18th June, 2023
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Red-hot Victor Osimhen grabbed a brace on Sunday as the Super Eagles of Nigeria beat the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone 3-2 to qualify for next year’s African Nations Cup (AFCON) tournament in Cote d Ivoire with a game to spare.
The match, which was played in Liberia, saw the Eagles taking a two-goal lead just 32 minutes into the away game for the Nigerian side.
Osimhen grabbed Nigeria’s first goal 19 minutes into the game. It was a super finish for the experienced Napoli striker.
The Nigerian striker added his second goal in 32 minutes as the Eagles took a two-goal lead. He scored from a goal-mouth scramble.
Mustapha Bundu reduced the tally for the home side, scoring in 41 minutes.
Sierra Leone mounted pressure on the Nigerian defence that had a weak goalkeeper, making his debut for the first time for the Eagles.
The pressure paid off as Augustus Kargbo, who plied his trade for Crotone in Italy, equalised for the Leone Stars six minutes to duration.
The match was heading to a draw when substitute Kelechi Iheanacho scored the third goal for Nigeria five minutes into added time.
Nigeria now lead Group A with 12 points ahead of Guinea Bissau that have 10 points. Both Nigeria and Guinea Bissau have qualified for next year’s AFCON.