Nigeria vs Mali: Premier League duo leave Super Eagles camp ahead of second friendly match

As Nigeria's Super Eagles gear up for their upcoming clash against the Les Aigles of Mali in Marrakech, Morocco, they face a setback with the departure of two key players from their Premier League contingent.

Nigeria will be without the services of Calvin Bassey and Frank Onyeka as they prepare to take on Mali in their second top-grade international friendly match.

The duo, who ply their trade in the English Premier League for Fulham and Brentford respectively, have returned to England, leaving a void in the Super Eagles' lineup.

In their recent high-profile friendly encounter against Ghana's Black Stars, Nigeria secured a hard-fought victory, bouncing back from their Africa Cup of Nations final defeat. The Super Eagles emerged triumphant with a 2-1 win, showcasing their resilience and determination on the field.

The victory over Ghana has bolstered the hopes of interim manager Finidi George, who is eyeing a permanent role at the helm of the Super Eagles. The former Nigeria international's aspirations received a significant boost following the team's impressive performance in Marrakech.

With their sights set on their upcoming clash against Mali, Nigeria is leaving no stone unturned in their preparation. Despite the absence of Bassey and Onyeka, the Super Eagles remain focused on fine-tuning their strategy and tactics ahead of the crucial encounter.

Nigeria and Mali share a rich history on the football field, with both teams boasting the moniker of "Eagles." Their past encounters, including a draw in a friendly match in 2016 and a memorable clash in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, have added to the intensity of their rivalry.

As Nigeria continues its preparation for the showdown against Mali, the team remains committed to honing their skills and building cohesion on the pitch. Despite the departure of Bassey and Onyeka, the remaining players are fully focused on delivering a strong performance in Marrakech.

The Super Eagles are eagerly anticipating their second March international friendly encounter with Mali, aiming to build on their recent victory and maintain their winning momentum. With the support of their fans and the determination of their players, Nigeria is poised to put forth a spirited display against their West African counterparts.