I am happy with the way the boys played, and there are a lot of positives to take away from the game
Super Eagles interim coach Finidi George has reserved special praise for his team, despite losing to their Malian counterparts in an international friendly on Tuesday in Marrakech, Morocco.
The Super Eagles were given a reality check by Mali’s Les Aigles as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat in a friendly game played at the Stade de Marrakech.
The rare win by the Malians against Nigeria was their first in 49 years.
Goals by El Bilal Toure and Kamory Doumbia sealed the win for Mali.
The last time Mali defeated the Super Eagles was on Sept. 5, 1975, also in a friendly which ended 4-1.
Prior to Tuesday’s game, the Eagles were unbeaten in eight straight fixtures against the Malians, recording five wins and three draws.
Despite the loss, George was full of praise for his boys and told NAN on Thursday that it was not a bad game, adding that, just a few mistakes cost them the match.
“We created a couple of chances but couldn’t score, and you know in a game like this, if you don’t take your chances and you make some mistakes, you will be punished.
“But I think I am happy with the way the boys played, and there are a lot of positives to take away from the game.
“Football being what it is, it’s all about victory, but I am looking at other aspects of the game which I feel we controlled,” he said.
He noted that the Malians were aggressive in the first half, adding that the blunder which led to their first goal also helped them build their confidence. NAN