Nigeria’s Super Eagles beat Sierra Leone, pick 2023 AFCON ticket in Monrovia

Super Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone 3-2 on Sunday.

A brace from Victor Osimhen and a late winner from Kelechi Iheanacho were enough to secure the victory for the visitors.

Nigeria needed a draw in Liberia the temporary home of Sierra Leone as they do not have an international-standard stadium to clinch qualification on matchday five.

Also Read: Graham Potter sacked by Chelsea after six months as manager

The Super Eagles made a strong start, building a two-goal lead within 32 minutes thanks to Napoli star Osimhen.

Top scorer in the last Serie A season, the 24-year-old has been linked with Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.

His first goal came from a perfectly weighted lob over 18-year-old goalkeeper Ibrahim Sesay and he later pushed the ball into the net in a goalmouth scramble.

Also Read: Insecurity, floods: Australian warns citizens against traveling to 22 states, FCT

Sierra Leone pulled one goal back before half-time thanks to Mustapha Bundu and levelled through Augustus Kargbo with six minutes of regular time remaining.

Iheanacho, whose Leicester City team were relegated from the Premier League last month, struck five minutes into added time by pushing a low Zaidu Sanusi cross over the goal line.

Also Read: US Consulate begins ‘no-interview’ visa renewals

Nigeria and Sierra Leone often produce drama when they meet with the visiting Leone Stars wiping out a four-goal deficit after 29 minutes to draw 4-4 in a 2021 Cup of Nations qualifier.

The result meant Guinea-Bissau, who beat Sao Tome e Principe in midweek, qualified from Group A with three-time champions Nigeria.