Nigeria’s Super Eagles will on Sunday evening take on Sierra Leone in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, qualifier.
The AFCON qualifier will take place at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium, Monrovia, Liberia.
The head coach of the Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro has already released his 23-man team to face Sierra Leone.
Peseiro’s squad boasts of the likes of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Everton’s Alex Iwobi, Villarreal’s Samuel Chukwueze, Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi, Watford’s William Troost-Ekong, Sivasspor’s Ahmed Musa, among others.
Nigeria previously defeated the Leon Stars in 2022, coming back from a goal down to win 2-1.
The 2013 AFCON Champions will be expected to do the same when they go to Liberia to confront John Keister’s troops.
Nigeria currently sits on top of Group A with 9 points from four matches.
Behind the Super Eagles are Guinea-Bissau in second position with 9 points from four matches, Sierra Leone in third position with 5 points from four matches, while Sao Tome and Principe sit bottom of the table with 1 point from four matches.
Peseiro’s side, who have already resumed camp on June 11 to prepare for the AFCON qualifier against Sierra Leone slated to hold on June 18, only need just a point from the game to seal a place in Cote d’Ivoire 2023.
However, when asked for his opinion on the AFCON qualifier between Nigeria and Sierra Leone, Engr. Audu Ojo, the head coach of Dawaki Rangers, told DAILY POST that Peseiro’s men have the players that can execute the job and secure the ticket for Ivory Coast 2023.
“It will be a tough game for both teams. Sierra Leone needs this match more than Nigeria because they sit in the third position in the Group.
“But I expect the Super Eagles to be too strong for them. Just like the reverse fixture, I expect a similar outcome on Sunday, a close match. However, I see Nigeria picking the ticket for the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast this weekend,” he said.
Asked to name the Super Eagles players to watch out for, Ojo added, “Obviously Osimhen, he had a fabulous season with Napoli. He was Serie A’s top scorer. I expect him to shine in this game and also be on the scoresheet. Another player is Chukwueze.
“He also had a brilliant campaign with Villarreal. He was also named the best African player in the La Liga. I expect him to carry his form in the club side to the national team and, finally, the man from Nottingham Forest, Awoniyi. He’s a very good player. He is big and strong, so he should also have a good game against Sierra Leone.”
On his prediction, Ojo simply said, “2-1 in favour of the Super Eagles.”
The kick-off time for Sierra Leone vs Nigeria is 5 pm.
