AFCONQ 2023: Playing Against Nigeria Is An opportunity For Sierra Leone On The World Map - Steven Caulker

Sampson Adedeji

Newly appointed Leone Stars of Sierra Leone skipper Steven Caulker has said playing against Nigeria will be a great opportunity to put Sierra Leone football on the world map, BSNsports.com.ng can report

The West African country stunned Nigeria's Super Eagles in the 2021 African Cup of Nations qualifier when they came from 4-0 down to level at 4-4.

The two teams will clash again as they have been pitched together for the 2023 AFCON qualifier.

Former Fulham player admitted that the qualifiers will be very tough but believed that with young players coming up they should be able to hold their own.

"We have to be at our best for every game and against Nigeria is an opportunity to put Sierra Leone on the world football map. 

I'm sure like we did in the last AFCON, we have to be at our best for all games, not just against Nigeria, we should go into every game with the ambition to win it.

Our qualifying group is going to be tough Nigeria will be looking to bounce back from their disappointment following their elimination to Ghana in the 2022 World Cup.

It would be difficult but I'm excited to start these qualifiers, we have a lot of new talent, new players, a new system and a new identity. I am delighted to be able to lead this group in qualifying," he said.

Steven Caulker was named Sierra Leone captain during their March training camp in Turkey.