#SoarSuperEagles
A double from Super Eagles marksman Victor Osimhan ensured Nigeria qualified for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, beating Sierra Leone 3-2 with a game to spare at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Monrovia, Liberia.
Nigeria started with Victor Osimhen and Joe Aribo in attack, while Sierra Leone featured Augustine Williams and Saidu Fofanah up-front.
The Super Eagles came out the stronger of the two sides as they dominated possession early in the game.
Two first-half goals from Victor Osimhen fired Nigeria ahead after the visitors blew past Sierra Leone in the 19th and 32nd minute, respectively.
The Super Eagles forward has been in red-hot form as his goal helped guide Napoli to the Italian Serie A title. Osimhen’s goal-scoring form will be vital to Jose Peseiro progress as head coach.
However, Sierra Leone struck back as goals from Mustapha Bundu in the 42nd minute and Augustus Kargbo’s leveller in the 84th minute stunned the Nigerians. 2-2!!!!
With 90 minutes gone, it looked like the Leone Stars had pulled off another surprise comeback. But more was to come.
Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho sent the fans in the stadium into a frenzy when his 94th minute goal gave Jose Peseiro’s side all three points, qualifying for its 20th AFCON competition.
Nigeria snatched a late goal to seal qualification on style as the Leicester City’s striker effort put his side in a commanding position in Group A.
The Super Eagles are now top of Group A with 12 points from five games, while Sierra Leone are on 5 points.
The Super Eagles have arrived 🦅
Nigeria seal qualification for their 20th #TotalEnergiesAFCON appearance 🇳🇬 #TotalEnergiesAFCONQ2023 pic.twitter.com/Wfd4jdsXSM
— CAF (@CAF_Online) June 18, 2023
Guinea Bissau are in second place with 10 points, with Sao Tome and Principe at the bottom of the table with one (1) point.
Nigeria will now face Sao Tome and Principe in the final group qualifying round.
FT SLE 2-3 NGA. We’re through to AFCON 2023! #SoarSuperEagles #AFCON2023Q pic.twitter.com/XT6EaMbAlh
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) June 18, 2023
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