By David Kabiyesi
Sierra Leone senior national team, The Leone Stars will have their work cut against rampaging Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Samuel Kanyon Doe stadium, Monrovia today.
With football pitches back home in Freetown and Bo only good enough for growing corn and legumes, CAF was left with no other choice other than move the game to neutral grounds, hence the choice of Monrovia.
Sierra Leone is third on the log with five points, but still fancy their chances of qualifying for Cote d’Ivoire 2023 AFCON if they can conjure a win against the star-studded Super Eagles after the first leg in Abuja ended 2-1 in favor of the host.
As for Nigeria, a draw will be enough to return to the top of the table and qualify for the 2023 AFCON with a match to spare after picking nine points on the road. Nigeria will go into today’s match with sole aim of keeping its prestige intact by avoiding an upset.
But it remains to be seen how coach Jose Peseiro intents to dig deeper into his technical books of tricks and come out with the right selection and formation against glory-hungry Leone Stars.
Players To Watch
Victor Osimhen He may have struggled in the last two games for the national team, but his moment will surely come and today’s game might just present another opportunity to prove why this weapon of mass destruction is one the most deadly striker in the world today. iwitnesslive.com is tipping the Napoli striker to come good against their host.
Steven Caulker( Sierra Leone)The former Tottenham Hotspur defender’s wealth of experience will come under huge test today. He needs to be at his best to put those armed-to-the-teeth Super Eagles forwards at bay.
Adebayo AdeleyeHis moment has finally come to bark out orders to Super Eagles defenders from the sticks. Leye will have to grab this opportunity to prove why he is regarded as the best goalkeeper in the Israeli league.
Augustus Kargbo (Sierra Leone)The Crotone forward speed and agility will surely put Semi Ajayi and Troost Ekong to the test. He has one goal to his credit in the qualifiers.
The match kick-off at 5pm Nigerian time.
