To reignite their African Cup of Nations qualification hopes, Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars have summoned twelve foreign-based professionals to bolster their squad for the upcoming conflict in opposition to the Tremendous Eagles of Nigeria, Soccernet.ng studies.
The essential match, set to happen on June 18 on the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports activities Stadium in Liberia, carries immense significance for the Leone Stars, who endured a 2-1 defeat by the hands of Nigeria of their earlier encounter on June 9, 2022, in Abuja.
Among the many foreign-based gamers selected are Barnet’s Idriss Kanu, Randers’ Alhaji Kamara, and Charleston Battery ace Augustine Williams, offering the Leone Stars with formidable attacking choices.
Nonetheless, Sierra Leone’s head coach, John Keister, has been pressured to confront the absence of a number of key gamers, together with Queens Park Rangers’ Osman Kakay and Cambuur’s Alex Bangura.
Moreover, main goalscorer Jonathan Morsay, who scored in opposition to Nigeria within the first leg, will likely be unable to take part within the return leg resulting from harm.
Spain-based midfielder Alhassan Koroma can also be ineligible for the match, suspended after accumulating two bookings in earlier video games.
Skilled skipper Steven Caulker makes the checklist regardless of being a serious doubt as he recovers from harm.
In mild of those absences, Coach Keister has prolonged invites to twenty-six proficient native gamers to enrich the foreign-based contingent.
As Nigeria search a victory in one in all their remaining group matches to safe their place on the subsequent version of the continental championship, Sierra Leonens will likely be totally conscious of the problem that awaits them.
Tremendous Eagles, three-time African champion, are anticipated to area their strongest lineup in opposition to the Leone Stars.
Nonetheless, the official checklist of gamers Nigeria’s head coach, Jose Peseiro, intends to deploy for the match is but to be disclosed.