Sierra Leone and Queens Park Rangers defender Osman Kakay has admitted Leone Stars can match a strong Nigeria side with the right approach.

The Three-time African Champions, who suffered a 1-0 defeat to Ecuador at the 25,000–capacity Red Bull Arena in New Jersey on Friday, will open their African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Sierra Leone next week.

On the 9th, Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja will host the Super Eagles’ first match in the race to Ivory Coast behind closed doors.

Thursday’s Afcon 2023 qualifier will be the seventeen meetings between Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

Before travelling to join the team in Guinea on Wednesday, where Sierra Leone had opened camp for the doubleheader, Kayay told this medium that he is optimistic going into both qualifiers.

“I am optimistic going into both encounters against Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau. Firstly, I am convinced that we have the players to match a strong Nigeria team,” Queens Park Rangers defender Osman Kakay to FSL News.

“We have a good chance if we apply ourselves well. We can get positive results to help us qualify. I know both games are not going to be easy. Guinea Bissau was in the recent Afcon, so they have the experience as well, but I am hopeful and look forward to both games.”

Kakay replaced Mustapha Dumbuya in the 69th minute during the 4-4 result in November 2020 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

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