The Super Eagles of Nigeria will return to competitive action for the first time this year when they square up to Sierra Leone in the third matchday of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Friday.
The Nigerian team, who lead Group L of the qualifiers with six points after two matches, will be aiming to maintain their fine form so far in the race for a berth in the African showpiece.
The Leone Stars, in converse, sit bottom of the group with a point but they will strive to be no pushovers in the Friday encounter at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
Predictions
The Eagles failed to win in either of their two friendlies against Algeria and Tunisia last month, but the Leone Stars are far from providing for the Nigerians as solid an opposition as the said North African teams.
Yes, it’s a competitive game this time but it’s easy to notice the huge gulf in the collective and individual qualities in both teams.
Worthy of note, the Eagles had conceded early in both of their previous wins against Benin and Lesotho in the qualification series, so it won’t be out of place to expect a slow start from Rohr’s men on Friday.
Sierra Leone have endured a poor run of form since 2019 (W1 D1 L4), but the arrival of newly-appointed coach John Keister is expected to bring back some sort of stability to the team.
Already, former Norwich striker Kei Kamara has rescinded his international retirement since the appointment of the 50-year-old gaffer in August.
Former AC Milan midfielder and one-time Serie A winner Rodney Strasser has also marked his return to the squad ahead the Nigeria clash for the first time since 2014.
A Nigeria win is the best bet but do not expect a whitewash.
Head to Head
Nigeria and Sierra Leone have faced off 14 teams in the past with the Eagles being the dominant side on the head-to-head record.
The three-time African champions have defeated their West African neighbours nine times and have had to settle for a draw thrice.
Sierra Leone have won just two of previous encounters between the two sides, with both coming on home grounds.
Notably, the Eagles have never gotten a result short of a win at home against the Leone Stars.
Nigeria Team News
Injured Nantes winger Moses Simon has been replaced by Belgian Pro League reigning goal king Paul Onuachu in the squad just as Shehu Abdullahi has been handed a late call-up to fill in in place of Midtjylland midfielder Frank Onyeka, who also pulled out due to injury.
Meanwhile, there’s no replacement for injured center-back Kenneth Omeruo.
Kastina United goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, although not originally invited, has trained with the rest of the team in the Benin camp but it’s left to be seen if he will actually be in contention for selection as he has seen several months of inactivity in the Nigerian league.
Sierra Leone Team News
Initially ruled out due to fitness concerns, FC Zurich defender and Sierra Leone captain Umaru Bangura has lately passed fit and is set to play a part in the Nigeria game in Benin.
Minnesota United forward Kei Kamara has returned from his international retirement ahead the game and will be joined by fellow MLS star Augustine Williams, who will be hoping to make his debut on Friday.
To bet on this game and other sensational encounters this international break, use our dedicated football betting page.
