Victor Osimhen scored twice as the Super Eagles defeated Sierra Leone 3-2 in Monrovia to secure a place in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 24-year-old striker has scored seven goals in five games in the qualifiers.
The visitors started the game on the front foot, pinning their hosts back.
Osimhen gave Nigeria a well-deserved lead in the 19th minute.
The Napoli forward lifted the ball above Sierra Leone goalkeeper Ibrahim Sesay, following a long ball from the defence by centre-back Kenneth Omeruo.
Join any of these WhatsApp Groups to receive Prompt Sport News Update on WhatsApp
In the 27th minute, Samuel Chukwueze missed an opportunity to double Nigeria’s lead.
After being put through on goal by Osimhen, the Villarreal winger fired straight at Sesay.
Two minutes past the hour mark, Osimhen magnificently doubles the lead for the Super Eagles.
The Super Eagles maintain their dominant stance and come close to scoring their third goal in the 39th minute, only for Simon’s powerful strike to be saved by Sesay.
Just before the halftime whistle, Sierra Leone retaliates with a goal courtesy of Mustapha Bundu.
The intensity of the game decreases following the halftime break.
Victor Osimhen opens the scoring for the Super Eagles ⚽️
— FootballChampions (@ChampionsTV_) June 18, 2023
pic.twitter.com/NzO3kpoAzI
GOAAALL!!
— Football View (@FootballViewYT) June 18, 2023
🇳🇬Victor Osimhen scores his second goal of the day! What a pass from Arnol 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/V5HFKaP5vC
Iheanacho wins it for the Super Eagles to seal AFCON qualification ⚽️
— FootballChampions (@ChampionsTV_) June 18, 2023
pic.twitter.com/o1tQqR5SiN
In the 54th minute, the hosts come close to leveling the score, but goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye reacts swiftly, deflecting the ball away.
With 12 minutes remaining, Iheanacho, brought on as a substitute, has a shot denied by Sesay after being set up by Osimhen.
Augustine Kargbo equalizes for Sierra Leone in the 84th minute.
In stoppage time, Iheanacho becomes the hero by scoring the winning goal.
Contact us: intelregion.com@gmail.com
📡Our Social Media Channels:
- WhatsApp: iR Sport
- Facebook: Intel Region Sport
- Twitter: @iRSport_
- Telegram: iR Sport