Sierra Leone 2-3 Nigeria; Key Points From The AFCON Qualifying Match

Nigeria secured a hard-fought win against Sierra Leone as both West African side lock horns in the African qualifiers in Monrovia, Liberia.

It was the Super Eagles side led by Jose Peseiro that had the last laugh in the end as Nigeria prevailed in this match against the modest West African side.

The likes of Victor Osimhen, Joe Aribo, and Zaidu Sanusi proved to be the lynchpin in this encounter as Nigeria secured the maximum points at stake.

Following Nigeria’s triumph against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone, Allnigeriafootball.com evaluates the key points from this AFCON African qualifier.

Victor Osimhen Is World Class

The Napoli star was at his best in the match as he scored to give Nigeria a 0-1 lead in the 19th minute.

And without wasting time he notched a brace to double his side’s advantage in the 32nd minute of the encounter.

He’s proved his immense goal-scorer quality as he converted both goals to ease the pressure on the entire team. His overall performance was spotless just as he hit the headlines he truly deserved the aftermath of the game.

He’s been linked to a couple of top sides in Europe. And with his brace against Sierra Leone, he’s done himself good to reaffirm his quality.

You may Also Read: Analysis Of Nigeria Squad Ahead Of The AFCON Qualifiers Against Sierra Leone

While he’s on the run to break Nigeria’s goal-scoring record as he has already topped Legendary stars like Samson Siasia, Ahmed Musa, and Odion Ighalo in the Nigerian all-time scorer’s list.

Defensive Improvement for Nigeria

Nigeria should at this point be able to do better against a small team with all due respect to whoever the opposition may be.

From all indications, Sierra Leone is not in the same class or pedigree as Nigeria in international football.

And conceding twice when we play them sends the wrong message about the team’s defence. The positioning in the defence line has to be top-notch while man-marking should be deployed in view of the second goal.

The likes of Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi should have done better to prevent the second goal which was Sierra Leone’s equalizer.

The poor communication in the box has not helped either. The goal scorer for Sierra Leone should have been closed down, thus preventing the shot at goal.

Nigeria must Finish well

Nigeria should have sealed the win long ago in the first half but poor finishing cost us almost in this match.

Wilfred Ndidi should have shot on target at least after all Abduolaye Duocoure and Rodri scored in a more difficult position for Everton and Manchester City respectively.

Despite good ball from Victor Osimhen, the likes of Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon didn’t add to the score sheet.

Imagine if Osimhen had missed any of his goals in the match may be the match could have been a different story by now.

Qualification secured for AFCON

The Super Eagles have qualified for the AFCON showpiece slated next year in Cote d’Ivoire. It’s a big achievement for Africa and Nigeria as a whole.

The likes of match-winner Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen have played their part in the mix for this to happen.

While FC Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi, Calvin Bassey and the contribution of Captain of the day, Kenneth Omeruo cannot be undermined.

And the focus begins now ahead. Just as the team begins to blood fresh legs like Chuba Akpom, Gift Orban and Kelechi Nwakali that can complement the team.

It’s a very big congratulation to Coach Jose Peseiro and the entire Super Eagles side.

The work for AFCON begins now……