The Super Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for next year’s AFCON to be held in Cote d’Ivoire after defeating the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone 3-2 on Sunday June 18 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Liberia’s capital, Monrovia.
A first half brace from Victor Osimhen was levelled by a hard-fighting Sierra Leonean side before a late goal from Kelechi Iheanacho gave Jose Peseiro’s side the victory which ensured their qualification to next year’s AFCON tournament in Côte d’Ivoire
Victor Osimhen opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 19th minute of the match with a right footed shot from outside the box to the bottom right corner following a headed pass from Kenneth Omeruo.
The Serie A top scorer completed his brace on 32 minutes following another right footed shot from the centre of the box after receiving an assist from Joe Aribo.
Mustapha Bundu pulled one back for Sierra Leone in the 41st minute with a left-footed effort to make it 2-1 after collecting a pass from Emmanuel Samadia.
John Keister’s side drew level 2-2 in the 84th minute of the game with Augustus Kargbo right footed shot from outside the box to the bottom left corner.
Nigeria had the final say as substitute Kelechi Iheanacho shot from very close range in the 95th minute to grab the winner for the Super Eagles following a well-tailored pass from Zaidu Sanusi to make it 3-2.
With the victory, Nigeria have also reclaimed top spot in Group A with 12 points, two points above second-placed Guinea-Bissau who have also qualified for the 2023 AFCON.
Nigeria will host Sao Tome and Principe in September for the last match of Group A while Guinea-Bissau will welcome Sierra Leone on the same month, to battle for the top spot of the group.
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