We were not outplayed - Finidi George pleased with Super Eagles despite defeat to Mali

Interim Super Eagles coach Finidi George has admitted "a few costly mistakes" led to Nigeria's 2-0 defeat against Mali on Tuesday but insisted he was pleased with his side's overall performance in Morocco.

Pulse Sports Nigeria can report that Finidi suffered a first defeat as manager following errors in either half from Chidozie Awaziem and Collins Jamilu in Morocco.

The three-time African champions followed up an impressive 2-1 victory over Ghana last Friday with a loss to their West African rivals at the Stade Grand Mars de Marrakesh.

However, Finidi saw plenty of positives from the Super Eagles despite the scoreline, highlighting some good intensity and chances created.

"I think just a few mistakes that cost us the match. It was not a bad game, good intensity, and created a couple of chances we didn't score," the former winger stated in a video posted by OgaNla Media on social media. 

"In a game like this, if you don't score and make some mistakes you will be punished."

While disappointed not to build on the Ghana win with another positive result, Finidi doesn't believe Nigeria was outplayed by the Malians.

"Not a bad one - we lost one (Mali), but we were not outplayed, so, that's a good thing," he added.

Overall, the 52-year-old was enthused by aspects of the Super Eagles' output across the two friendly fixtures during the international window.

"I think in the first game (vs Ghana), we did so well. I would have loved a different result (against Mali) but that is not the case.

"But if you look at the performance of the players, I think it was commendable."

Finidi remains in temporary charge while the Nigerian Football Federation searches for a permanent replacement for Jose Peseiro, who departed after AFCON 2023.

His audition may not have ended on the highest note against Mali, but Finidi can take heart from some of the positives he witnessed in Morocco as his stint continues.