The Super Eagles of Nigeria recorded a bright start to their AFCON 2023 Qualifiers on Thursday to hand new head coach, Jose Peseiro his first win.
Nigeria beat Group A rivals Sierra Leone 2-1 behind closed doors at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
The visitors drew first blood after 11minutes from a Jonathan Morsay header.
The Eagles replied five minutes later through an effort from Alex Iwobi on the left wing.
The game was held for a bit in the 20th as Kamara needed some medical attention after taking a knock.
The game progresses with Nigeria dominating possession but creating no real chance.
Sierra Leone sits comfortably deep from this point on to invite pressure from the home side who can’t really penetrate.
A fine display between Oshimen and Sadiq almost gave the Eagles the lead but Kamara was alert to the threat.
Attacking efforts paid off for the Super Eagles in the 40th with a good header from Victor Osimhen.
The Super Eagles had another chance to make it three before half time but couldn’t take advantage of low cross from Umar.
The second half begins with the introduction of Oghenekaro Etebo to replace Sadiq UUmar.
The Leone Stars also made their first change of the game in the 58th after a disappointing start to the second half.
Substitute Bakayoko comes close to equalising for the visitors in the 60th but his effort goes just wide.
The game concludes with a nervy end for the Super Eagles.
In the other Group A game, Guinea-Bissau thrashed Sao Tome and Principe 5 – 1 after Sao Tome surprisingly took the lead in the first 21 minutes of the game.
Guinea-Bissau currently tops the group on goal advantage.
Nigeria will travel to Morroco to face Sao Tome and Principe on June 13, while Sierra Leone host Guinea-Bissau on the same day.
