Nigeria display style of champions to thump Mali

Goals from defender Elderson Echiejile, who stooped to head home after 25 minutes, Brown Ideye, who scrambled one in after 30 minutes and an own goal from Mali defender Momo Sissoko a minute before halftime put Keshi’s team in total control.

They made it 4-0 when substitute Ahmed Musa, who replaced the outstanding Victor Moses after 53 minutes scored three minutes after coming on, beating the offside trap and slipping the ball through goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa’s legs.

Mali, who famously came back from 4-0 down to draw 4-4 with Angola in the opening game of the 2010 finals, never looked like repeating that feat but did score a consolation when substitute Cheick Diarra fired home in the 75th minute.

Keshi, who spent two years coaching Mali and knows most of their players well, said he was obviously delighted with the victory by his young team, which he said should not be compared to his victorious 1994 team.

Mali, inspired by the conflict in their homeland, and widely tipped to go one better than last year’s semi-final appearance, started better but failed with a trio of early chances and could not find a way back into the game once Nigeria took charge.

Mali actually looked the better team for the opening 20 minutes and Modibo Maiga and Keita had headers that went close while Sissoko unleashed a thunderous effort from 30 metres out that went just over Vincent Enyeama’s crossbar.