The Super Eagles of Nigeria will be aiming to kick off their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in style after losing two friendlies. They will host Sierra Leone in the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Thursday.
The Super Eagles did well to qualify for the 2022 World Cup finals, but they have big ambitions for the AFCON qualifiers as well. Sierra Leone captain Steve Caulker has come out to say that they are not afraid of Nigeria. he said they will go toe-to-toe with the Super Eagles in their 2023 Africa Cup qualifier.
Super Eagles of Nigeria to Host Sierra Leone in Abuja
The Leone Stars can take inspiration from their last visit to Nigeria going into today’s encounter. John Keister’s side held the Super Eagles to a 4-4 draw on that occasion, rallying back from four goals down to earn a share of the spoils.
“We want to make a good start. We are going to play in the right way to compete with Nigeria,” Caulker told reporters. “It’s all about the three points. We are aware they (Super Eagles) have a lot of big names in their team.
He said: “We know they have quality players in their team, but it’s all about the three points and we are ready for the challenge. “We are one of the smallest countries in Africa, but we have good team spirit. We are here to get three points and hopefully qualify from the group.”
Some key players have been omitted from the Super Eagles Of Nigeria squad, the players are Shehu, Etebo, Okechukwu, Yusuf, Tijani, Sadiq, Okoje, and Chukwueze have been omitted, with Leicester City ace Kelechi Iheanacho missing out as well. In his absence, a man to watch in the home team will be fellow Premier League winger Alex Iwobi.
Sierra Leone faces an uphill task in their opener, and even though they shared the spoils with Nigeria in each of their previous two meetings in competitive matches, we are tempted to put our money on the home side.
