Sierra Leone head coach John Keister has stated that his team would defeat the Super Eagles in the return leg of the match adding that he was proud the performance of his players despite the defeat to Nigeria.
Speaking with journalists during the post-match press conference, Keister said “We were disappointed not to get something out the game. We came here with a positive feeling. We felt we could go back home with a positive result.”
“We have a lot of young players in the team and it reflected in our performance. They took their eyes off the ball and allowed Osimhen to score the second goal.
“In the end, the experience on both sides reflected in the final result. We could have another goal too.”
“It was a performance we can be proud of and I am confident we will turn the table around in the second leg.
It would be recalled that Super Eagles came from behind to beat Leone Stars 2-1 in their opening game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
Sierra Leone went ahead through Jonathan Morsay’s 11th minute header following a superb cross from Musa Kamara before Alex Iwobi equalized for the Super Eagles in the 16th minute after being located by Moses Simon.
Simon also teed up Victor Osimhen for the winning goal to give Peseiro the first win in three games. Meanwhile, Guinea Bissau top the group on goal aggregate after their 5-1 win over Sao Tome and Principe.
They will next week visit Sierra Leone, while Nigeria play away to bottom team Sao Tome. The top two teams from each group will advance to the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire next year.
