Two of Africa’s greatest football nations lock horns on Friday in an international friendly match. Here is a preview of the game, and what to expect from the two sides.

Nigeria come into this match without some of their key players such as Victor Moses (below), who will be unavailable due to fitness problems. This comes at a time when Nigeria are struggling to find their way back to greatness in African football, having registered only one win in their last five games. Nigeria's Victor Moses

Here is preview of their last five games in 2016:

Egypt 1 – 0 Nigeria

Nigeria 1 – 0 Egypt

Guinea 1 – 0 Nigeria 

Tunisia 1 – 1 Nigeria

Nigeria 4 – 1 Niger

On the other hand, Mali have lost only one of their last five games in 2016. Have a look:

Equatorial Guinea 0 – 1 Mali

Mali 0 – 1 Equatorial Guinea

Congo DR 3 – 0 Mali

Mali 1 – 0 Ivory Coast

Tunisia 1 – 2 Mali

In the latest FIFA world rankings, on-form Mali rank higher than their West African neighbours, Nigeria. Nigeria vs Mali FIFA rankingsNigeria have no hopes of qualifying for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations following their defeat to Egypt in their Group G match. Ramadan Sobhy’s 65-minute goal sent the West Africans crashing out of the tournament in the qualification stage for the second consecutive time since winning the Nations Cup in 2013. Samson Siasia’s men will now face a Mali side oozing with confidence following their recent good form, and their high prospects of qualifying for next year’s AFCON.

Coach Alain Giresse has called up both local and abroad-based players for this crucial tie. Some of the most notable names include Crystal Palace’s Bakary Sako, Gent’s Kalifa Coulibaly, Al Nassr’s Modibo Maiga and Bordeaux’s Cheick Diabate.

Cheik Diabate in previous action for Mali. The 28-year-old has scored 15 goals for his country in 39 appearances.Cheik Diabata in previous action for Mali. The 28-year-old has scored 15 goals for his country in 39 appearances.

The Malians need to win this fixture in order to pick up the right momentum for their next AFCON qualifier match against South Sudan, which they must win to guarantee their participation in the biannual tournament. 

On the other hand, Nigeria could receive a major boost thanks to the availability of captain John Obi Mikel and the lethal Ahmed Musa, who ply their trades for Chelsea and CSKA Moscow respectively. This friendly match will be held to honor the legendary Joseph Yobo, who was a former Super Eagles captain and the country’s record appearance holder (101 appearances).

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

Nigeria 1 - 0 Mali

May 27, 2016 1:00pmStade Robert Diochon (Le Petit-Quevilly)

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

This match was not broadcast in United States

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