Nigeria got off to a flying start in the 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifier as they beat Sierra Leone 2-1 on Thursday.
It was Jose Peseiro’s first competitive match in charge of Nigeria, following defeats to Mexico and Ecuador in the friendlies.
The Eagles however recovered from an early set back to edge the Leone Stars in the well contested match at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
Sierra Leone took the lead inside the opening 11 minutes, after Jonathan Morsay headed in a brilliant cross down the right.
A Brilliant finish from Alex Iwobi into the far-right corner after a good work from Moses Simon. The goal came five minutes after Sierra Leone’s attempt for a second was tipped off the upright by Francis Uzoho.
Osimhen then made it 2-1 to Nigeria four minutes before the break. A Brilliant cross from Ola Aina was headed down by Simon onto the path of the Forward, who stabbed it in with an outstretched leg.
The game ended 2-1 as both sides failed to find the back of the net again in the second half.
Meanwhile, Guinea Bissau are top of group A after coming from behind to thump Sao Tome é Principe 5-1.
Nigeria will face Sao Tome in their next game in Agadir at the Stade Adrar on Friday.
