Victor Osimhen’s brace has helped the Super Eagles defeat Sierra Leone 3-2, sealing its place at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Osimhen has scored seven goals in five games in the qualifiers.
The third goal for Nigeria in the game played at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia, on Sunday, was scored by Kelechi Iheanacho.
The Eagles started the game on the front foot and their pressure paid off in the 19th minute after Napoli striker Osimhen met a long ball and lobbed over the onrushing Sierra Leone goalkeeper who watched helplessly as the ball went into his net.
Samuel Chukwueze missed the chance to double Nigeria’s lead in the 27th minute.
The Villarreal winger shot straight at Sesay after he was put through on goal by Osimhen.
Osimhen doubled the Super Eagles lead two minutes after the hour mark.
The Super Eagles remain on the front foot and nearly scored the third in the 39th minute but Simon’s fierce shot was saved by Sesay.
Sierra Leone pulled a goal back through Mustapha Bundu three minutes before the break.
The Eagles went napping just before half-time and were punished by the Leone Stars, who got one goal back to make the scores 2-1 after the first 45 minutes.
The Leone Stars kept piling on the pressure and it payed off as Augustus Kargbo levelled the scores in the 84th minute.
However, the Eagles sealed the victory in the added minutes after Saidu Sanusi ran through the opposition defence to set up Kelechi Iheanacho who tapped in Nigeria’s third goal.
Nigeria now top the group with 12 points from five games, followed by Guinea-Bissau with 10 points.
