THE Super Eagles delegation to the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars have arrived in Monrovia, Liberia aboard a chartered Air Peace plane.
The encounter is scheduled for the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia tomorrow.
The 23 players, technical and administrative staff of the Nigerian national team and a few other officials led by Nigeria Football Federation president Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau landed at the Roberts International Airport in Monrovia in midday today.
They were received by the Ambassador of Nigeria to Liberia, Godfrey Odudigbo, the Head of Chancery, Ms Stella Ahumibe, and other officials.
There were also members of the Nigerian community in Monrovia, led by Deacon Harrison Anikwu, as well as officials of the Liberia Football Association.
Gusau assured the embassy officials that the Super Eagles are in Monrovia for the three points that will guarantee qualification.
“The team is here to work hard and take the three points. It will not be an easy game, but we have the players to do Nigeria proud by winning and qualifying for the next Africa Cup of Nations finals.”
Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro declared that he and the players are not in Monrovia to lose at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium tomorrow, with the match kicking off at 4pm Liberian time (5pm Nigerian time).
“We know the Sierra Leoneans are also ambitious, that they want to win the three points and enhance their chances,” the Portuguese said.
“It is our business to show that we want the three points better to qualify for the Africa Cup, and we are prepared to do that. We have to be at our very best.”
Nigeria are second in qualifying Group A with nine points from four matches, a point behind Guinea Bissau, who have played five matches and climbed above the Super Eagles following their 1-0 victory over Sao Tome on Wednesday.
A draw or win for the Super Eagles tomorrow will take them back to the top of the group and guarantee qualification for the 34th Africa Cup of Nations to be staged in Cote d’Ivoire in January and February 2024.
In their last meeting, the Super Eagles came from behind to beat Sierra Leone 2-1 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja last June, with Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi scoring the goals.
