Sierra Leone's hopes of a back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations appearance were dashed by Nigeria in matchday 5 of the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier at the Samuel Kanyon Doe stadium in Monrovia, Liberia, today 18th June 2023.
Nigeria's brilliant forward Victor Osimhen scored a brace for the visitors in the first half, while Leone Stars' Mustapha Bundu pulled one back before the interval. The Super Eagles maintained their lead, but Leone Stars' Augustus Kargbo leveled the scoreline to 2-2 to restore hope for the Leone Stars.
However, Nigeria got the last laugh when Kelechi Iheanacho scored a late winner to secure a 3-2 victory for the visitors.
With this result, Nigeria moves to the top of Group A with 12 points, while Sierra Leone remains in third place with 5 points.
Even with a game to go, a win in that match will be insufficient to place the team in AFCON, even as best losers.