• It was the end of the road for Sierra Leone as Nigeria emerged victorious at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Stadium in the Liberian capital Monrovia in the Group A match day five African Cup of Nations qualifier on Sunday.

The three-time African Champions prevailed with a 3-2 scoreline to secure their ticket to play at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023.

Napoli’s hit-man striker Victor Osimhen scored a brace in the 19th and 32nd minutes, respectively, to help the Super Eagles grab maximum points.

Sierra Leone came into the game knowing only a victory to revive their hopes of reaching AFCON 2023. In the 41st minute, Mustapha Bundu restored hope for the Leone Stars when he struck from the edge of the box to reduce the deficit just before the break.

Sierra Leone put up a show back from half-time, knowing they needed to score goals with renewed determination.

After a couple of half chances, Augustus Kargbo equalized with a powerful shot from outside the box. The momentum favoured the Sierra Leoneans, who continued to create opportunities, albeit leaving gaps for the ever-vigilant Super Eagles.

In the end, it was Leicester City’s attacker Kelechi Iheanacho, who seized the moment, securing Nigeria’s qualification with a crucial goal. This result also guarantees qualification for Guinea-Bissau.

The final group matches are to be played in September as Sierra Leone tackles Guinea-Bissua and Nigeria hosts Sao Tome.

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