2023 AFCON qualifiers: Super Eagles coach Peseiro to unleash surprise elements vs Sierra Leone

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are gearing up to face Sierra Leone in the penultimate Group A clash of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, Soccernet.ng reports.

The matchday four fixture, scheduled for June 18th in Monrovia, holds immense significance for both teams. Still, it is the Super Eagles who can secure their qualification to the continental championship in Ivory Coast with a victory over the Leone Stars.

Sierra Leone will be eager to break a long-standing winless streak against Nigeria, having not defeated the three-time Afcon kings since their narrow 1-0 triumph in a World Cup qualifier back in 2001.

Since then, the Super Eagles have dominated this fixture, winning four out of the six encounters and drawing the remaining two.

The Leone Stars will be determined to turn the tide in their favour and potentially boost their chances of advancing to the AFCON finals.

Ahead of the encounter, Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro will reportedly look to inject fresh talents into the national team squad by extending maiden invitations to a few promising players.

Prolific KAA Gent striker Gift Orban is one such player who could earn his debut call-up for the Super Eagles. Another newcomer who may grace the Nigerian squad is Union Saint-Gilloise’s Victor Boniface.

Regulars like Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Salernitana’s William Troost-Ekong, and Everton’s Alex Iwobi are expected to feature prominently on the squad roster. 

The upcoming game will be played on the artificial pitch of the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia, posing a unique challenge for both teams.

In preparation for the clash, the Super Eagles will embark on an intensive training camp in Lagos, with their sessions meticulously planned at the prestigious Onikan Stadium.

Currently leading Group A with nine points, two more than second-placed Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria have their sights firmly set on securing qualification to the AFCON 2023 tournament.

Sierra Leone, in third place with five points, will be aiming to disrupt the Super Eagles’ ambitions and potentially advance their own campaign.