Finidi George and Nigeria are in action this evening when they take on the hosts Mali in the second game of their African Nations' Cup campaign (KO 7pm GMT, live on Eurosport). They won their first match 1-0 against Algeria and head their group.

Midfielder Jay Jay Okocha has spoken about the intense heat in Mali, although he reckons that they have played in worse conditions: "People are talking about weather but I still maintain that no place can be like Sudan. It was horrible. But we won and won well. That's why I feel confident about the weather here although I cannot tell you that it is good. What I'm saying is that having survived in Sudan, we should be able to cope here. Let's see how the second match goes. Playing against the host will not be easy. But we shall do our best to ensure an outright qualification from the group so that we will not be under pressure in the last game. In football, it is never good to play under pressure."

Nigeria were not at their best during the Algeria game and show frailties at the back, something that Victor Agali says they have spoken about: "We discussed it after the game and I don't think it will happen again."

Mali drew their first game on Saturday. The tournament opener with Liberia ended 1-1.

The Malian public have taken to the Nigerians, amongst the biggest stars in the African game, who they feel are greatly responsible for African football's greater profile of late. Fans of the host country flock daily to the Hotel Lamite where the Nigerians are staying.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls