Iheanacho Scores Late Winner As Nigeria Secure AFCON Qualification

Internationals
18 Jun 2023
1 Minute
Nigeria secured qualification to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after Kelechi Iheanacho scored a last minute goal in a dramatic 3-2 win over Sierra Leone.

- Nigeria secure AFCON qualification after a 3-2 win over Sierra Leone
- Kelechi Iheanacho scored an injury-time winner after coming on as a second-half substitute

- Wilfred Ndidi played the full match for the Super Eagles on Sunday evening

At the weekend, Nigeria secured their spot in this year's AFCON, which is to be held in Ivory Coast, after picking up their fourth win in qualification Group A following a tight triumph over Sierra Leone.

Midfielder Ndidi played the entire match on the coast of Liberia, while Foxes' striker Iheanacho was the late hero - claiming a 95th minute winner after being introduced 20 minutes from the full-time whistle. 

City's No.25 was among the starting line-up, while forward Iheanacho was named on the bench for the match up at Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium, as two first half goals from Napoli forward and Serie A champion, Victor Osimhen gave the Super Eagles a strong lead after only half an hour. 

Mustapha Bundu got a goal back for Sierra Leone just before the interval, inspiring a potential comeback for the home side, who levelled things up in the 84th minute through winger Augustus Kargbo.

While a single point would've been enough to secure qualification for this year's tournament, Iheanacho was keen to have an impact, and netted seconds from time, when the striker tapped in a low cross from FC Porto left-back Zaidu Sanusi. 

The win leaves Nigeria at the top of the group, with 12 points, and the Super Eagles face one more group stage game - with qualification already confirmed - when they take on bottom-placed Sao Tome and Principe in September.

You can keep up to date with the Foxes' internationals via LCFC.com, with three players in action on Monday. James Maddison has another chance to feature for England against North Macedonia as Danny Ward's Wales and Jonny Evans' Northern Ireland take on Turkey and Kazakhstan respectively - all games kicking off at 7:45pm BST.