The Nigerian national team will have to play Tuesday’s international friendly against Mali without two of their most consistent players recently.

Nigeria plays Mali on Tuesday in Marrakesh, Morocco, for their second friendly game in five days after Friday’s 2-1 win over Ghana at the same venue.

However, the Premier League-based duo of Calvin Bassey and midfielder Frank Onyeka are injured and will not be part of Tuesday night’s ensemble against the 1972 AFCON runners-up, Mali.

This was confirmed by the interim manager of the AFCON finalists, Finidi George, who revealed that the team has to cope and try to win the game.

“We cannot at this time be dwelling on the injuries and absences that we have to cope with. Our intention has always been to win these two matches and then look forward to the World Cup qualifiers in June. We are determined to keep up the momentum and sustain the winning mentality derived from beating the Black Stars.”: Super Eagles interim coach, Finidi George

Nigeria defeated Ghana 2-1 thanks to goals from Cyril Dessers and Ademola Lookman in their first game since their 2-1 loss to hosts Ivory Coast in February at the Africa Cup of Nations final.

24-year-old Calven Bassey has played 20 games already for Fulham in the Premier League after finding his foot with the Cottagers, while Onyeka has 22 matches for Brentford on his own part.

Both players have now returned to England to team up with their clubs and they will be assessed by their respective club team doctors ahead of the return of league football at the weekend.

While Brentford, who lost Burnley 2-1 in their last fixture before the international break, will welcome Manchester United, Fulham will hope to follow up their impressive 3-0 win over Spurs the last time out with a win over Sheffield United.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu