Nigeria host Sierra Leone today to begin their qualification campaign for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Becoming champions of Africa for a fourth time was set out as the key target for new manager Jose Peseiro, who faces his first competitive game in charge in Abuja.
Friendly defeats to Mexico and Ecuador in North America have made for a difficult start to life in the dugout for the Portuguese coach and Sierra Leone present a decent test in a relatively tough qualification group.
Guinea-Bissau join Sao Tome and Principe in completing Group A, as the Super Eagles look to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 thus far.
CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW NIGERIA VS SIERRA LEONE LIVE!
The game will be played behind closed doors after the crowd trouble following Nigeria’s World Cup play-off exit versus Ghana.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Nigeria vs Sierra Leone is scheduled for a 5pm BST kick-off on Thursday, June 9, 2022.
Nigeria’s Abuja National Stadium will host the match.
Where to watch Nigeria vs Sierra Leone
TV channel and live stream: The match will not be televised live in the UK.
Live blog: However, you can follow all the action via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Nigeria vs Sierra Leone team news
Victor Osimhen, Peter Etebo and Ahmed Musa are among the players to link-up with the Nigeria squad after missing the North American friendlies.
Leicetser’s Wilfried Ndidi and goalkeeper Maduka Okoye are absent for the Super Eagles.
Nigeria vs Sierra Leone prediction
Sierra Leone put together a surprisingly strong AFCON campaign earlier this year, even if they were knocked out at the first round.
Nigeria have all the pressure on them yet should be able to pull off an opening-day win.
Nigeria to win, 1-0.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Sierra Leone have never beaten the Super Eagles on away soil.
Nigeria wins: 9
Draws: 5
Sierra Leone wins: 2
