The Super Eagles of Nigeria will tackle the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone at the Abuja National Stadium today, June 9, 2022. Both sides have a long history dating back to nearly six decades. How have the Nigerians fared against this country?...CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
The first recorded clash between the two Anglophone West African countries was in the first round of the 1978 World Cup Qualifiers. In the first leg, which was played on October 16, 1976, the Sierra Leoneans held Nigeria to a goalless draw. In the return leg two weeks later, the Green Eagles (as the Nigerians were then known) ran riot with Aloysius Atuegbu scoring a brace in an 6-2 win.
It took a quarter of century before the two sides met again. This time, the first leg was played on June 17, 2000 in Nigeria. Two first half goals from Austin Okocha and Benedict Akwuegbu as well as goalkeeping heroics from Ike Shorunmu were enough to give the largest black nation in the world a 2-0 win. The second leg went in favour of the lone stars giving Nigeria the second defeat in the build up to the 2022 World Cup.
The two neighbours also met in the qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup. This time, Nigeria won the first leg in courtesy of a lone goal by defender, Joseph Yobo before winning the second leg by a 4-1 margin. Interestingly, the only goal of the opponent was actually an own goal by the same Joseph Yobo. This was the first time that the Super Eagles will beat Sierra Leoneans home and away.
In 2011, a friendly match between the two sides. The match was played on February 9 with Samson Siasia in charge of Nigerian national team. Nigeria won 2-1 courtesy of first half goals from Taye Taiwo and Ehiosun Ekigho. Interestingly, the latter got on the score sheet in the 45th minute, this was five minutes after he came in for Emenike.
The most dramatic match between the duo was in the qualifiers for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. The first leg was played in Nigeria on November 13, 2020. The Super Eagles were already four goals up in the 29th minute. The Leone stars, however, launched a comeback beginning from the 41st minute. By the 86th minute, the visitors were already level in goals. The return leg was played four days later and ended in a goalless draw.
In all the nine meets, Nigeria has won five times, drawn three times and lost once. History certainly favours the Super Eagles but will the lone stars not break the jinx?
