AFCON 2023: Super Eagles Defeat Sierra Leone, As Coach Peseiro Records First Win With The Team

By Akinwale Kasali

After two successive defeats in the hands of Mexico and Ecuador in  International Friendlies at the United States of America, Super Eagles Portuguese Coach, Jose Peseiro, recorded his first victory in charge of the three- time African Cup of Nations Champions.

The Super Eagles came back from a goal down to defeat Sierra Leone’s National Football Team 2-1 in their 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifiers played at the Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola Stadium.

Joseph Morsey gave the visitors the lead in the 11th minute to put their host on their toes, before Everton Football Club of England midfielder, Alex Iwobi equalized in the 16th minute before Napoli Football Club of Italy Striker, Victor Osimhen scored late in the first half to give the Super Eagles the lead into halftime.

Peseiro started Francis Uzoho in goal, with Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and William Troost Ekong in Central Defense, with Olaoluwa Aina and Calvin Bassey playing in the left and right back position.

Playing a 4-4-2 Formation, Alex Iwobi, Joe Aribo, Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze were in the midfield while Victor Osimhen and Sadiq Umar were upfront.

In what was perceived could be a repeat of a goal feast 4-4 draw between the Super Eagles and Sierra Leone in the 2021 AFCON Qualifiers with three goals already scored in the first half, surprisingly, no goal was recorded in the second half.

The Super Eagles will go into their second game in the qualifiers against São Tomé and Principe in four days time at the Agadir Stadium in Morocco, hoping to maintain their 100 Percent record in the qualifiers.

Guinea Bissau, Super Eagles other opponent in the Group whitewashed São Tomé and Principe 5-1 to go top of the Group on superior goal difference.