The immediate past minister of Sports and Youth Development, Chief Sunday Dare has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria for their qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals, to be hosted by Côte d’Ivoire, early next year.
The Eagles secured the ticket with a hard fought 3-2 victory against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone, who hosted the penultimate tie in the qualifiers, in Monrovia, capital of Liberia.
Red hot Napoli of Italy striker, Victor Osimhen netted a first half brace to put Nigeria two goals up, but a goal in either half by the Leone Stars, pegged back the Super Eagles, before Kelechi Iheanacho scored deep in stoppage time, to seal the win for Nigeria, who regained top spot of Group A from Guinea Bissau, who are now second with 10 points, but have also qualified for the AFCON finals.
Dare who followed the entire match anxiously, described it as a tough match, on a plastic pitch that made it a bit difficult for players of both sides, who are used to better turfs.
“But at the end of the day we won, which is very vital, the most important thing is that, the boys have qualified for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, with a game to spare. I say a very big congratulations to the players, coaching crew and supporters of the national team, across the country,” Dare reportedly said.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
