AFCON 2023 Q: Sierra Leone Vs Nigeria

The Super Eagles did not have the luxury of playing on a great surface, but they ground out the result after a wonderful first-half display 

The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Sierra Leone 3-2 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia to reclaim their spot at the top of group A of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The win was just enough to seal their spot at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D’Ivoire.

Soccernet.ng rates the performance of Jose Peseiro’s lads.

Adebayo Adeleye 6.6/10: Adeleye made his debut for Nigeria, and he gave a good account of himself. Sierra Leone did not have a lot of shots, but whenever they came calling, he was always on hand to stop them.

He conceded two goals, but those goals did not come off any blunder on his part.

Semi Ajayi 6.3/10: The West Brom man had a decent game. He was beaten for pace in Sierra Leone’s first goal. Asides from that, he was solid and had some very good tackles.

Kenneth Omeruo 6.5/10: He was the captain on the day, and he proved to be a good example. He coordinated his backline properly and was always cool. However, he was found wanting in some situations.

Bright Osayi-Samuel 6.5/10: The Fenerbahce man had a good game. His defending was good, he was well-relaxed in his defensive duties and used his pace well.

Zaidu Sanusi 6.6: The Porto star also had a good game. He had good communication with Aribo and Ndidi. He was also very cool in the defense. He played a big role in the third goal with a beautiful run and a great cross to Iheanacho who scored.

Wilfred Ndidi 6.6/10: The Leicester City star was very good in midfield. He was a bully at times and broke play well. He did not offer much attacking-wise, but he did a lot of defensive work.

Alex Iwobi 6.6/10: Iwobi had a decent game, he brought his club form to the Super Eagles. His transition play was great, as he often started the attacks for Nigeria.

Joe Aribo 6.6/10: Aribo had a decent game, but he could have done better. His ball usage was questionable at times, and he failed to create much. However, he had an assist to his name.

Moses Simon 6.7/10: Simon was good for Nigeria. He was really strong in the attack. He caused the Sierra Leoneans a lot of trouble on the left side. However, some of his crosses could have been better. He also missed two good chances to score in the second half.

Samuel Chukwueze 6.7/10: The Villarreal man had a very good game. He showed great understanding with Osimhen and linked well with the midfield. He created some really good chances.

Victor Osimhen 8.7/10: The Napoli man was superb for the Super Eagles. He scored two very good goals. Unlike the previous game against Guinea-Bissau, he had a great link-up with the wingers. He could have scored more goals, but he missed some good chances.

Kelechi Iheanacho 6.9/10: The Leicester City attacker got off the bench to score the clincher for Nigeria. It was a cool and composed finish from him.