2023 AFCONQ: Five observations from Super Eagles 3-2 win against Sierra Leone 

Nigeria’s Super Eagles booked their place in next year's Africa Cup of Nations after a hard fought 3-2 win against  Sierra Leone on Sunday evening.

 

Allnigeriasoccer.com here presents the five takeaways from the victory in Monrovia. 

1. Physical play 

 

Some Super Eagles players were at the receiving end of some niggling tackles especially in the first half. 

 

The harsh treatment was highlighted by Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi who took exceptions to two heavy tackles he suffered. 

 

Still, the former Arsenal man even had another foul on him after his angst. 

2. Attacks on Nigerian defence 

 

Most of Sierra Leone's attacks came from the right side of Eagles defence marshaled by Bright Osayi-Samuel. 

 

The goals scored by Mustapha Bundu and Augustus Kargbo came from forays made on the right side of the Eagles back line. 

 

3. Second half improvement for Sierra Leone

 

The opposition were the better side in the early stages of the second half. 

 

Despite the two goals deficit, the Sierra Leoneans were not discouraged from attempting to upset the Nigerian side and they almost succeeded in doing so. 

 

4. Encouraging debut for Adeleye 

 

Goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye made some needed saves to deny the Leone Stars. 

 

Although he conceded two goals, it was an encouraging debut for the Hapoel Jerusalem goalkeeper and the praise he got from the likes of Victor Osimhen said it all. 

 

5.  Fear factor 

 

The resilient spirit of the Sierra Leone showed that there is no fear factor in the game especially from the Nigerian perspective. 

 

Kelechi Iheanacho's late winner was a relief. But Sierra Leone certainly made it tough for them. 

 
 

Izuchukwu Michael
 

 

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