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Tag: Victor Osimhen

  • Super Eagles Cruise Past Mozambique 4–0, Book AFCON 2025 Semi-Final Spot

    Super Eagles Cruise Past Mozambique 4–0, Book AFCON 2025 Semi-Final Spot

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria delivered a masterclass performance on Saturday, dismantling the Mozambique Mambas 4–0 in their AFCON 2025 quarter-final clash to secure a convincing place in the semi-finals of the tournament.

    Nigeria asserted their dominance early in the encounter, pressing high and controlling possession, with the midfield trio dictating the tempo and starving Mozambique of space.

    The breakthrough came in the 18th minute when Victor Osimhen rose highest to head home a pinpoint cross from Ademola Lookman, sending Nigerian supporters into celebration.

    Buoyed by the opener, the Super Eagles intensified their pressure.

    Ademola Lookman doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 33rd minute with a well-placed finish following a swift attacking move, capping a dominant first-half display that left the Mambas chasing shadows.

    Mozambique attempted to respond after the break, but Nigeria’s defence, marshalled by Kevin Bassey and Taiwo Ajayi, stood firm, while goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali remained largely untroubled.

    Nigeria effectively put the game beyond reach in the 56th minute when Alex Iwobi delivered a perfectly weighted pass that was calmly finished by Lookman, following sustained pressure in Mozambique’s half.

    The Super Eagles continued to dictate proceedings, with Osimhen and Lookman stretching the opposition with pace and movement.

    The rout was completed in the 74th minute as Lookman turned provider once again, setting up Adams Akor, who slotted home confidently to underline Nigeria’s attacking depth and dominance.

    Osimhen’s tireless runs, Lookman’s creativity, and Iwobi’s control in midfield proved decisive, while the defensive unit ensured Mozambique failed to register any meaningful attempt on target throughout the contest.

    Speaking after the match, the Super Eagles’ coach praised his team’s discipline and collective effort, describing the emphatic victory as a clear statement of intent as Nigeria continues its quest for a fourth AFCON title.

    With the convincing win, the Super Eagles march into the AFCON 2025 semi-finals full of confidence and momentum, awaiting their next opponent as hopes of continental glory grow stronger.

  • Nigeria Outgun Tunisia in Thrilling AFCON 2025 Group Clash

    Nigeria Outgun Tunisia in Thrilling AFCON 2025 Group Clash

    Nigeria booked their place via a Victor Osimhen-assisted 3-2 win over rivals, Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in an entertaining Group C encounter played in Fez, Morocco.

    The Super Eagles produced a dominant attacking display to take control of the match early, putting the Carthage Eagles under sustained pressure with their pace and movement.

    Nigeria’s breakthrough came late in the first half when Victor Osimhen rose highest to power home a header, giving his side a deserved lead at the 44th minute.

    Nigeria continued on the front foot after the restart and were rewarded with two quick goals that appeared to put the contest beyond Tunisia’s reach.

    Wilfred Ndidi doubled the advantage with a well-taken strike from midfield before Ademola Lookman added a third, finishing off a swift counter-attack that showcased Nigeria’s attacking quality.

    Tunisia, however, refused to capitulate. The North Africans mounted a spirited comeback, pulling a goal back through Montassar Talbi and later converting a penalty to set up a tense finale.

    Despite late pressure, Nigeria’s defence held firm to secure all three points.

    The result confirmed Nigeria’s qualification for the round of 16 and strengthened their credentials as one of the tournament favourites.

    Tunisia, meanwhile, were left to reflect on missed opportunities as they turn their attention to their remaining group fixture in search of qualification.

    Speaking after the match, Nigeria’s coaching staff praised the team’s attacking intent while stressing the need for greater concentration in defence.

    Tunisian officials acknowledged their side’s resilience but admitted the slow start proved costly.

    The latest chapter in the long-standing Nigeria–Tunisia rivalry once again delivered drama, goals and intensity, underlining why both nations remain among Africa’s football heavyweights at AFCON 2025.

  • W/Cup Qualifier: S/Eagles aims to beat Rwanda in Kigali

    W/Cup Qualifier: S/Eagles aims to beat Rwanda in Kigali

    As the countdown draws close to Friday’s crucial World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have said picking the three points at stake was non-negotiable.

    The Super Eagles take on hosts Amavubis of Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, on Friday at 6:00p.m. Rwanda time (5:00p.m. Nigeria time).

    Team captain, William Ekong, told newsmen on Wednesday that the players were focused and unfazed by talks of Nigeria never beating Rwanda on their home turf.

    “Actually, we read about that in some places, but we are not bothered.

    “I was part of the last game in Kigali, which ended scoreless, but we know that we cannot afford a draw this time.

    “Our objective is to pick the three points and bring some life back into our campaign.

    “We are certainly not concerned about history books and what has happened before now. Qualification for the FIFA World Cup is our priority,” he said.

    The three-time African champions are yet to achieve victory over Rwanda in that country, going back 20 years.

    A 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying match ended 1-1 at the Amahoro Stadium.

    In 2011, a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match at the Stade Regional de Nyamirambo, in the outskirts of Kigali, ended scoreless.

    In September last year, another 0-0 was the outcome of a 2025 AFCON qualifying match at the Amahoro Stadium.

    All 23 invited players were at the Eagles’ Radisson Blu nest on Tuesday night.

    This means that everyone would be involved in the second training on Wednesday (today), and
    in the official training session at the Amahoro Stadium on Thursday evening.

    Nigeria’s goal-banger Victor Osimhen was among the early arrivals, and in high spirit after becoming the new leading scorer in the Turkish Superlig with 20 goals after a hat-trick on Saturday.

    The 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup top scorer now has 23 goals for Nigeria in 47 matches.

    Also in the team is reigning Africa Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, Simon Moses, Samuel Chukwueze, Sadiq Umar and new invitee Tolu Arokodare to make life difficult for the Amavubi rearguard.

    World football-governing body, FIFA has appointed Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed, who turns 38 two days after the match, to take charge of the game.

    Jayes officiated a friendly game between the Super Eagles and Ghana’s Black Stars in Marrakech on March 22, 2024, which Nigeria won 2-1.

    That match marked the first in 18 years that Nigeria would overcome Ghana in a game at senior level.

    On Friday, Franco-Malian tactician Éric Sékou Chelle will lead out the Super Eagles for the first time.

    This is as the FIFA World Cup qualifying series resume with Nigeria, yet to win in their previous four matches.

    The Eagles are desperate to start winning in order to brighten their chances of picking the only automatic ticket from group C to the finals in USA, Canada and Mexico next summer

  • Transfer Impasse: Analyst blame Victor, others

    Transfer Impasse: Analyst blame Victor, others

    It is unfortunate but true that the deal to have Nigeria’s Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen move to Chelsea has collapsed completely, following closure of the summer transfer window.
    While there is enough blame to go round the dramatis personae, analysts believe that the real culprits are Victor, for all the shenanigan, his agent and the management of SCC Napoli for playing hard to get.
    Osimhen had been linked with a move from Napoli to Stamford Bridge, with Saudi Pro League side, Al Ahli also interested in signing the forward.
    Uncertainty had beclouded Osimhen’s move to Chelsea. The Nigeria international was on a big contract at Napoli but Chelsea’s offer was below par.
    Al Ahli offered Osimhen a whopping £60 million (about N141 billion) to lure him to Saudi. However, the Nigerian forward preferred to remain in Europe than to move to the Saudi Pro League.
    “Victor Osimhen-Chelsea deal now off as no agreement has been reached. No agreement with Chelsea and their delegation now leaving Napoli after negotiations collapsed tonight,” sports journalist Fabrizio Romano disclosed.
    Osimhen has become one of the deadliest strikers in Europe in recent campaigns and has bagged 55 Serie A goals over the last three seasons.
    As it stands, if nothing happens from Saudi in the next 3 days, Osimhen will stay at Napoli, but will not be part of the squad.
    Relationship between the player and the club is currently completely broken, as Osimhen does not want to play anymore for the Serie A side.
    This means the only option left for the Super Eagles striker is a move away to Saudi Al Ahli.
    Meanwhile, Chelsea have alternatively agreed to a deal to sign Jadon Sancho from Manchester United. United have agreed to the loan deal with buy obligation clause offered by Chelsea. Sancho has already said yes to the deal and set for medicals.
    Similarly, Al Ahli have completed the deal to sign Ivan Toney on £40m deal from Brentford, following the failure to secure Osimhen.
    Medicals have been done, contract agreed and Ivan will travel to Saudi this weekend to be presented as Al Ahli player.
  • Messi Wins Record 8th Ballon D’or; Haaland, Osimhen, Oshoala Make History

    Messi Wins Record 8th Ballon D’or; Haaland, Osimhen, Oshoala Make History

    Argentina captain Lionel Messi won a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or for the best player in the world on Monday in Paris, France.

    Messi beat Norway’s UEFA player of the year, and treble winner Erling Haaland of Manchester City to the prestigious prize.

    France and Paris St Germain’s Kylian Mbappe completed the list of the top three best players in the world.

    Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala both made history for Nigeria and Africa as they finished in an impressive 8th and 20th positions in the 2023 Men and Women’s Ballon d’Or rankings.

    A message on Super Falcons’ official X handle congratulated Oshoala for the historic achievement both for Nigeria.

    “Asisat Oshoala’s 20th place ranking in the 2023 Women’s Ballon d’Or is a historic and significant achievement for Africa.

    “She’s a talented footballer and deserves the recognition. “Congratulations @AsisatOshoala,” it said.

    Inter Miami’s Messi, who last won the award in 2021, played a pivotal role in guiding Argentina to their first World Cup title in 36 years in Qatar last season.

    Messi has won the Ballon d’Or for a record eighth time, fending off competition from Manchester City striker Erling Haaland after leading Argentina to the World Cup last year.

    Messi, 36, becomes the first MLS-based player to claim the coveted prize, although the triumph comes largely on the back of his exploits with his country in Qatar.

    Former Manchester United player and Inter Miami co-owner, David Beckham handed his prize-signing Messi the award in Paris.

    Haaland, who scored 52 goals last season as City won the Treble in 2022-23, finished second in the voting and won the Gerd Muller Trophy given to the best striker of the year.

    “I couldn’t imagine having the career that I’ve had. Everything that I’ve achieved,” Messi said after getting his award.

    “The fortune I’ve had playing for the best team in the world, the best team in history. It’s nice to win these individual trophies.

    “To win the Copa America and then the World Cup, to get it done is amazing. All of them [Ballon d’Or awards] are special for different reasons.”

    Prior to Messi receiving his award, Barcelona and Spain midfielder, Aitana Bonmatí won the Ballon d’Or Féminin after a record-breaking year with club and country.

    She helped Barça win Liga F and the Champions League last season, before leading Spain to World Cup glory in the summer.

    In other awards handed out on Monday, Messi’s Argentina teammate Emiliano Martinez won the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper.

    England and Real Madrid midfielder, Jude Bellingham was handed the Kopa Trophy as the world’s top player under the age of 21.

    During his acceptance speech, Messi made a point of wishing Argentina countryman Diego Maradona happy birthday.

    The 1986 World Cup winner, who died on Nov. 22, 2020, would have been 63 on Monday.

    “My last mention is for Diego [Maradona],” Messi said. “Today is his birthday.

    “So, I would like to remember him from here, surrounded by the best players, coaches and people who love football like he did.

    “Wherever you are, Diego, happy birthday. This goes also to you.”

    Prior to Monday’s ceremony in Paris, no player had won the Ballon d’Or more times than Messi, who first won it in 2009 and then again in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021.

    Cristiano Ronaldo has won it five times, while Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten are all three-time winners.

    Messi scored 21 goals in 41 appearances last season as Paris Saint-Germain retained the Ligue 1 title before moving to Inter Miami earlier this year.

    Since moving to the U.S., he has scored 11 goals in 14 games for Miami, helping the franchise win its first-ever piece of silverware, the Leagues Cup.

    However, he missed several matches through injury at the end of the regular MLS season as Gerardo “Tata” Martino’s side came up short in their late push for a playoff spot.

    It is Messi’s performances at the World Cup at the end of 2022 which have earned him an eighth Ballon d’Or as Argentina ended a 36-year wait to be crowned world champions for the third time.

    Messi, as captain, was instrumental to Argentina’s success in Qatar, scoring seven goals and assisting three more as he was named as the Player of the Tournament.

    He scored twice in the final and again in the penalty shootout against France.

    Lionel Scaloni’s team edged one of the most memorable showpieces in the competition’s history.

    Having come up short with Argentina at four previous World Cups, including losing the 2014 final to Germany, it was deemed by many to be his last chance to get his hands on football’s biggest prize.

    At 36 years and four months old, he also becomes the second oldest player to ever win the Ballon d’Or.

    He replaces 2022 winner Karim Benzema.

    Only the inaugural winner, Stanley Matthews in 1956, was older when he won it aged 41.

    Messi’s first six Ballons d’Or were won while he played for Barcelona, where he is the club’s record goalscorer and appearance holder.

    He won it for a seventh time shortly after joining PSG in 2021 following Copa America success with Argentina.

  • Osimhen Overcomes Social Media Controversy To Score For Napoli

    Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen put aside his recent social media storm with his club Napoli and made a significant impact on the field as his team secured a 4-1 victory over Udinese on Wednesday.

    Napoli, the defending Serie A champions, entered the match under pressure after enduring a three-game winless streak, which had raised concerns about their new coach, Rudi Garcia.

    Osimhen’s missed penalty in their previous game against Bologna, followed by a controversial TikTok video posted by Napoli’s official account, had created a buzz. The video appeared to mock Osimhen, leading the forward to consider legal action against the club.

    Despite the off-field distractions, Osimhen put in an excellent performance and ended his four-game goal drought with a well-taken strike in the 39th minute, boosting Napoli to seventh place in the Serie A table.

    Napoli found themselves awarded another penalty just 15 minutes into the game when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was fouled inside the box. After a VAR review, the penalty was confirmed, but this time it was Piotr Zielinski who stepped up to convert it, making it 1-0 after 19 minutes.

    With their confidence restored, Napoli pressed on, with Kvaratskhelia, Osimhen, and Mario Rui all testing Udinese’s goalkeeper, Marco Silvestri.

    In the 39th minute, Osimhen seized an opportunity and slotted the ball into the net, marking his fourth goal of the season. Although initially hesitant to celebrate, he was eventually able to embrace his teammates amid cheers from the home crowd.

    In the 63rd minute, Osimhen was substituted for Giovanni Simeone, who later found the net, but not before Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian attacker capitalized on a defensive error to score his first goal of the season in the 74th minute.

    Although Lazar Samardzic pulled one back for Udinese in the 80th minute, Kvaratskhelia once again played a pivotal role by assisting Simeone, who headed the ball low into the net, sealing a much-needed victory for the champions.

    Osimhen’s on-field performance proved that he could put distractions aside and deliver for his team when it mattered most.

  • AFCON Qualifier: Osimhen Nets Hat-trick As Eagles Maul Sao Tome 6-0

    AFCON Qualifier: Osimhen Nets Hat-trick As Eagles Maul Sao Tome 6-0

    Ballon d’Or nominee, Victor Osimhen netted a hat-trick that took his tally to 10 in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, and also ensured Nigeria finished as group winners in the race to Cote d’Ivoire.

    Having drubbed their opponents 10-0 in both teams’ first encounter in the Moroccan city of Agadir in June 2022, the Eagles, who had already qualified for the finals no matter the scoreline, were in no danger on the lush turf of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

    They expectedly started on the front foot, in front of a capacity crowd of 30,000 spectators, but Semi Ajayi’s firm header off a corner kick by Kelechi Iheanacho in the second minute was punched away by goalkeeper Ronaldo Silva.

    Silva was by far the busiest of the two goalies on the night, and had to be alert and active four minutes later as England-based forward Taiwo Awoniyi turned and struck a fierce one inside the box. He would however, have no answer when Osimhen, with seven goals in five previous qualifying matches, rose above the defence to head in from close range off a corner kick by Ademola Lookman.

    Awoniyi’s header missed narrowly three minutes later, but the visiting goal-tender again had to pick the ball from his net in the 27th minute when Lookman received a pass from on-field captain Wilfred Ndidi and sashayed past two defenders before tucking it past the goalie for Nigeria’s second of the evening.

    Seven minutes into the second half, Awoniyi had the crowd on his feet when he chested a flick by Iheanacho and blasted past Silva from close range.

    Everything was on a roll and Osimhen scored his ninth goal of the qualifying campaign in the 70th minute, when he won and converted a penalty kick with Silva sent the wrong way.

    With 10 minutes left, the goal king did his Ballon d’Or nomination no harm with a third goal after a flowing move that had substitute Samuel Chukwueze and Awoniyi contributing.

    There was still time for Chukwueze to score a sixth, with five minutes left, after he was picked out by fellow substitute Victor Boniface on the left side of the visitors’ defence.

    Osimhen deservedly won MTN’s Most Valuable Player of the Match award and pocketed the sum of N1 million naira, while Lookman was selected the Man of the Match and picked up a cheque for N1 million from Nigerian Breweries PLC.

    Next up for the Super Eagles is a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho’s Crocodiles also in Uyo on 17 November.           

  • 2023 AFCON: Thrilling weekend sees 14 nations book tickets

    *Ten places still up for grabs

    2023 AFCON: Thrilling weekend sees 14 nations book tickets
    Nigeria last won the AFCON title in 2013

    The thrilling weekend of TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 Qualifiers saw more African football giants’ countries book their place in the continent’s biggest event set to take place between 13 January and 11 February 2024.

    The qualification of most of the former African champions this past weekend is again another indication that the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 is likely to be one of the most successful events in the competition’s history.

    There are still qualifier matches to be played on Tuesday as part of the Match Day Five fixture block.

    Zambia produced possibly the weekend’s most polished performance in front of their home fans in Ndola to secure an emphatic 3-0 victory against tournament hosts and former African champions, Cote d’Ivoire.

    The results ensured that ‘Chilopopolo’, crowned champions in Gabon 2012, will return to Africa’s most-watched sports event after an eight-year absence.

    The week of the qualifiers started on a high note for another giant of African football, Egypt. The record-winners of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations confirmed their place in next year’s tournament following a 2-1 victory over Guinea in Marrakech on Wednesday.

    In another match, a stoppage-time goal was enough for Equatorial Guinea, who beat Tunisia 1-0 on Saturday to secure their ticket for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations for the second time in a row and a third appearance.

    On Sunday, Cape Verde recorded an emphatic 3-1 victory over Burkina Faso to confirm their spot for Cote d’Ivoire.

    Two second-half goals ensured Mali triumphed with a 2-0 win against Congo at the Stade Alphonse Massamba-Debat in Brazzaville to cement their place for the AFCON finals early next year.

    Nigeria left it very late after a last-gasp winning goal saw them claim a 3-2 victory against Sierra Leone in Monrovia to add their name to the qualified nations for next year’s tournament.

    Nigeria’s win over Sierra Leone also confirmed Guinea Bissau’s fourth straight qualification for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, having won their match against São Tomé and Príncipe by a 1-0 score line on Wednesday.

    Hosts Cote d’Ivoire, African champions Senegal, FIFA World Cup semi-finalists Morocco, former Champions Tunisia, Algeria, South Africa and the ever-impressive Burkina Faso all booked their places in March 2023.

    The last round of qualifiers will be in September 2023.

    The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 will kick off on 13 January 2024 and run until 11 February 2024.

    The event will take place in six different venues: Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara (56,000 seats) and Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny (28,000 seats), located in Abidjan. The remaining venues are Stade de Korhogo (20,000 seats), Stade de San Pedro (20,000 seats), Stade de Yamoussoukro (20,000 seats), and Stade de la Paix de Bouake (40,000 seats).

    Qualified Teams

    • Cote d’Ivoire (Hosts)
    • Morocco
    • Algeria
    • South Africa
    • Senegal
    • Burkina Faso
    • Tunisia
    • Egypt
    • Zambia
    • Equatorial Guinea
    • Nigeria
    • Cape Verde
    • Guinea Bissau
    • Mali

  • AFCON Qualifier: President Weah hails Osimhen’s marksmanship

    AFCON Qualifier: President Weah hails Osimhen’s marksmanship
    President George Weah with NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau (left) at the SKD Stadium in Liberia on Sunday.

    Seated in the presidential box as Nigeria beat Sierra Leone 3-2 in the Day 5 game of their group for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, President George Oppong Weah of Liberia could not stop singing the praises of Super Eagles’ forward Victor Osimhen who scored a brace.

    Following his excellent season in which he scored 25 league goals to steer SC Napoli to their first Italian Serie A title in 33 years, President Weah, the 1995 World, European and African Footballer of the Year had penned a personal letter to Osimhen asking him to keep working hard and breaking new grounds.

    On Sunday, as he sat in the presidential box of the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Paynesville with Nigeria’s Ambassadors to Liberia and Sierra Leone (Excellencies Godfrey Odudigbo and Henry Omakwu respectively), President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, NFF Board Members Rt. Hon. Nse Essien and Sunday Dele-Ajayi, among others, Weah could not stop singing Osimhen’s praises.

    The Napoli forward did not disappoint, with an outstanding performance, scoring in the 20th and 33rd minutes to steer Nigeria into a 2-0 lead.

    “That is what I call a striker. Good positioning always. Very athletic and knows where to be each time the ball is coming. He is so strong and a fighter par excellence.”

    The Nigeria forward is now the leading scorer in the qualifying series with seven goals, and has now racked up an impressive tally of 17 goals in 25 matches for Nigeria at senior level.

    Osimhen’s seven goals in this qualifying campaign include the one goal he scored against Sierra Leone in Abuja in June 2022 to eventually give Nigeria a 2-1 win and three points on the first day of the series, and four of the 10 goals against Sao Tome and Principe in Agadir, Morocco few days later, on a day Nigeria set a new international win-record.

    Apart from President Weah, members of the Nigerian community in Liberia as well as other ecstatic fans of Osimhen from Liberia and Sierra Leone trooped to the window area of the Super Eagles’ dressing room trying to force it open while shouting: “We want Victor!”

    Osimhen’s two goals took Nigeria in front before Mustapha Bundu and Augustus Kargbo drew level, but in added period, Kelechi Iheanacho made good from a dashing run by Zaidu Sanusi that stunned the Liberian defence.

    Victory took Nigeria to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals with 12 points, with a match to spare, alongside second-placed Guinea Bissau, on 10. The Leone Stars crashed out with only five points.

    Hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Morocco, Algeria, South Africa, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Tunisia, Egypt, Zambia, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau and Mali are the 14 countries that have qualified for Cote d’Ivoire 2023, with the remaining 10 to emerge in September.

    Nigeria will host the group’s whipping boys, Sao Tome and Principe in a purely academic exercise in September.

  • Eagles beat Sierra Leone 3-2, qualify for 2023 AFCON

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Sunday qualified for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after beating Sierra Leone 2-3 in Monrovia, Liberia.

    The three-time African champions picked the ticket after defeating the Lone Stars at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium with one game to spare.

    A stoppage-time tap-in from Kelechi Iheanacho was the most important goal in a match where the Super Eagles surrendered a two-goal lead.

    Jose Peseiro started the match with the attacking trio of in-form Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon.

    He also preferred the backline paring over Kenneth Omeruo and Semilore Ajayi as Willam Troost-Ekong was benched.

    The Eagles showed their intent in the early minutes of the game when Osimhen’s header was only stopped by Ibrahim Sesay, Sierra Loanean’s goalkeeper.

    A few minutes later, Chukwueze fired high and wide from the edge of the box after he was teed up. He then scuffed a bigger opportunity after Osimhen wrestled the ball off a defender to set him face-to-face with Sesay.

    Shortly, the early pressure paid for Nigeria as Osimhen pounced on a long ball and executed a perfect lob over the on-rushing Sesay, who watched as the strike sailed into the empty net.

    The Napoli striker doubled the lead in the 32nd minute after he was sent through on goal by a cute pass by Joe Aribo.

    With a well-executed assist from Ahmed Musa, Osimhen capitalized on the defense’s neglect and unleashed a magnificent left-footed strike, further cementing the Super Eagles’ advantage.

    Osimhen’s brace also propelled him to the top of the scorer rankings with seven goals, surpassing Sadio Mané.

    Mustapha Bundu restored hope for the Leone Stars when he struck from the edge of the box to reduce the deficit just before the break.

    Sierra Leone emerged from half-time with renewed determination, launching relentless attacks on the Nigerian camp.

    Their efforts bore fruit as Augustus Kargbo equalized, leveling the score at 2-2. The momentum clearly favored the Sierra Leoneans, who continued to create opportunities, albeit leaving gaps for the ever-vigilant Super Eagles.

    In the end, it was Kelechi Iheanacho who seized the moment, securing Nigeria’s qualification with a crucial goal. This result also guarantees qualification for Guinea-Bissau.