In the last three major tournaments the Super Eagles featured – the Russia 2018 and Africa Cup of Nations 2019 and 2021, qualifications were obtained ahead of conclusion of series.

A 2-3 win over Sierra Leone was enough to hand the Super Eagles of Nigeria a spot at the 2023 AFCON. Here are three observations from the game in Monrovia.

A LEAKING DEFENCE TO MEND

After racing into a two-goal lead in 33 minutes courtesy of a Victor Osimhen brace, a leaking Nigerian defence left goalkepeer Adebayo Adeleye exposed for Sierra Leone to level scores.

Peseiro has work to do on this defence ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, else Osimhen and the forwards will bang goals only to be let down by the defence.

OSIMHEN WILL BREAK YEKINI’S GOAL-SCORING RECORD

In-form Napoli striker scored two goals to push closer to the coveted Nigeria all-time goals record held by Late Rashidi Yekini.

A look back at his first goal vs Sierra Leone shows a poacher who has age and potential on his side to become Nigeria’s all-time goal-scorer.

Caretaker observes the Italian Serie A top-scorer was the rallying point to Nigeria’s win , his goals covering the wasteful finishing by Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze in Monrovia.

GREAT GAME 

Finally, Caretaker observes the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Sierra Leone Vs Nigeria was a great game by all African Football standards.

First , as expected in an open game, five goals were scored. That itself telling a story of two teams who took to the set-up to attack at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will now prepare for the 2023 AFCON proper, it is expedient for Pesiero to work on noticed weak links else the Eagles will not fly in Ivory Coast.

• When Sierra Leone held Nigeria to a 4-4 draw at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in 2022, it was the highest number of goals Nigeria conceded at home since their 6-1 home defeat to in Lagos in 1959.
• Both teams had their first international encounter facing each other 73 years, eight months and 11 days ago today.
• Both teams first met on 8 October 1949 when the Nigerian side made a stopover in Freetown in their return voyage from UK.
• The match at Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia  was the 25^th encounter of both teams. Nigeria’s Super Eagles have the upper hand, winning 15, drawing seven times and losing just two.
• Nigerian football legend, Segun Odegbami, second highest scorer for the national team scored the first of his 21 goals for Nigeria in a World Cup qualifying match against Sierra Leone on 30 October 1976.
• Segun Odegbami made his international debut for Nigeria when he came in as a 40^th minute substitute for Baba Otu Mohammed in a 16 October 1976 World Cup qualifier in Freetown.
• Former Africa Cup of Nations’ best left winger, Kunle Awesu played his last international match for Nigeria in a 30 October 1976 World Cup qualifier against Sierra Leone in Lagos.
• It was against Sierra Leone on 30 October 1976 that Muda Lawal  first started a match for Nigeria from the bench . He later came in for Christian Madu in the 73^rd minute.
• Sierra Leone spelt doom for former Nigeria’s Dutch coach, Johannes Bonfrere who last handled the Super Eagles when the team lost 1-0 on 21 April 2001 in a World Cup qualifying duel in Freetown.
• The match against Sierra Leone was the last that Peterside Idah played for Nigeria on 21 April 2001.
• The duel  was Nigeria’s 121^st  Africa Cup of Nations’ qualifying match. For Sierra Leone, it was their 81^st  in the qualifying series since their debut entry for the 1974 edition.
• When the Super Eagles played against Sierra Leone in 2020, it was the fourth time an Africa Cup of Nation qualifying match was played in Benin City. The first time was when the then Green Eagles played a goalless outing with Morocco on 14 August 1983. The second time was the 1-0 defeat of Madagascar on 2 June 2001 while the third was the 2-2 draw with Angola on 21 June 2003 in the qualifying duel for Tunisia 2004.
• Although Nigeria defeated Sierra Leone 2-0 when they first met 74 years ago, an own goal by Sierra Leone’s Ashman was Nigeria’s first ever international goal. Tesilimi Balogun scored the second goal.
• Nigeria’s Joseph Yobo goes into the record book as the first player to score for both Sierra Leone and Nigeria in a competitive series. Yobo scored Nigeria’s lone goal in the 1-0 defeat of Sierra Leone in Freetown in a 7 June 2008 World Cup qualifying match. In the reversed leg played on 11 October 2008 in Abuja, Yobo scored an own goal in the 4-1 defeat of Sierra Leone.

Iheanacho nets winner, Osimhen nets brace as Super Eagles book AFCON spot

Victor Osimhen scored twice for the Super Eagles as they claimed a 3-2 win against Sierra Leone to go through to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with one game to spare.

After seeing Guinea -Bissau defeat Sao Tome & Principe in the group’s other game to go top, the Super Eagles needed a point against the Lone Stars to qualify for the tournament in Ivory Coast.

Nigeria asked the questions from the start of the encounter and Osimhen was thwarted by Sierra Leon’s goalkeeper after he connected a header from a Moses Simon cross.

The Super Eagles took the lead shortly after in the 19th minute through the irrepressible Osimhen. The Napoli man latched onto a headed clearance from captain Kenneth Omeruo before nonchalantly executing a lob over the onrushing goalkeeper for his 16th international goal.

The striker was unstoppable and doubled his and the Super Eagles’ lead in the 32nd minute as he made a timely dart in behind the Lone Stars backline which was found by Joe Aribo, and Osimhen found a way to convert despite the bobbling turf. The goal made the Napoli man Nigeria’s highest-scorer among active players, beating Ahmed Ahmed Musa and Odion Ighalo’s 16 goals.

Osimhen nearly turned provider as he played in Samuel Chukwueze, but the Villarreal winger couldn’t finish when faced by just the goalkeeper. The striker once again showed a creative side to his game as he played a square ball across the box to Moses Simon, who managed to miss the goal from point-blank range.

Chukwueze had the ball in the back of the net, too, but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Sierra Leone pulled one back four minutes from half-time through Mustafa Bundu, whose run in behind was found by Emmanuel Samadia, allowing him to blast an effort past debutant goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye..

The Super Eagles maintained control in the second half, with Osimhen popping up all over the attacking third but they failed to add another goal.

The Lone Stars grabbed an equaliser in the 84th minute through Augustus Kargbo, who beat Adeleye with a scorching effort that nestled into the bottom of his goal. The forward thought he had stolen a point for his country.

Introduced off the bench for the misfiring Chukwueze, Leicester City ace Kelechi Iheanacho secured the win for the Super Eagles in the 95th minute as he tapped home from close range after brilliant play by Zaidu Sanusi, who provided the assist.

Nigeria return to the top of Group A and have now booked their place in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire. The Super Eagles will return to action in a dead-rubber game against Sao Tome & Principe in September.

Chinese police have announced a punishment for the 18-year-old fan who invaded the pitch to hug Lionel Messi during Argentina’s 2-0 win against Australia in a recent international friendly played in Beijing.

The police handed the Chinese fan a 12-month stadium ban.

Messi scored during the win against Australia.

he seven-time Ballon d’Or winner scored the opener with a spectacular curler from outside the box within two minutes of the game.

The fan, who not only met Messi but also managed to meet Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, will now be facing a hefty punishment for his actions.

According to the statement issued by the police (via MARCA), “The Chaoyang District Public Security Bureau placed him in administrative detention according to the law, identifying the 18-year-old, surnamed Di, who will not be allowed to enter a stadium for the next 12 months.”

Rivers Angels midfielder Deborah Abiodun has expressed delight following her selection by Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

This year’s FIFA Women world cup will be held Australia and New Zealand between July 20 and August 20.

Abiodun revealed her excitement on Twitter after making the list.

“It’s a huge honour an unquantifiable privilege to be in the final squad for my first ever senior Women’s World Cup. Definitely a dream turned reality. Thankful to all and sundry who have been supportive in my journey so far. I’m grateful” she wrote.

Abiodun played three matches for the Falconets at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.

The Super Falcons are in Group B alongside Australia, Republic of Ireland and Canada. Super Falcons have been to every world cup with quarterfinal finish as their highest achievement since inception of the championship in 1991

Skill Challenge Promotions’ Head of Boxing Amer Abdallah is confident that a tournament featuring Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder will hold in Saudi Arabia as planned.

Abdallah’s company is looking to stage a major heavyweight doubleheader in the Middle East on a date in December that would see former world champions, Joshua and Wilder, collide in a long-awaited showdown.

The second bout would have Fury and Usyk meet in the ring for all of the major world titles in their division.

Earlier this month, Usyk signed a promotional agreement with Abdallah’s company.

Abdallah explained that there were a lot of misinformation about the heavyweight doubleheader, and rejected reports that claimed his company offered $120m to Usyk and Fury to stage their fight.

“Sometimes I sit back when I have a little bit of time and I’ll go on Twitter and I’ll read some of this stuff, and I just nod my head and I’m like, ‘man, this is why I don’t check these kinds of things,” Abdallah.

Teenage winger signs long-term deal with Asian side

Flying Eagles winger Rilwanu Haliru Sarki has penned a contract with Emirati club Al-Ain this summer, signing a long-term contract with the UAE giants.

Kebbi-born winger Haliru Sarki was one of the standout performers for the Flying Eagles as they crashed out against Korea at he quarter finals stage of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina.

The tricky left-footed winger was an impact sub in Ladan Bosso’s side and scored once in the tournament, the clincher against hosts Argentina in the Round of 16. 

Haliru Sarki becomes the second member of the team to secure a professional contract abroad after goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagbaso. The winger joined the Emirati outfit on a long-term contract from Abuja-based Mahanaim FC for an undisclosed fee.

Al-Ain are by far the most successful club in the UAE, winning the league 14 times, President Cup seven times and Super Cup five times. The youngster will wear the club’s number 77 shirt, as was revealed in his unveiling.

Azzurri finish tournament with bronze medal

Italy showed great resolve to defeat Netherlands 3-2 and finish third in the 2023 UEFA Nations League, ending their campaign on a high note.

After losing to Spain and Croatia respectively, Italy and Netherlands faced off in the third-place match looking to save face.

The Azzurri got off to the best possible start when Inter Milan defender Federico Dimarco latched onto a backheel from Giacomo Raspadori and drilled home a shot into the top corner after only six minutes.

One became two in the 20th minute when Sassuolo midfielder Davide Frattesi found himself free in the box after a deflected shot from Wilfried Gnonto fell into his path. The midfielder slotted home for his first international goal for Italy.

Netherlands pulled one back midway through the second half when substitute Steven Bergwijn showed great composure in the box before finding the bottom corner in the 68th minute.

Four minutes later, Italy restored their two-goal cushion through Federico Chiesa, who was introduced off the bench. The Juventus man ran onto a pass from Frattesi before finishing past Justin Bijlow from a tight angle.

Netherlands thought they had pulled one back through Wout Weghorst, only for the offside flag to cut short their celebrations. There were no such problems in the 89th minute, however, when Georginio Wijnaldum finished off a pass from Joey Veerman.

Italy finished their UEFA Nations League campaign in third place and the Azzurri have some respite. For Netherlands, manager Ronald Koeman is under pressure after losing three of his four games in charge of the team.

La Roja to face Croatia in Nations League Final

Spain qualified for a second consecutive UEFA Nations League Final after claiming a 2-1 win over Italy in the semifinal of the competition. La Roja will now face Croatia in the final on Sunday in Feyenoord.

After watching Croatia book a spot in the final, the second spot was for one of Spain and Italy, neither of whom have previously won the competition.

Only three minutes had passed on the clock when Azzurri captain Leonardo Bonucci gave up possession under pressure from Gavi, allowing Villarreal winger Yeremy Pino to open the goalscoring for Spain.

Italy were not behind for long as they were awarded a penalty seven minutes later when a Nicolo Zaniolo effort came off the arm of Robin Le Normand. Lazio star Ciro Immobile stepped up and buried the penalty for his first international goal in nearly two years.

The Azzuri thought they had taken the lead in the 21st minute when Sassuolo midfielder Davide Frattesi slotted home following a Jorginho pass. A VAR intervention, however, revealed that Frattesi was offside as the pass was played into him.

Neither side managed to find the net throughout the rest of the first half, with goalkeepers Unai Simon and Gianluigi Donnarumma occasionally called into action. The same was the case for most of the second half until Spain introduced Real Madrid-bound Joselu in place of the misfiring Alvaro Morata after 84 minutes.

In the 88th minute, Rodri had a shot blocked by Bryan Cristante and the ball fell into the path of the 33-year-old Joselu, who reacted quickest to fire home his effort and score his third goal in three international appearances, sending Spain to the final.

Having lost the final to France in 2021, Spain will be keen to avoid defeat against Croatia when they face each other in the UEFA Nations League final on Sunday.

Max Verstappen delivered another strong performance at the Canadian Grand Prix to emerge as the winner, claiming his sixth win of the season.

After his win in Barcelona at the Spanish Grand Prix, the Red Bull Racing driver was keen on picking up another win that would take him closer to a third championship title.

Verstappen won the qualifying race to claim pole position in the race proper after some excellent driving.

The Dutch driver was in control of the race from start to finish and never relinquished the lead throughout. Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso was second from the start but lost his place after only four laps to Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen secured his 41st win, tying him with F1 legend Ayrton Senna and giving Red Bull their 100th F1 win.

Alonso recovered and reclaimed his second spot in the 22nd lap, holding onto it until the end. Mercedes driver Hamilton ended the race in third place.

Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, both of Ferrari, finished fourth and fifth, respectively. Red Bull driver Sergio Perez finished sixth and Alexander Albon of Williams Racing finished in seventh place and was voted Driver of the Day.

Esteban Ocon finished eighth, Lance Stroll was ninth and Valtteri Bottas finished in tenth place and was the last point scorer at the Canadian Grand Prix.

Verstappen now holds a 69-point lead over second-place Perez in the Championship standings, putting him in a great position after eight races this year.

The season continues on June 30th to July 2nd when the Austrian Grand Prix will take place.