Nigeria on Sunday joined host, Côte d’Ivoire, defending champions Senegal and other already qualified countries for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations billed to take place early next year.
With all odds on them to qualify in Monrovia, Nigeria did just that, defeating Sierra Leone 3-2 to go 12 points and qualify for the biannual showpiece in Côte d’Ivoire.
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Super Eagles took led 2-0 in the first 30 minutes through a brace from Italian Serie A top scorer, Victor Osimhen before the Leone Stars leveled up in what was almost going like what happened in Benin City in the qualifiers for the 2021 AFCON where Nigeria bungled a four-goal lead to draw 4-4.
However, with timing ticking towards the end of the game, Kelechi Iheanacho tapped in from close range from a Zaidu Sanusi cross to ensure that Nigeria who could still have qualified for the next AFCON with a draw took all the three points and effectively knocked out the Leone Stars who now have no chance of making it to Côte d’Ivoire.
Meanwhile, the first half proved too difficult for the Leone Stars as they struggled to cope with the attacking threat of Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze.
It was the Napoli striker that broke the deadlock in the 19th minute and quickly made it 2-0 for Nigeria after a few minutes.
Mustapha Bundu reduced the scoreline for the host in the 41st minute and Nigeria ended the half in the driving seat.
The host came back stronger in the second half and seized control of the game from Nigeria.
Within few minutes to end the game, Augustus Kargbo drew the Leone Stars level with good striking efforts from outside the box before substitute Kelechi Iheanacho shoot Nigeria to victory.
The result returned Super Eagle to the top of the table with 12 points and Guinea-Bissau dropped to the second spot as both sides secured their passage to the competition.
