New Telegraph Admin 
Nigeria would be aiming to regain first place in Group C of the AFCON Qualifiers when they make the trip to Liberia to face Sierra Leone this weekend. For starters, Saturday’s game would take place in Liberia because Sierra Leone is not approved by the Confederation of African Football to host matches.
The Leone Stars had a rough start to the campaign (2 points from the first 4 games), but the 2-0 win over São Tomé and Príncipe last time out has put them in a good position to qualify for AFCON 2023. However, John Keister’s men don’t have their faith in their hands because they need to win their remaining two games while hoping either of Nigeria or Guinea-Bissau drop points.
Nigeria need just one win to book their place in the 2023 AFCON tournament, which would take place in Côte d’Ivoire. The Super Eagles have been unable to leave up to standards since winning the competition in 2013, but nine points from the first four games is encouraging. Nigeria have world-class talents across all departments of the pitch.
The Eagles have lost just one of their last ten AFCON Qualifiers. During this period, they registered seven wins and kept five clean sheets. Sierra Leone haven’t been great in this competition of late, having won just one of their last ten qualification matches for AFCON.
Considering that the Leone Stars equally have a poor record against Nigeria, one win in the last seven meetings, a bet on an ‘’away win’’ is worth considering. sierra Leone head coach John Keister is unlikely to make wholesale changes to the side that started the 2-0 win over São Tomé and Príncipe last time out.
Thus, Abubakarr Samura and Al Hassan Koroma were responsible for the goals in that game would start in defence and midfield respectively, while Randers FC forward Alhaji Kamara would lead the line. Fresh from winning the Serie A title with Napoli, Victor Osimhen would be one to keep an eye on for Nigeria.
The 24 year old scored 26 goals in 32 league matches in the 2022-2023 campaign and would surely be hoping to carry that form into his nation’s qualifiers for AFCON 2023. Kelechi Iheanacho didn’t feature in the 1-0 win over Guinea-Bissau in March, so the Leicester City forward is pushing for a start.
However, forward, Ademola Lookman, has assured the Nigerian football community of giving his best as the Super Eagles tackle Sierra Leone on Sunday. The Nigerian star, despite being faced with injury, and falling out of Gian Piero Gasperini’s starting lineup since his return from injury, was called up to Jose Peseiro 23-man roster to face the John Kiester’s troops.
In an interview with Soccernet.ng ahead of the crucial tie, Lookman ex- pressed his commitment to ensuring that Nigeria secures their spot in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The former RB Leipzig star, who joined Atalanta BC in the summer of 2022, has made an impressive impact, scoring 12 goals in his first 20 Serie A games for the Bergamo-based club.
Although he has faced challenges with fatigue and injury, Lookman remains determined to give his best for the national team. Despite this, Lookman expressed to Soccernet.ng that he would keep doing what he always does, which is to give his best to the team. “[My aim is] to give my best, like what I always try to do.
You know, If I could give my best, there is not much more than to give your best, and work hard. And to keep trying. Try to control what I can control. ” When asked about his goal-scoring expectations, Lookman replied with a playful laugh, saying, “We’ll see.”
