Nigeria went into the match knowing a draw would ensure they qualify, while Sierra Leone was hoping for an outright win
By Kehinde Okeowo
Super Eagles narrowly beat Sierra Leone 3-2 to seal 2023 Africa Cup Nations (AFCON) qualification in a game played at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, Monrovia, Liberia on Sunday evening.
Nigeria went into the match knowing a draw or win would ensure they qualify, while Sierra Leone was hoping for a win to retain hope of staying in contention.
The visitors opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Victor Osimhen raced through on goal after being found by Kenneth Omerou to confidently lift the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper.
Super Eagles doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute after Osimhen scored a brace, taking his tally to seventeen goals for the Super Eagles.
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Mustapha Bundu pulled one back with a stunning finish in the 41st minute after it seemed the hosts were down and out, ending the half 1-2 in favour of Nigeria.
After the resumption of the second half, Jose Peseiro replaced Victor Osimhen who was on a hattrick in the 80th minute with Nottingham Forest striker, Taiwo Awoniyi.
But it was Sierra Leone who levelled that match a minute later when a right footed golazo by Augustus Kargbo from the edge of the box beat helpless Adeleye in the Nigerian goal.
However, a lastminute tap-in into an unguarded Sierra Leone net from a yard out by substitute, Kelechi Iheanacho, after being set up brilliantly by Zaidu Sanusi, eventually earned Nigeria the critical victory.
