Explained: What the Super Eagles need against Sierra Leone to qualify for AFCON

Super Eagles can secure qualification for next year's AFCON if they play a draw against Sierra Leone

Explained: What the Super Eagles need against Sierra Leone to qualify for AFCON

Joba Ogunwale 10:45 - 16.06.2023

The three-time African Champions will resume their Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying campaign this weekend, hoping to book their spot in next year’s showpiece.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are back in AFCON qualifying action this weekend when they take on the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone at Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Liberia on Sunday evening. 

The Super Eagles were last in action back in March when they took on Guinea-Bissau in back-to-back matches. 

Super Eagles back in AFCON qualifying action

The first leg was a disappointing encounter for Jose Peseiro’s men as the Super Eagles suffered a shocking 1-0 upset at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja. 

The three-time African champions did redeem themselves in the reverse fixture, defeating their opponents by a similar scoreline. 

The Super Eagles are back in AFCON action
The Super Eagles of Nigeria

The result left Nigeria on top of Group A and put them on the verge of qualification going into the clash against Sierra Leone. 

However, they have lost the top temporarily, even though Peseiro’s men still have destiny in their own hands. 

What do the Super Eagles need against Sierra Leone to qualify for AFCON? 

Going into this round of qualifying games, Nigeria were on top with nine points from four games, two ahead of Guinea-Bissau. 

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However, the Super Eagles are now second in their group after the Wild Dogs defeated Sao Tome and Principe in their match on Wednesday, 

Super Eagles can book their spot in next year's AFCON if they beat Guinea-Bissau
Super Eagles are set for the second leg against Sierra Leone

Nonetheless, Nigeria can reclaim top spot with a win on Sunday, which will seal qualification for next year’s showpiece in Ivory Coast. 

A draw will also be enough to take the team to Ivory Coast and reclaim top spot as the team will be four points clear of Sierra Leone with one game to spare. 

However, should Nigeria suffer a shocking loss, the race of the top two will go down to the final day of qualification in September. 

It looks unlikely, but with the Super Eagles, stranger things have happened. We will find out on Sunday. 

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