Super Eagles grab spot at AFCON; Osimhen, Iheanacho score

Following a 3-2 victory over Sierra Leone on Sunday, June 18th, Super Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for the 2023 African Cup of Nations(AFCON). 

A brace from Victor Osimhen and a late goal from Kelechi Iheanacho brought home the victory for the visiting Super Eagles.

The match was played in Liberia as Sierra Leone does not own a stadium that meets international standards. 

Nigeria needed at least a draw to clinch qualification on matchday five.

The Super Eagles made a strong start, building a two-goal lead within 32 minutes thanks to Napoli star Osimhen.

The 24-year-old top scorer in the last Serie A season has been linked with transfer news to Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain(PSG), and Real Madrid.

His first goal came from a perfectly weighted lob over 18-year-old goalkeeper Ibrahim Sesay and he later pushed the ball into the net in a goalmouth scramble.

Sierra Leone pulled one goal back before half-time thanks to Mustapha Bundu and levelled through Augustus Kargbo with six minutes of regular time remaining.

Iheanacho, whose Leicester City team was relegated from the Premier League last month, struck five minutes into added time by pushing a low Zaidu Sanusi cross over the goal line.

Nigeria and Sierra Leone often produce drama when they meet with the visiting Leone Stars wiping out a four-goal deficit after 29 minutes to draw 4-4 in a 2021 Cup of Nations qualifier.

The result meant Guinea-Bissau, who beat Sao Tome e Principe in midweek, qualified from Group A with three-time champions Nigeria.