The Super Eagles of Nigeria kicked off their AFCON Qualifier campaign with a 2-1 victory over Sierra Leone in Abuja.
It only took the Leone Stars 11 minutes to score as Jonathan Morsay headed the visitors in front, from a lovely cross down the left. But Alex Iwobi restored parity 5 minutes later with a well taken goal from a beautiful run of play.
Victor Osimhen scored the winning goal in the 41st minute by reacting quickest to a Simon Moses’ knockdown.
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Second Half
We are off for the second 45!
Half-time
Really good from Sierra Leone but, sometimes, effort is not enough. One of Europe’s most in-demand forward, Osimhen is so dangerous.
Goal! Nigeria 2-1 Sierra Leone
Victor Osimhen reacted quickly to Kalvin Bassey’s knockdown before slicing home into the roof of the net. Nigeria go ahead.
Goal! Nigeria 1-1 Sierra Leone
Brilliant finish from Iwobi into the far-right corner after good work from Moses Simon. Came seconds after Sierra Leone had hit the post themselves. Some game we’ve got here.
Goal! Nigeria 0-1 Sierra Leone
Sierre Leone take the lead! Brilliant work down the right sees Morsay head in!
Kick Off
And we are off and running in Abuja! Will the Super Eagles get their first win in 5 months?
Qualifying for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations begins this evening as Nigeria host Sierra Leone.
It’s Jose Peseiro’s first competitive match in charge of the Super Eagles, as they look to respond to a disappointing tournament in Cameroon earlier this year. Nigeria crashed out of AFCON at the last-16 stage following a defeat to Tunisia.
Mexico and Ecuador have both beaten Nigeria in friendlies, and now attention turns to competitive action.
Guinea-Bissau, Sao Tome and Principe are the other three teams in the group. Nigeria and Sierra Leone both have one more match after tonight’s clash, before qualifying pauses until September.
Apex Football News 