TheNewsGuru

Tag: Nigeria vs Sierra Leone

  • AFCON Qualifiers: Siera Leone releases 25-man squad against Super Eagles

    AFCON Qualifiers: Siera Leone releases 25-man squad against Super Eagles

    Leone Stars of Sierra Leone head coach, John Keister has released a final 25-man squad that will face the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Group A 2023 Africa Cup of Nation qualifier.

    Keister initially called up 38 players for the game but has now trimmed down the list to 25 out of which about 18 will be dressed for the encounter holding in Liberia.

    11 foreign and 14 home-based players made the squad.

    Captain of the side, Steve Caulker was included in the squad despite not being 100 percent fit.

    The Leone Stars will entertain the Super Eagles at the Samuel Kanyon Doe, Stadium, Monrovia on Sunday

    FULL SQUAD

    Goalkeepers: Mohamed N. Kamara, Ibrahim Sesay, Donald Kamara

    Defenders: Steven Caulker, Abubakarr Samura, Emmanuel Samadia, Alpha Turray, Daniel Francis, Edward Fornah, Prince Barrie, Steve Cleveland

    Midfielders: Kamil Conteh, Alusine, Koromah, Saidu Fofanah, Adu Dumbuya, Sadiu Bah Kamara, Mustapha Bundu, Idris Kanu, Mohamed Kabba

    Forwards:
    Augustus Kargbo, Musa Noah Kamara, Abu Komeh, Rodney Michael, Augustine Williams, Santigue Sesay

  • AFCON Qualifiers: Sierra Leone to host Super Eagles at neutral venue

    AFCON Qualifiers: Sierra Leone to host Super Eagles at neutral venue

    Ahead of the June 18 AFCON 2025 qualifiers, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has told Sierra Leone none of its venue can host the Super Eagles.

    According to CAF, Bio City, the venue chosen by Sierra Venue for the qualifiers does not have the facilities to host the football event.

    Sierra Leone will play the Super Eagles in either Liberia or Morocco.

    The Leone Stars have played all their home games in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers in  Morocco.

    CAF released a list of stadia across the continent that can host matchday five games in the qualifiers on Monday with only Godswill Akpabio listed for Nigeria.

    Sierra Leone is third with five points from the same number of matches.

    Guinea-Bissau and Sao Tome and Principe are the other teams in the group.

    The top two teams in the group will qualify for the AFCON.

  • AFCON 2023: Nigerian team hosted to a grand reception after beating Sierra Leone 2-1

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria were hosted to a grand reception by staff of Johnwood Hotel by Bolton in Abuja Thursday night after they defeated Sierra Leone 2-1.

    In a two minutes’ video shared online, the staff lined up to form an isle at the entrance of the hotel, clapping and making sounds of jubilation as the Super Eagles players walked through their midst. They were thereafter treated to special mouth-watering delicacies.

    As one of the Match Day 1 fixtures of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers, the Nigerian team had laboured to a hard-fought 2-1 win over the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

    Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen’s first half goals made the difference as the Super Eagles struck back after the away side took a shock early lead.

    The Super Eagles started strong at the onset, boasting of more ball possession as they looked for the long balls, attempting to pin the opposition back.

    Sports analysts say it was hardly the most convincing display from the Super Eagles, but it was three points sealed after a much-needed comeback.

    Nigeria will next take on Sao Tome and Principe in a day two AFCON qualifier in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday.

  • AFCON 2023: Super Eagles kick off qualifying series against Sierra Leone in Abuja

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria is set to clash with the Leone stars of Sierra Leone on Thursday at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja in the AFCON 2023 qualifying series.

    Super Eagles hasn’t beaten Sierra Leone in their last 5 encounters.

    In the last qualifying series, Nigeria ,Sierra Leone played out a 4-4 draw at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City and  a goaless draw in   the reverse fixtures in Sierra Leone.

    The three-time African champions, who are gunning for a third consecutive appearance at the continental showpiece, will hope to record their 10th win against their West African neighbours – whom they boast a better head-to-head record from their last 16 matches.

    Recall that football governing body FIFA has imposed a fine of over N63 million on Nigeria and playing their first home game behind closed doors over the violence that erupted at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, after a World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Ghana in March.

    Meanwhile Super Eagles has not recorded a win in five months – their last was a 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau in the group stages of the 2021 AFCON on January 19.

    However,  Peseiro’s men have shown some good signs but will likely not have it easy against the Leone Stars, who will be eager to beat the Eagles for the first time in five meetings.

    They have lost three times and recorded two draws since a 1-0 win over the Eagles in 2001.

    While Sierra Leone will look to pick up a third consecutive victory and get their AFCON qualifier campaign off to a flyer, next up is the challenge of taking on an opposing side who are unbeaten in each of the last five meetings between both teams.

    Super Eagles coach Jose Paseiro said the Super Eagles looks good and refreshed.

    Paseiro Said:“We are about to begin an important journey at AFCON with motivation and a sense of pride,”

     

  • Nigeria versus Sierra Leone match to be played behind closed door

    The Nigeria Football Federation has reiterated that Thursday’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter between the Super Eagles and the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja will be played without fans in the stands.

     NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi said in Abuja on Tuesday that the situation is a consequence of the one-match ban placed on the country by world football –governing body, FIFA over the fracas that followed the end of 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff round against the Black Stars of Ghana in March.  

     “We want to appeal to our very passionate football fans to take heart for this one game. It is only a one-match ban, after which they can again start trooping out to support the Super Eagles. The match against Sierra Leone will be without fans as a consequence of what happened after the match against the Ghanaians.

     “Nonetheless, we want to urge all our football fans, and indeed all Nigerians, to support the team whichever way they can and pray for success against the Sierra Leoneans on Thursday.”

     The Super Eagles take on the Leone Stars at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja in a Day 1 game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations starting from 5pm on Thursday, 9th June. Four days later, they tackle ‘The Falcons and True Parrots’of São Tomé and Príncipe at the 45,000 –capacity Grand Stade de Agadir in southern Morocco.

     While CAF has appointed Ivorian officials to take charge of the encounter in Abuja, Liberian officials led by referee Hassen Corneh will oversee the match in Agadir on Monday.

  • Super Eagles hold first training ahead clashes with Sierra Leone and São Tomé

    The Super Eagles’ preparations for Thursday’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone continued on Sunday as 24 of the 27 invited players trained in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

     

    Friendly matches against Mexico (in Dallas on 28th May) and against Ecuador in New Jersey (2nd June) kickstarted the preparations as the Eagles seek a 20th appearance at Africa’s flagship tournament, this time holding next year summer in Cote d’Ivoire.

     

    With Head Coach José Santos Peseiro taking full charge, Skipper Ahmed Musa led the playing body that included goalkeepers Francis Uzoho, Adewale Adeyinka and Adebayo Adeleye, and defenders Olaoluwa Aina, William Ekong, Zaidu Sanusi, Chidozie Awaziem, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Leon Balogun, Sani Faisal and Kenneth Omeruo. There were also midfielders Alex Iwobi, Oghenekaro Etebo, Innocent Bonke and Frank Onyeka, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen, Cyriel Dessers, Ademola Lookman, Sadiq Umar, Terem Moffi and Emmanuel Dennis.

     

    As at lunch time on Sunday, only defenders Abdullahi Shehu and Calvin Bassey, and midfielder Joseph Ayodele-Aribo were being expected in camp.

     

    During breakfast and lunch periods, Peseiro was able to meet and familiarize with invited players who were unable to make it to the United States for the friendlies, including skipper Musa, defenders Sanusi and Balogun, midfielder Etebo and forwards Chukwueze, Umar and Lookman.

     

    He also met with defender Omeruo, midfielder Onyeka and forward Osimhen, as well as Israel –based goal-tender Adeleye, who were not invited to the friendlies in America but have been called for the AFCON fray.

     

    The Eagles confront familiar foes Sierra Leone at the MKO Abiola National Stadium on Thursday evening, in one of the Day 1 matches of Group A of the qualification series. On Saturday, they will fly to Marrakech for a Day 2 game against São Tomé and Príncipe that will take place on Monday, 13th June.

     

    Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football has appointed Ivorian officials to take charge of Thursday’s encounter in Abuja, with Ibrahim Kalilou Traore as referee. His compatriots Adou Desire N’goh, Nouhou Ouattara and Kouassi Francois Biro will serve as assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official respectively.

     

    Moukaila Nassam Adam from Ghana will be match commissioner while Serge Paulin Samuel from Burkina Faso will serve as referee assessor.

     

    SUPER EAGLES FOR SIERRA LEONE AND SÃO TOMÉ & PRÍNCIPE

     

    Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Adewale Adeyinka (Akwa United); Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem, Israel)

     

    Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Abdullahi Shehu (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Chidozie Awaziem (Alanyaspor FC, Turkey); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Sani Faisal (Katsina United);

    Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain)

     

    Midfielders: Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (Watford FC, England); Innocent Bonke (FC Lorient, France); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)

     

    Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal CF, Spain); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Cyriel Dessers (Feyenoord FC, The Netherlands); Ademola Lookman (Leicester City, England); Sadiq Umar (UD Almeria, Spain); Terem Moffi (FC Lorient, France); Emmanuel Dennis (Watford FC, England)

     

  • Nigeria Vs Sierra Leone: Coach paseiro drops six players

    Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro has adjusted the team list for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone and Sao Tome and Principe in the coming days.

    The Portuguese gaffer has added and removed some names from the list.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the Super Eagles will host the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone next week Thursday at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

    They  will travel to Marrakech, Morocco, to keep a date with the Falcons of Sao Tome and Principe four days later.

    Peseiro dropped six out of the eight home-based players that were part of the team to the United States of America for the friendlies against Mexico and Ecuador.

    SEE FULL LIST BELOW:

    SUPER EAGLES FOR SIERRA LEONE AND SÃO TOMÉ & PRÍNCIPE

    Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Adewale Adeyinka (Akwa United); Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem, Israel)

    Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Abdullahi Shehu (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Chidozie Awaziem (Alanyaspor FC, Turkey); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Sani Faisal (Katsina United);
    Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain)

    Midfielders: Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (Watford FC, England); Innocent Bonke (FC Lorient, France); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)

    Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal CF, Spain); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Cyriel Dessers (Feyenoord FC, The Netherlands); Ademola Lookman (Leicester City, England); Sadiq Umar (UD Almeria, Spain); Terem Moffi (FC Lorient, France)

  • We can defeat Nigeria in Abuja-Sierra Leone defender,Kakay boasts

    Sierra Leone defender, Osman Kakay has insisted that the Leone stars can defeat the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

    The Sierra Leone senior national male team will be up against the Super Eagles next week Thursday at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

    Recall that the Leone Stars came back from four-goals down to hold the Super Eagles to a 4-4 draw the last time both teams met at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin city.

    Kakay, who plays for Sky Bet Championship club, Queens Park Rangers is however confident they can go a step further this time around by beating the Super Eagles

    “We have a good chance if we apply ourselves well. We can get positive results to help us qualify. I know both games are not going to be easy. Guinea Bissau was in the recent AFCON, so they have the experience as well, but I am hopeful and look forward to both games.”

    The Leone Stars will host the Wild Dogs of Guinea-Bissau in their next game in the qualifiers at the General Lasana Conte Stadium, Conakry on Monday, June 13.