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By Arinze Ude

Nigeria goes into the game at the back of an outstanding performance against the pre-tournament favorites, Ivory Coast as they gun for their first final appearance in 13 years. The Super Eagles will be buoyed by the wonderful record they have against the Malians; they are yet to lose in four AFCON encounters with their West African neighbours. The Seydou Keita-led team finished in third place at last year’s edition in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, and will be hoping they can go one better this time around. The Eagles of Mali are aiming to reach the final of AFCON for the first time since 1972 when they lost 3-2 against Congo at the tournament hosted in Cameroon. The young and hungry Eagles showed they possess the tactics and technical prowess to weather any storm in their quarter final penalty shoot-out win against host nation, South Africa. Nigeria’s coach, Stephen Keshi, has to warn his boys not to underestimate the Malians and implore them to show the same determination, zeal, committment and co-ordination they displayed against the Ivorians on Sunday. PSG midfielder, Mohammed Sissoko and Samba Diabate face a late fitness test while goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa returns to the fold after missing the South Africa tie through suspension. Nigerian midfielder, Fegor Ogude returns after missing the Quarter-finals through suspension and he could step in for Ogenyi Onazi in the starting line up. Players to watch: Nigeria: John Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, Emmanuel Emenike. Mali: Seydou Keita, Mohammed Sissoko and Modibo Maiga. POSSIBLE LINE UPS: NIGERIA: (4-3-3) Enyeama – Ambrose, Omeruo, Oboabona, Echejile – Mikel, Onazi, Mba – Emenike, Ideye, Moses MALI: (4-3-3) Samassa – Coulibaly, Tamboura, Diawara, Traore – Traore, Sissoko,Keita – Diabate, Maiga, Diarra The match will be played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Duban and kicks off by 4pm (Nigerian time).

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This article was first published on 5th February 2013

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Chojare Pamela Agboga is a Legal Practitioner, Writer, Editor, Chartered Secretary and Administrator. She is currently working on her first novel 'Weekends are for Loving' as well as a devotional for women.