By Victor Kanayo
It took a late goal from Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho for Nigeria’s Super Eagles to beat the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone 3-2 on matchday five in the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, in Monrovia, Liberia capital.
The victory ensured that the Nigerian team booked a place in the 2023 AFCON to be staged in Cote d’ivoire between January and February.
Iheanacho’s Silencer
Defender Zaidu Sanusi burst through the Sierra Leone defence with a dazzling run to set up substitute Kelechi Iheanacho to score from about one inch out in added time to snatch all three points for Nigeria, after Sierra Leone had pegged back the three-time African champions 2-2.
Osimhen Increased Tally, Leone Stars Deep Search
It was also a game that Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen netted a brace in almost quick succession in the first half to send the Super Eagles fans into frenzy in the evening.
The two goals brought his international tally to 17.
After Osimhen’s brace, Sierra Leone man Mustapha Bundu stepped up and pulled one back just before half time.
In the second half, his compatriot Augustus Kargbo restored parity for the hosts with an unstoppable drive from outside the area to conjure up memories of the 2020 encounter between both sides when Sierra Leone snatched a draw from four goals down.
Last Gasp Effort
The Sierra Leoneans had decent chances to claim all three points at the Samuel Kanyon Doe stadium in Monrovia, where the game was played, for want of a suitable ground in Sierra Leone, but debutant goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye kept the Eagles in it before Sanusi’s inspired run and Iheanacho’s finish spared Nigeria’s blushes.
The Super Eagles now have 12 points from five games, two points clear of second-placed Guinea-Bissau.
The Nigerian side will later in September face Sao Tome and Principe in their last AFCON qualifier.
