The Super Eagles will continue their flight this international window with a clash against the Eagles of Mali in a West African derby on Tuesday.
In the first game of this window, Nigeria defeated eternal rivals Ghana 2-1 to boost their confidence ahead of the game against Mali.
The Super Eagles have already lost Calvin Bassey and Frank Onyeka who have gone back to England to continue the rehabilitation from various injuries.
Cyriel Dessers and Ademola Lookman scored to give the Super Eagles their first win in 18 years against the Black Stars, even though Jordan Ayew pulled one back from the spot
George rings the changes
Nigeria's interim coach Finidi George has decided to ring some changes from the team that beat Ghana as he tests the preparedness of his team.
He has made four changes to the team that took to the field against Ghana as Jamilu Collins, Raphael Nwadike, Kenneth Omeruo and Moses Simon come in for Bruno Onyemaechi, Frank Onyeka, Benjamin Tanimu and Cyriel Dessers.
George has elected to stick to the 3-5-2 system deployed in the first game to great effect especially in the first half.
From the rear, Stanley Nwabali maintains his position between the sticks while Semi Ajayi, Kenneth Omeruo and Chidozie Awaziem are the centre-backs.
Jamilu Collins and Bright Osayi-Samuel are the wingbacks who will provide width for the team as they look to do one over Mali.
There will be three in the middle for George with Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi, who will captain the team as the pivot and will be supported by Alex Iwobi and Raphael Onyedika.
In the attack, Kelechi Iheanacho continues despite his profligacy in the first game and will be supported by FC Nantes forward Moses Simon who started on the bench against Ghana.
Nigeria vs Mali head to head
The Super Eagles have Mali’s numbers and the stats back it up.
Mali simply don't hold a candle to the Super Eagles as Nigeria's last loss to their West African rivals came way back in September 1975, a distant memory for most fans. That 4-1 defeat in an international friendly seems like a lifetime ago, considering Nigeria's stellar record against Mali since then.
Over the next eight matches, the Super Eagles soared, claiming a whopping five victories and three draws against the Malians. One win that still makes Nigerian fans erupt with joy is the unforgettable 4-1 triumph in the 2013 AFCON semifinal.
Elderson Echiejile, Brown Ideye, Emmanuel Emenike and Ahmed Musa scored for the Super Eagles while Fantamady Diarra scored for the Malians.
That victory paved the way for Nigeria to take home the entire trophy in South Africa, a truly golden moment in Nigerian football history. The most recent clash between these two teams happened in May 2016, another friendly encounter. The Super Eagles emerged victorious once again as Kelechi Iheanacho scored to give Nigeria a 1-0 win.
Hopefully, the Eagles will continue that winning streak on Tuesday against the Malians.
Super Eagles confirmed XI vs Mali
Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem, Semi Ajayi, Kenneth Omeruo
Wingbacks: Bright Osayi-Samuel, Jamilu Collins
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika
Attack: Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho
The game will be live on NFF TV
