During the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Sierra Leone, Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro made the decision to substitute Victor Osimhen and Joe Aribo in the second half, a decision he later explained was necessary to protect the players.
The Super Eagles secured their qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast with a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone.
The Nigerian team faced a tough challenge during the match as they let slip a two-goal lead before securing the win in dramatic fashion.
Nigeria initially took a comfortable 2-goal lead, both scored by Victor Osimhen.
However, Sierra Leone fought back admirably and cancelled both goals; snatched a late equalizer with six minutes of regular time left to play.
With the match hanging in the balance, Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho emerged as the hero, coming off the bench to score the winner in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time.
Jose Peseiro’s decision to start Joe Aribo in the match against Sierra Leone came as a surprise to many, considering the midfielder’s lack of playing time last season at Southampton.
However, Peseiro showed faith in the Midfielder, handing him a starting role in the important Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
In the 71st minute of the match, Peseiro made the decision to replace Aribo, which also changed the team’s dynamics and tactics.
Similarly, Victor Osimhen, who had played a significant role in the game by scoring two goals, was substituted in the 81st minute.
According to the Super Eagles Coach, during his post-match presser, the substitutions of Joe Aribo and Victor Osimhen were forced due to injury concerns.
“I try to improve the team, but Aribo was replaced because of an injury. Osimhen also felt something in the leg,” Peseiro told reporters.
“The others I tried to give more power, energy and quality to fight till the end because Sierra Leone in that moment didn’t create many opportunities, but (later) they attacked and pressurized us and they did very well.”
