Super Eagles To Face Ghana and Mali in Exciting Friendly Matches

Introduction

The Nigerian national football team, affectionately known as the Super Eagles, is gearing up for an exhilarating clash with two formidable opponents: the Black Stars of Ghana and the Eagles of Mali. These high-profile friendly games are scheduled to take place in the vibrant Moroccan city of Marrakech later this month. As a football enthusiast, you won’t want to miss this thrilling showdown!

The Rivalry Renewed: Super Eagles vs. Black Stars

The clash between Nigeria vs Ghana is more than just a football match; it’s a historic rivalry that spans over 73 years. Dating back to October 1951, when Nigeria triumphed over the then Gold Coast (now Ghana) with a resounding 5-0 victory in the Jalco Cup encounter held in Lagos, these West African giants have locked horns numerous times. Most recently, in March 2022, they faced off in a two-legged play-off for a spot at the FIFA World Cup finals in Qatar. The Black Stars narrowly edged out the Super Eagles on the away-goal rule after a 1-1 aggregate scoreline.

Battle of the Eagles: Nigeria vs. Mali

Interestingly, both Nigeria and Mali share the moniker of ‘Eagles’. Their last friendly encounter took place in Rouen, France, during the summer of 2016, resulting in a goalless draw. However, their paths have crossed before, notably in the semi-finals of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. On that occasion, the Super Eagles soared to a 4-1 victory over the Malian Eagles in Durban.

Key Players and Squad Updates

The Super Eagles have retained most of the squad that secured a runner-up position at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire. Notable additions include:

  • Victor Osimhen : The reigning African footballer of the year has played an excellent role for Nigeria.

  • William Troost-Ekong : The Super Eagles skipper has provided great on-field leadership

• Stanley Nwabali:  The final wall of defense for the Super Eagles.

Additionally, midfield enforcer Wilfred Ndidi is back from injury, while Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany) and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Turkey-based) have fresh opportunities to stake their claims for permanent spots.

Match Details

Nigeria vs. Ghana

• Date: Friday, March 22nd

• Venue: Grand Stade de Marrakech

• Kickoff: 4:00 PM (Africa time)

Nigeria vs. Mali

• Date: Tuesday, March 26th

• Venue: Grand Stade de Marrakech

• Kickoff: 9:00 PM (Africa time)

Conclusion

As the Super Eagles spread their wings to take on Ghana and Mali, football fans worldwide eagerly anticipate these captivating encounters. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a casual observer, mark your calendars for these thrilling friendly matches. Let the battle of the Eagles commence!.