2023 AFCON Qualifier: Nigeria Survive Sierra Leone Scare As Super Eagles Pip Leone Stars

2023 AFCON Qualifier: Nigeria Survive Sierra Leone Scare As Super Eagles Pip Leone Stars

Sampson Adedeji

Nigeria's Super Eagles survived an early scare from Leone Stars of Sierra Leone and begin their campaign in the 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifier on a winning note, BSNsports.com.ng reports.

The team played their first competitive under new manager Jose Paseiro with the game played at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.

Nigeria started the game on the front foot with Napoli's striker Victor Osimhen leading the line alongside UD Almeria attacker Sadiq Umar.

It was Sierra Leone that scored the opening goal in the 11th minute through Jonathan Morsay after a miss up in the Super Eagles backline.

But the 3-time African champions responded almost immediately with Everton FC midfielder Alex Iwobi netting a leveller in the 16th minute.

Super Eagles seized control of the game from the away side and Iwobi almost doubled the host lead after the half-hour mark.

Osimhen lived up to expectations as he netted the second goal which turned out to be the winning goal in the 41st minute of the game.

Stoke City midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo was introduced in place of Sadiq Umar early in the second stanza in order to put check to the attacking forays of the Sierra Leoneans.

Villareal attacker Samuel Chukwueze missed what could have been a two goal lead for Nigeria late in second half after Osimhen provided the assist.

Despite the threat of the Leone Stars, Super Eagles held on to record a maximum three points in the game and the first win under the Portuguese gaffer.