Nigeria yesterday secured qualification to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast after Kelechi Iheanacho scored a last-minute goal in a dramatic 3-2 win over Sierra Leone.
Midfielder Ndidi played the entire match on the coast of Liberia, while Foxes’ striker Iheanacho was the late hero – claiming a 95th minute winner after being introduced 20 minutes from the full-time whistle.
City’s No.25 was among the starting line-up, while forward Iheanacho was named on the bench for the match-up at Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium, as two first-half goals from Napoli forward and Serie A champion, Victor Osimhen gave the Super Eagles a strong lead after only half an hour.
Mustapha Bundu got a goal back for Sierra Leone just before the interval, inspiring a potential comeback for the home side, who levelled things up in the 84th minute through winger Augustus Kargbo.
While a single point would’ve been enough to secure qualification for this year’s tournament, Iheanacho was keen to have an impact, and netted seconds from time, when the striker tapped in a low cross from FC Porto left-back Zaidu Sanusi.
The win leaves Nigeria at the top of the group, with 12 points, and the Super Eagles face one more group stage game – with qualification already confirmed – when they take on bottom-placed Sao Tome and Principe in September.
