Match Preview Nigeria Vs Mali: Past Meetings, Possible Lineups

All eyes turn to the Cape Coast Stadium this afternoon as the colourful WAFU Cup of Nations continues, with tournament favourites Nigeria facing outsiders Mali.

Goals by wing back Osas Okoro and forward Peter Eneji earned the Super Eagles a win in the knockout encounter against Sierra Leone on Monday night, while a brace from Moussa Kone in the dying stages handed Mali a 3-1 win over Mauritania.

The perennial favourites Nigeria have only won the tournament once back in 2010, courtesy of a 2-0 triumph against Senegal.

Playing without some of their trusted men like Ibrahim Alhassan, Stephen Odey and Orji Kalu, all abroad for greener pastures, the Nigerians seem to be peaking at just the right time with a 2-0 win over Sierra Leone.

The impressive Malians, steam-rolled their way through to Group stage, defeating Mauritania 3-1 on Monday.

Kickoff is at 4pm Nigerian time.

PAST MEETINGS…

01 Jun 1960 Nigeria v Mali 2-3 International Friendly
10 Dec 1972 Nigeria v Mali 3-0 International Friendly
05 Sep 1975 Nigeria v Mali 1-4 International Friendly
14 Jul 1978 Nigeria v Mali 3-1 All African Games
18 Dec 1983 Nigeria v Mali 0-0 CADECO Cup
24 Jan 2002 Mali v Nigeria 0-0 African Cup of Nations
09 Feb 2002 Mali v Nigeria 0-1 African Cup of Nations
13 Feb 2004 Nigeria v Mali 2-1 African Cup of Nations
25 Jan 2008 Nigeria v Mali 0-0 African Cup of Nations
06 Feb 2013 Mali v Nigeria 1-4 African Cup of Nations
11 Jan 2014 Mali v Nigeria 2-1 African Nations Championship
27 May 2016 Nigeria v Mali 1-0 International Friendly

Probable Starters

Nigeria: Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Osas Okoro, Chima Akas, Ariwachukwu Emmanuel, Stephen Eze, Afeez Aremu, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, Rabiu Ali, Peter Eneji, Kingsley Eduwo, Ubong Friday

Mali: Diarra, I Samake, I Traore, Samassekou, L Samake, Konte, M Traore, Coulibaly, Malle, Kida, Kone
 
Abayomi Ademetan


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