Nigeria held 0-0 by Mali in 2017 WAFU Cup game

The Super Eagles home-based side were looking to get off to a winning start in the group stage game played at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium.

It was the Malians that got the first chance in the eighth minute but Mohamed Traore could not keep his shot on target after a goalmouth scramble in the Nigerian box.

Uche Akas fired a 22-yard free-kick which flew straight into the arms of the Malian goalkeeper in the 18th minute.

Nigeria got another chance in the 33rd minute Nigeria but Stephen Eze’s header off a corner-kick was saved by the Malian goalkeeper.

The opening minutes of the second half was slow with few chances before a Boubacar Samassekou got his head to a free-kick but his effort went over the bar for a goal-kick to Nigeria.

Mali got a good chance to score in the 69th minute through Moussa Kone who drove into the box but his effort was saved by Nigeria’s captain and goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

Olamileka Aniyikaye saved Nigeria some moments later, clearing a Mandala Knote header off the goalline.

The Super Eagles Team B dominated the last few minutes of the game in search of a winner but Friday John’s header from 14 yards was off target.

Nigeria will next face Guinea on Saturday, September 16 while Mali will face Ghana on the same day.

Nigeria’s next Group A match will take place on Saturday, September 16 against Guinea while Mali will face Ghana on the same day.