

51 mins: A sluggish start to this second half from both sides.

Goalscorer El Bilal Toure drives forward for Mali and tries to release Lassana Coulibaly, but his poor pass is easily shielded behind for a goal kick.

At the other end, Alex Iwobi’s strong low pass intended for Cyriel Dessers is overhit and flies out.

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

22:17 , George Flood

49 mins: Mali captain Hamari Traore is down inside his own box and complaining to the referee about some rough treatment, but he’s quickly back on his feet to continue.

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

22:14 , George Flood

Back underway in Marrakesh!

A huge improvement needed from the Super Eagles.

GOAL! Nigeria 0-1 Mali | El Bilal Toure 18'

22:02 , George Flood

18 mins: The Super Eagles deservedly fall behind early in Marrakesh!

They are caught out badly at the back and Eric Chelle’s side take full advantage.

I think it was Chidozie Awaziem who was the culprit, pressured by RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara as he slips and tries to play a bizarre lofted ball across his own box.

It’s chested down gratefully by Atalanta striker El Bilal Toure in the middle and he taps past Stanley Nwabali from close range.

An absolutely dreadful goal to concede. How will Nigeria respond?

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

21:59 , George Flood

Very far from a classic first half in Marrakesh.

Nigeria deservedly trail at the break in this friendly match after a terrible defensive error from Chidozie Awaziem opened the door for Atalanta striker El Bilal Toure to beat Stanley Nwabali from close range after only 18 minutes.

Not much else of note to report so far, with the already depleted Super Eagles losing Moses Simon to injury as he spurned their best chance.

A lot of work for Finidi George to do here to avoid a defeat that would presumably greatly harm his chances of getting the Nigeria head coach job on a full-time basis.

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

21:55 , George Flood

Half-time

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

21:54 , George Flood

45 mins: The fourth official’s board goes up and two minutes of added time have been signalled at the end of this first half.

Nigeria could really use some stern or inspiring words from Finidi George at the break to spur them into action.

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

21:53 , George Flood

44 mins: Good defending from former QPR man Osayi-Samuel under pressure from St Gallen’s Daouda Guindo as Mali initially combine nicely down their left flank before giving up a pressure-relieving free-kick.

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

21:49 , George Flood

42 mins: Nice link-up play between Bright Osayi-Samuel and Kelechi Iheanacho in the right-hand channel, but Mali are able to scramble clear.

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

21:48 , George Flood

40 mins: Not a lot happening at the moment as half-time looms in Marrakesh.

Nigeria are seeing a lot more of the ball now, but cannot find a way through Mali’s disciplined and determined rearguard.

Eric Chelle’s side are keeping their shape very well out of possession, it must be said.

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

21:46 , George Flood

37 mins: The better football is still being played by Mali, who work it neatly into the box again but fail to fashion another chance.

Nigeria are still too frantic in possession.

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

21:43 , George Flood

34 mins: Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers - who scored a first-half penalty against Ghana on Friday - has replaced Moses Simon.

He is immediately taken down as Nigeria earn a free-kick.

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

21:42 , George Flood

28 mins: A real chance for Nigeria to equalise before the half-hour mark as a long ball forward sends clear Moses Simon on the counter.

He bursts into the box, but takes a crucially heavy touch that allows Mali goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa to come out and bravely intervene.

Nantes winger Simon is now down after that collision and in need of attention.

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

21:41 , George Flood

32 mins: Applause from the smattering of fans in attendance at the Le Grand Stade de Marrakesh as Moses Simon is stretchered off and around the pitch.

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

21:39 , George Flood

31 mins: This doesn’t look good at all for Moses Simon, who has been down for a while now receiving treatment from the Nigeria physios.

The stretcher is coming out.

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

21:35 , George Flood

26 mins: Another opening for Mali as they work the ball to the edge of the box before firing wide of Nwabali’s right-hand post.

Nigeria 0-1 Mali

21:33 , George Flood

23 mins: Not much of a response from Nigeria to that early setback so far.

It’s all so rushed, frantic and wasteful in possession.

They are struggling to put three passes together.

Mali so much stronger and confident at the moment.

Nigeria 0-0 Mali

21:25 , George Flood

16 mins: This is not good at all from Nigeria at the moment.

Mali are absolutely dominating the ball now, passing it around well and creating openings with their greater tempo and intensity.

Nigeria have been very sloppy by contrast, summed up by a bad pass from Wilfred Ndidi that just bounced off his team-mate and out for a throw-in on the near side.

Nigeria 0-0 Mali

21:22 , George Flood

14 mins: Some very neat passing football from Mali through the middle leads to a long-range drive that is beaten away by Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

The subsequent cross is then turned behind for a corner cleared by the Super Eagles.

Nigeria 0-0 Mali

21:19 , George Flood

11 mins: The game settles back into a largely attritional midfield affair after those brief attacking flurries at either end.

Finidi George is out on the touchline, giving instructions to the Super Eagles players.

He will want an increase in tempo and intensity.

Nigeria 0-0 Mali

21:17 , George Flood

8 mins: Nigeria chance as they force a corner that was very helpfully missed by the cameras, who were instead focused on the crowd.

The ball is sent to the back post, where it’s headed harmlessly over the crossbar for a goal kick.

Nigeria 0-0 Mali

21:15 , George Flood

7 mins: The first real danger of the night is posed by Mali, with a sweeping cross from the right flank into the box seen behind for the game’s first corner.

But Nigeria can clear and Mali are forced back into their own half.

Nigeria 0-0 Mali

21:12 , George Flood

5 mins: This is cagey stuff so far in Marrakesh, with no early chances to speak of.

Nigeria are still monopolising possession but doing very little with it as things stand as Mali very slowly start to gain a foothold.

Nigeria 0-0 Mali

21:10 , George Flood

3 mins: Plenty of early possession for Nigeria as they knock the ball around patiently in search of an opening.

Mali yet to really put a foot on the ball.

Nigeria 0-0 Mali

21:08 , George Flood

After wearing white against Ghana on Friday, Nigeria are back in their green strips tonight.

Mali in white.

Nigeria vs Mali

21:07 , George Flood

KICK-OFF

National anthems done, it’s time to finally get off and running in Morocco.

Nabil Benrqia of Morocco is tonight’s referee.

Can the Super Eagles makes it two wins out of two under interim boss Finidi George?

Nigeria vs Mali

21:02 , George Flood

The two teams are only just emerging from the tunnel in Marrakesh, so kick-off will be slightly delayed.

But we’ll be underway very soon!

Nigeria vs Mali

20:54 , George Flood

Just five minutes until kick-off now at the Le Grand Stade de Marrakesh.

Stay tuned!

Three Mali changes after Mauritania win

20:42 , George Flood

Three changes from Mali tonight, with Mamadou Samassa lining up in goal instead of Djigui Diarra.

Real Sociedad right-back Hamari Traore comes in and captains the team, while Montpellier centre-back Kimi Kouyate also starts.

Abdoulaye Diaby and Falaye Sacko drop out.

Mali lineup

20:28 , George Flood

And finally, here’s how Mali line up for this evening’s friendly contest...

Four Nigeria changes from Ghana win

20:11 , George Flood

So Finidi George makes four changes to the team that started the 2-1 win over Ghana in Morocco on Friday.

Captain Kenneth Omeruo is back in defence, joined by Cardiff left-back Jamilu Collins.

Raphael Onyedika comes into the midfield as expected, with Moses Simon drafted into the attack.

Benjamin Tanimu, Bruno Onyemaechi and Cyriel Dessers all drop to the bench, with Brentford’s Frank Onyeka missing out due to injury as mentioned.

Still no place in the starting XI for Ademola Lookman.

Nigeria lineup

20:01 , George Flood

Nigeria have now confirmed their team for tonight’s match in Marrakesh...

Yves Bissouma 'furious' over Mali selection snub

19:45 , George Flood

Yves Bissouma does not appear to have taken his non-selection by Mali this month very well.

The Tottenham midfielder is usually a regular for his country, with head coach Eric Chelle previously revealing that he even played through malaria at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

However, he was surprisingly overlooked for this friendly double-header against AFCON surprise package Mauritania and Nigeria.

Reports this week have suggested that Bissouma unfollowed the Malian Football Association on social media and also removed any reference to international football from his official accounts.

Mali face Ghana and Madagascar in World Cup qualifiers in the summer and we’ll see if the Spurs man earns a recall for those key games.

19:31 , George Flood

Here is how Nigeria interim boss Finidi George reacted to Friday’s 2-1 win over rivals Ghana in Marrakesh...

Finidi George urges Nigeria not to focus on injuries with changes promised

19:21 , George Flood

So two more injured players added to an already extensive list of Nigeria absentees, though Finidi George insists the depleted Super Eagles cannot focus on their worsening fitness woes in another tough test tonight.

“We cannot at this time be dwelling on the injuries and absences that we have to cope with,” he said this week.

“Our intention has always been to win these two matches and then look forward to the World Cup qualifiers [against South Africa and Benin] in June.

”We are determined to keep up the momentum and sustain the winning mentality derived from beating the Black Stars.”

George also promised to make changes to his starting XI in Marrakesh this evening.

“Definitely, we are going to see new players,” he said. “Definitely, we cannot overload the players.

“Some will come in, and we will see the areas where they can help.”

Nigeria vs Mali prediction

19:05 , George Flood

Mali had been in good form despite that heartbreaking loss in the quarter-finals of the AFCON and Nigeria are missing their main talisman Victor Osimhen, so a draw seems like a safe bet in Marrakesh tonight.

Draw, 1-1.

Mali team news

19:02 , George Flood

Mali are without Monaco midfielder Mohamed Camara tonight due to a knee injury.

There has also been much talk about the surprise decision not to call up Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma during this international window.

“Like many players, he deserves to be selected, it’s just a choice,” said Mali boss Eric Chelle.

“In my diamond, there are players right now who are slightly safer. That doesn’t mean he won’t be called again.”

Nigeria team news

18:59 , George Flood

Nigeria were already without a host of players against Ghana on Friday, including attacking talisman Victor Osimhen and captain William Troost-Ekong.

Samuel Chukwueze, Ola Aina, Taiwo Awoniyi, Tyronne Ebuehi and Gabriel Osho are also sidelined.

That group have since been joined by Brentford’s Frank Onyeka and Fulham defender Calvin Bassey.

Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika could replace the usually ever-present Onyeka alongside the fit-again Wilfred Ndidi in the Super Eagles’ midfield, while Bassey was overlooked anyway against Ghana with Tanzania-based centre-back Benjamin Tanimu selected for his debut alongside West Brom’s Semi Ajayi.

Stand-in skipper Kenneth Omeruo could also come in tonight, while up front Finidi George must decide whether or not to stick with Rangers’ Cyriel Dessers and Leicester’s Kelechi Iheanacho as his partnership in the absence of Osimhen, Chukwueze and Awoniyi, or else pivot to the likes of Umar Sadiq and the in-form Ademola Lookman.

How to watch Nigeria vs Mali

18:48 , George Flood

TV channel and live stream: Nigeria vs Mali has not been selected for live television coverage in the UK.

However, a live stream will be available online via the Bet365 website.

Welcome to Nigeria vs Mali live coverage

18:40 , George Flood

Good evening and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of Nigeria vs Mali.

It’s another intriguing friendly showdown tonight for the Super Eagles in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh, following Friday’s narrow win over fierce rivals Ghana that lifted morale in the aftermath of last month’s agonising Africa Cup of Nations final defeat by Ivory Coast.

Nigeria legend Finidi George remains in interim charge and another victory on Tuesday would surely do his chances of becoming the permanent successor to former boss Jose Peseiro no harm at all ahead of this summer’s World Cup qualifiers.

But a tough game is expected against Mali, who were only edged out in the AFCON quarters by hosts Ivory Coast and brushed aside Mauritania in their own friendly encounter on Friday.

Kick-off tonight is at 9pm GMT (10pm WAT), so stay tuned for all the latest team news and live updates.