LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Victor Osimhen scored twice as the Super Eagles defeated Sierra Leone 3-2 to advance with one game remaining to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Kelechi Iheanacho scored Nigeria’s third goal in the match that took place on Sunday at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia.
The Napoli striker, Osimhen met a long ball and lobbed over the advancing Sierra Leone goalie, who stared helplessly as the ball flew into his net, in the 19th minute as the Eagles capitalized on their early pressure.
Osimhen scored his brace to give Nigeria a 2-0 lead after Joe Aribo’s exquisite through ball in the 32nd minute.
READ ALSO: Nigeria’s Super Falcons Beat New Zealand In Warm-up Match
The Leone Stars scored one goal to make the score 2-1 in the first 45 minutes to punish the Eagles for dozing off right before the break.
Augustus Kargbo’s goal to tie the game in the 84th minute showed the Leone Stars’ continued pressure had paid off.
Saidu Sanusi broke through the defense of the opponent to set up Kelechi Iheanacho, who scored Nigeria’s third goal, and the Eagles then secured the victory in the waning minutes.
With 12 points after five games, Nigeria is now in first place in the group, followed by Guinea-Bissau with 10.