Super Eagles to Face Ghana and Mali in Intense Marrakech Showdowns Amid Coaching Uncertainty
The Nigerian Super Eagles are gearing up for a series of highly anticipated clashes against West African rivals Ghana and Mali in Marrakech, Morocco, later this month, amidst their ongoing search for a new coach.
Following a dramatic 2022 World Cup qualifying clash, Nigeria and Ghana are set to reignite their long-standing rivalry on Friday, March 22nd, at the Grand Stade de Marrakech. The encounter promises an extra edge after Ghana edged Nigeria in the two-legged playoff tie on away goals, denying Nigeria a spot at Qatar 2022. With Ghana’s recent victory over Nigeria in a friendly back in 2015, the Super Eagles are determined to reclaim dominance over their neighbors in Marrakech.
Just four days later, on Tuesday, March 26th, Nigeria will take on Mali at the same venue. The two nations, both dubbed the ‘Eagles’, have a history of encounters, including a goalless friendly in 2016. Nigerian fans will fondly recall their 4-1 triumph over Mali in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final, en route to clinching the trophy.
These prestige friendlies, arranged by the Nigerian Football Federation, offer the Super Eagles valuable preparation ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, commencing in June. Despite the absence of a coach following Jose Peseiro’s departure, Nigeria aims to continue their momentum from the recent AFCON, where they were runners-up to Cote d’Ivoire.
The Super Eagles, determined to reclaim the continental crown, view these encounters as crucial for refining their strategies and team cohesion. With matches between West African heavyweights always intense, these friendlies in Marrakech are anticipated to be explosive affairs as Nigeria seeks to reaffirm its dominance in the region
