– Sierra Leone vs Nigeria takes centre stage in Freetown in the second leg of their AFCON 2022 qualifier
– The Leone Stars pulled a stunt after coming from four goals down to force the Super Eagles to a 4-4 draw last weekend
– Here are 5 reasons Gernot Rohr and his men must win the match as the build-up to the competition continues
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Nigeria stand a chance to relinquish their leadership on the Group L table if they fail to beat Sierra Leone in Freetown in the second leg of their 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Both teams played a 4-4 draw in the reverse fixture at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin last weekend.
Gernot Rohr’s men got the game off to a blistering start after scoring four goals under 30 minutes, but they went to sleep in the last 30 minutes of the game.
However, the three-time African champions have got to bounce back to winning ways away from home as they continued their quest for qualification continues.
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In fact, the absence of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen who was extremely impactful in the first leg before his injury will further boost the confidence of the Leone Stars in this game.
The 21-year-old dislocated his shoulder during the game and he has now returned to his club to continue his recovery in Itay.
Legit.ng, however, X-rays five major reasons Nigeria must claim maximum victory when they clash against the West African team:
1. To maintain their leadership on the table:
Super Eagles head into the game against the Leone Stars with seven points – having won their first two games and ended their third in a draw.
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Although, they are yet to lose a game since the qualification started, however, they are being trailed by Benin who now have six points after three matches.
Sierra Leone vs Nigeria: Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr during his side’s 4-4 draw at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
Source: Original
And a draw or defeat for Nigeria could see The Squirrels rise to the top of the table if they beat Lesotho again.
2. To edge closer to booking AFCON 2022 ticket:
A win for the Super Eagles will push them closer to 10 points and that would have moved them to seal their qualification for the championship.
3. They need to regain the confidence of the fans:
Nigerian fans were highly disappointed with the Super Eagles after watching the team go from a four goals lead to ending the game in a 4-4 draw.
And a win in Freetown might restore a bit of confidence in the team as they continue to build up to the competition eventually.
4. To show the coach knows what he is doing:
Gernot Rohr has to let the fans know he has got control of the team by winning the game and naming the right set of players for the game.
5. A win will help Gernot Rohr keep his job:
Gernot Rohr’s job is currently threatened after his side’s poor display against Sierra Leone last weekend and he might be shown the door if the problem persists.
Though he has a deal with the Nigeria Football Federation until 2022, his stay on the job however hinges on the result of this match especially.
Legit.ng earlier reported that Sierra Leone came from four goals down to force Nigeria to a 4-4 draw in their 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.
The Super Eagles got the game off to a blistering start after Alex Iwobi found the back of the net just four minutes into the game.
With much control and dominance in the opening half, Victor Osimhen doubled his side’s lead in the 21st minute.
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