AFCON
SUPER EAGLES ON REDEMPTION MISSION IN FREETOWN
BY KUNLE SOLAJA
NIGERIA’S PAST OUTINGS IN SIERRA LEONE
P W D L F A
Nigeria 11 4 5 2 11 8
Sierra Leone 11 2 5 4 8 11
- 8 October 1949 (F) – Sierra Leone 0-2 Nigeria
- 22 April 1961 (F) Sierra Leone 2-4 Nigeria
- 14 October 1967 (F) Sierra Leone 1-1 Nigeria
- 4 December 1971 (F) Sierra Leone 0-0 Nigeria
- 22 November 1972 (F) Sierra Leone 0-1 Nigeria
- 16 October 1976 (WCq) Sierra Leone 1-1 Nigeria
- 12 March 1977 (AfconQ) Sierra Leone 1-1 Nigeria
- 27 October 1979 (F) Sierra Leone 0-0 Nigeria
- 18 July 1987 (AfconQ) Sierra Leone 2-0 Nigeria
- 21 April 2001 (WCq) Sierra Leone 1-0 Nigeria
- 7 June 2008 (WCq) Sierra Leone 0-1 Nigeria
The Super Eagles have everything to play for when they meet Sierra Leone in the reverse fixture of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification.
They have had their ego badly bruised in the first leg fixture in Benin on Friday.
What was predictable viewed as easy fixture has now turned to a Greek puzzle. Only a win can take them out of a situation that will necessitate the use of calculator to determine their qualification for Cameroon 2022.
When Nigeria’s Super Eagles engage the Sierra Leonean Leone Stars in the Match Day 4 of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series on Tuesday, it will be the 12th time they will be playing in Freetown.
In the previous 11 occasions, the Nigerians were victorious four times and drew five times. Only twice have the Sierra Leoneans prevailed.
The manner that they got an amazing comeback from being four goals down will no doubt be a tonic to them that they can achieve their third ever victory over Nigeria as they press for a third appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations.
A Sierra Leone online publication, Football Sierra Leone has cautioned the Leone Stars not to be complacent in the rematch after their amazing comeback performance in Benin.
“John Keister’s men must be brewing with confidence going into matchday four of the African Cup of Nations qualifier at the Siaka Steven Stadium on Tuesday.
“Leone Stars must replicate a reverse performance of the second half first leg if they are to combat a rejuvenated Super Eagles, who will be coming to write-off the wrongs of the meeting in Nigeria.
“The group top scorer Napoli’s hitman Victor Osimhen has been ruled out. Regardless, German coach Gernot Rohr still have a host of strikers to call upon”, the publication cautioned.
Continuing, Football Sierra Leone wrote: “A win for the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone will surely pave a new direction and improve their chances to reach their third African Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon 2022.
“However, a defeat or draw depending on the result in Lesotho will leave the Leone Stars with a slim hope which will not be good for a side that exhibited passion and resilient at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Friday.
“Having come from four-goal down to draw 4-4 sharing of the spoils against one of Africa’s footballing powerhouse, self-assurance must be brewing within the Leone Stars camp, but they must not be complacent in Freetown.
“History can repeat itself as in 2001 when big names like centre back Taribo West, midfield maestro Jay-jay Okocha, enforcer Sunday Oliseh, winger Finidi George, present assistant coach Joseph Yobo were all part of a strong Eagles first team when local hero Sidique Mansaray under the supervision of Sam Obi Metzger trampled the Eagles wings to a 1-0 victory.
“Coach John Keister was in the Leone Stars side during the FIFA World Cup Africa group B April 2001. On that day, he was a destroyer in the middle of the pack for Sierra Leone.
“It’s not an exaggeration to say Nigeria can win in Freetown because they are proving soccer power in our continent, but Tuesday’s tie can go either way.
“The three-time African Champions faced an embarrassing score-line to their West African counterparts’ 88th places below then in the global ranking which led to the President of the Nigerian Football Federation Amaju Pinnick to immediately summoned coach Gernot Roh, his technical crew and players to a stressful meeting just to command a four-goal victory without a reply from the host.
“A strong message many have described as a possible team talk for the Leone Stars technical team.
Sierra Leone last Cup of Nations finals was South Africa 1996 some 26 years ago.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Super Eagles for their impressive performance in the 4–0 victory over Benin Republic, praising the team for keeping Nigeria’s qualification hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Adebayo Onanuga, the President lauded the players for their “hunger, passion, and determination” during the crucial qualifier in Uyo, describing their display as one that has “reignited Nigerians’ football pride.”
“While the job is not yet complete, I join millions of Nigerian football fans in wishing our team every success in the playoffs,” Tinubu said. “The mood across the country reflects a shared belief that Nigeria deserves a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Canada, Mexico, and the United States will host.”
Reaffirming the government’s backing, President Tinubu assured the players and coaching crew of full Federal Government support as they prepare for the decisive play-off stage.
“Nigerians everywhere believe in you, and I do too,” he said. “We look forward to seeing you fly our flag proudly on the world stage.”
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The Organizing Committee of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 has announced a strong start to ticket sales, confirming that 58,000 tickets had been sold as of Tuesday at 5:00 p.m.
According to an official update, the enthusiasm for the continental showpiece has also been reflected on the Yalla App, where 145,731 applications have been received so far. In addition, a total of 121,924 FAN IDs have been issued, including 31,058 belonging to foreign nationals representing 108 countries around the world.
In response to the overwhelming demand, the committee disclosed that technical teams are working round the clock to enhance the ticketing and FAN ID systems to ensure smooth processing for fans.
To assist applicants and ensure better communication, the organizers have provided a dedicated customer service line: +212 5 30 30 20 30. The hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in Arabic, English, and French, and is staffed by over 600 agents trained to respond to inquiries and provide user support.
Fans can also reach the support team via email at info@yallamorocco.ma.
The Organizing Committee expressed gratitude to supporters, media representatives, delegations, and partners for their enthusiasm and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a seamless and memorable experience for all stakeholders during AFCON Morocco 2025.
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Ticket sales for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 will officially open on Monday, 13 October 2025, with an exclusive 48-hour pre-sale window reserved for Visa cardholders, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced.
Fans across Africa and around the world will be able to secure their seats for what promises to be the continent’s biggest football spectacle, which will run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
The special Visa pre-sale period will run from Monday, 13 October at 09:00 Moroccan time (08:00 GMT) until Wednesday, 15 October at 08:00 GMT, before general ticket sales open to all fans using other payment methods.
To streamline ticket purchases and enhance security, the Local Organizing Committee has launched the YALLA App, an integrated digital platform for fans to obtain their Fan ID — a mandatory requirement for buying tickets — and apply for E-Visas (AEVM) where necessary.
According to organizers, each registered Fan ID allows supporters to buy only one ticket per match, ensuring wider access and transparency in ticket distribution.
The process for obtaining tickets is straightforward:
- Download the YALLA App, available on Google Play and the App Store.
- Apply for a Fan ID and E-Visa (if required) through the app.
- Once approved, Visa cardholders can visit tickets.cafonline.com starting from Monday, 13 October at 09:00 Moroccan time (08:00 GMT) to purchase their AFCON 2025 tickets.
The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is expected to deliver a festival of football and culture, with fans urged to complete their Fan ID registration early to avoid last-minute rushes.
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