Mali vs Nigeria Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips | Friendlies
Mali vs Nigeria Preview
Mali vs Nigeria will take place as an International Friendly at the Stade de Marrakech in Morocco on March 26.
The hosts will enter this contest on the back of a decent run of form. They have lost just once in their last eight games across competitions, with that defeat coming against Ivory Coast in the AFCON. Apart from that they have secured four wins and three draws as they look to keep their positive momentum going. Their last game was a comfortable 2-0 win away at Mauritania with goals from Modibo Sagnan and El Bilal Toure.
The visitors, on the other hand, enter this game on the back of a slightly better run of form as compared to Mali national football team. They have lost just once in their last eight games as well, but have won six and drawn one. They made it to the AFCON final but lost out to hosts Ivory Coast 2-1 after regular time. Their last game was a 2-1 win over Ghana in a friendly, with goals from Cyriel Dessers and Ademola Lookman doing the job for the team.
With that said, let’s take a look at the team news coming out from both camps.
Mali vs Nigeria Team News
Mali
Manager Eric Chelle has picked most of his main stars for this international break. Most of them started and played a considerable amount of minutes in their 2-0 win last time around. Fortunately for them, there are no injuries or suspensions to worry about ahead of the next game.
Nigeria
Manager Finidi George played a mix of experience and youth in his starting lineup in the 2-1 win over Ghana last time out. With Victor Osimhen not part of the squad currently, Cyriel Dessiers can be expected to retain his starting spot. Ademola Lookman could also make it to the XI.
Mali vs Nigeria Predicted Lineups
Mali
They will go with the same XI fielded in their last game.
Predicted XI: Djigui Diarra (GK); Hamari Traore (C), Boubakar Kouyate, Sikou Niakate, Falaye Sacko; Lassana Coulibaly, Diadie Samassekou, Amadou Haidara; Kamory Doumbia; Adama Traore, Lassine Sinayoko.
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Nigeria
Nigeria national football team will make two changes to the lineup from the last game.
Predicted XI: Stanley Nwabili (GK); Benjamin Tanimu, Chidozie Awaziem, Semi Ajayi; Bright Osayi-Samuel, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi (C), Bruno Onyemaechi; Kelechi Iheanacho, Cyriel Dessiers, Ademola Lookman.
Mali vs Nigeria Head-to-Head Record
These two African nations have faced each other just five times since the turn of the millennium. Nigeria have emerged victorious on three of those occasions while Mali have won once, with the teams sharing one goalless draw.
Last 5 Games
- Nigeria 1-0 Mali (05/16)
- Mali 2-1 Nigeria (01/14)
- Mali 1-4 Nigeria (02/13)
- Nigeria 0-0 Mali (01/08)
- Nigeria 2-1 Mali (02/04)
Mali vs Nigeria Prediction
Considering both Mali and Nigeria scored two goals apiece in their respective matches last time out, they seem to be in decent scoring form. Additionally, both nations have played slightly diminished squads as managers look to try out new players.
Mali vs Nigeria could be a close game but will likely see both teams get on the scoresheet in what could be a thrilling watch for neutrals.
Prediction: Mali 2-3 Nigeria
Mali vs Nigeria Betting Tips & Odds
Both teams have scored in three of the last five games these two nations have played. All those games also saw three or more goals being scored in total, pointing towards another possible entertaining match between the two.
Overall, Mali have seen both teams score in three of their last five games. The same has happened in three of Nigeria’s last five games as well, indicating the possibility of the same yet again.
Both Mali and Nigeria have kept just two clean sheets apiece in their last five competitive games.
Betting Tips
- Both Teams to Score – Yes.
- Match Total – Over 3.5 Goals.
- Double Chance – Nigeria or Draw.
Match Odds
- Mali Win: 6.00
- Draw: 3.75
- Nigeria Win: 1.45
Mali vs Nigeria Timings & Telecast
- Date & Time: Tuesday, March 26th at 8:00 PM (GMT).
- India: No live telecast or stream available.
- UK: Bet365 or Betfair websites.
- US: No live stream or telecast available.
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