Joseph Dosu urges Nigerians not to judge Super Eagles by Mali defeat

Former Nigeria international, Joseph Dosu, has called for patience and perspective from fans following the Super Eagles’ recent defeat to Mali in a friendly match.

Despite the setback, Dosu emphasized that the team’s overall quality should not be judged solely on this result.

Dosu’s message underscores the need for patience and support as the team continues its journey towards international success.

Nigeria suffered a 2-0 loss to Mali, ending their impressive 49-year unbeaten streak against their West African counterparts.

However, Dosu commended the players for their efforts and performance during the match, highlighting that friendly games serve as opportunities to assess and test different players ahead of important competitions.

“Losing to Mali should not cause panic among Nigerians because it was just a friendly match aimed at evaluating other players before the World Cup qualifiers begin in June,” Dosu remarked.

He stressed the unpredictability of football outcomes, noting that while the players gave their best, victories are not guaranteed in every game. Dosu emphasized the importance of learning from setbacks and focusing on areas for improvement as the team prepares for upcoming challenges.

“At this stage, the coach will identify areas to strengthen within the team before the World Cup qualifiers.”

The Super Eagles, three-time winners of the Africa Cup of Nations, will resume action in June for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where they will aim to secure their place in the prestigious tournament.