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The Super Eagles had to dig in deep into time added on to grab the winner against the Sierra Leone side. The are a few lessons learnt from the entertaining AFCON qualifier.
The Super Eagles booked their place in the AFCON 2023 tournament following their 3-2 win over Sierra Leone.
It was not an easy ride for Jose Peseiro’s men as they had to dig deep into time added on to grab the winner.
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However, there is cause for concern with the performance of the three-time African champions as they were not too convincing in the game.
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19:30 - 18.06.2023
Super Eagles 3 Sierra Leone 2: Osimhen, Iheanacho praised, Peseiro is a disgrace as Nigeria picks up AFCON ticket
Here is what Nigerians are saying about Osimhen and Peseiro after Super Eagles pick up AFCON ticket against Sierra Leone.
Here are five things we observed in the Nigeria vs Sierra Leone game
1. The team started well
Peseiro’s men quickly got into the thick of things and were rewarded with two first half goals from star player Victor Osimhen.
Nigeria looked dangerous each time they attacked as the Leone Stars found it difficult to settle into the game.
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2. The defence line
There were concerns about the Super Eagles centre-halves as the combination of the experienced Kenneth Omeruo and Semi Ajayi was not too convincing.
There were a couple of times the defence marked poorly and made clearances that caused panic whenever the Leone Stars were on the offensive.
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16:31 - 18.06.2023
Sierra Leone 2-3 Nigeria: As it happened
Kelechi Iheanacho's last-minute winner seals AFCON qualification for the Super Eagles in a 3-2 win against Sierra Leone. Follow the action and reactions as it happened.
3. Fantastic Adebayo Adeleye
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The Hapoel Jerusalem’s shot-stopper’s performance has brought competition into the goalkeeping department of the Super Eagles.
Despite conceding two goals Adeleye made some decent saves in the game that kept Nigerian in the match.
Credit should be given to Peseiro for trusting the 23-year-old who will be challenging Francis Uzoho for the number one spot.
4. The team lacked character
Throwing away a two-goal lead is a cause for concern as the team were not able to manage the game with the advantage.
The defence was exposed and through passes penetrated with ease putting pressure on the back four. Clear cut chances were also wasted which could have buried the game.
5. Peseiro still not convincing
The Super Eagles under Peseiro have not played exceptionally well since he took the job from Augustine Eguavoen.
Despite having a young and talented squad, the team still lacked depth in terms of tactics, team selection and performance.
Eguavoen’s men at the last AFCON tournament played far better than the current squad and a new coach should be looked into before it is too late.
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