Super Eagles to face Ghana and Mali in March
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has unveiled plans for two high-profile international friendlies featuring the Super Eagles against longstanding rivals Ghana’s Black Stars and Mali’s Les Aigles.
This announcement comes following updates that encounters with Argentina and El Salvador have been canceled due to logistical challenges.
Scheduled to reignite age-old rivalries, these clashes are set to take place in Marrakech, Morocco, with the showdown against Ghana on Friday, March 22nd, followed by the match against Mali on Tuesday, March 26th.
The upcoming clash with Ghana holds particular significance as it revives a 73-year-old rivalry between the two West African football powerhouses.
Their last encounter in March 2022 during a FIFA World Cup play-off ended in a closely contested draw, setting the stage for an intense showdown.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s fixture against Mali promises an intriguing matchup between the two teams affectionately dubbed the ‘Eagles.’ While their previous friendly encounter in 2016 concluded in a stalemate, Mali seeks redemption for their loss to the Super Eagles in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.
SPORTSRATION understands the Super Eagles squad for the games will include a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, including notable names such as Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Osimhen, and Alex Iwobi. The return of key players like Jamilu Collins and Tyronne Ebuehi, coupled with the inclusion of promising newcomers Gabriel Osho and Benjamin Taminu.
Ahead of the games, the Super Eagles are yet to get a replacement for Jose Peseiro, who left his role as head coach at the end of his contract on February 29, 2024.
