Yesterday Nigeria sealed their qualification for next year’s AFCON with a dramatic win against underdogs Sierra Leone.
Kelechi Iheanacho’s 95th minute goal clinched victory with one of the final kicks of the game. Nigeria went 2-0 up in the first half thanks to a brace from Victor Osimhen and looked to be cruising towards victory before a pair of Sierra Leone goals against the run of play led to a tense finish.
Now that Nigeria are safely qualified for the tournament, manager José Peseiro will be able to work on exactly what he needs to do to improve his team and avoid any close calls like yesterday.
Here are the biggest takeaways from the match.
Osimhen bang in form
Osimhen is Nigeria’s star man after a superb season for Napoli, top scoring in Serie A, and has maintained that form on the international stage. Throughout the entire 90 minutes, the Nigerian defence felt comfortable beating the Sierra Leone press by simply launching the ball long to Osimhen, who used his electric pace and bullish strength to cause problems at the back for the hosts. Both of his goals were taken like a striker playing in the form of his life.
Complacency whilst ahead
Sierra Leone were heavy underdogs heading into this match, but for the second half you wouldn’t have guessed it. Nigeria fell into the same trap that has cost them in the past as they played with far less intensity after going 2-0 up against a team with a lot less top-level experience.
Alex Iwobi’s deflected clearance led to Augustus Kargbo’s equaliser after 84 minutes, and had Iheanacho not grabbed a late winner then the Super Eagles would have regretted their drop in concentration whilst ahead. These mistakes are not the type that Africa’s stronger outfits will let Nigeria get away with
Great attacking chemistry
NIgeria possess excellent strength in depth in the forward areas – as mentioned previously, Osimhen was in top form, but it will be his combinations with winger Samuel Chukwueze that will please Peseiro going forward.
Moses Simon looked threatening on the left wing whenever he took on his man, and left back Zaido Sanusi made an excellent break late on to set up Iheanacho’s goal. Wilfred Ndidi fired a good opportunity well over the bar, but showed good instinct in getting into a dangerous position to have a shot on goal.
It will be interesting to see if Peseiro drops Joe Aribo back into a deeper position in the future in order for the likes of Chukwueze and Simon to have less defensive responsibility.
How did you rate Nigeria’s performance against Sierra Leone? How do you see the Super Eagles getting on at next year’s AFCON? Get involved in the debate on our social channels!
