Moses Simon, Alhassan start for Super Eagles in War of The Eagles vs Mali

Moses Simon and Alhassan Yusuf will start tonight for the Super Eagles in what is dubbed the War of the Eagles as  Mali are also known as Les Aigles (The Eagles).

Moses Simon was a late sub in last weekend’s 2-1 win over Ghana, while Antwerp midfielder Alhassan will play for the first time for Super Eagles under interim coach Finidi George against Mali.

FC Nantes winger Moses Simon was a shock omission in the starting lineup against Ghana as caretaker coach Finidi opted for a 3-5-2 formation, which is different from the 3-4-3 formation Jose Peseiro played at the recent AFCON.

Moses Simon is a winger by trade, but he is also known to track back and help out in the defence and this will be a plus in the 3-5-2 formation.

Alhassan is a direct replacement for the injured Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka.

He posted an eye-catching AFCON debut against Eqiatorial Guinea in the absence of the injured Wilfred Ndidi and both players will likely now play side-by-side from the first whistle.

SCORENigeria further learnt that Cardiff City leftback Jamilu Collins will be considered ahead of Bruno Onyemaechi, who started the Jollof Derby against Ghana.

Collins was a late sub versus Ghana.

It was specially learnt that while Finidi will freshen his starting XI, he will maintain the core of the team who edged past the Black Stars of Ghana Friday also in Marrakesh, Morocco.

Kick-off tonight at Grande Stade de Marrakesh is 9pm in Nigeria.