Nigeria vs Sierra Leone betting tips: Africa Cup of Nations qualifier preview, predictions and odds

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These two actually met during the last qualification cycle, drawing both times, 4-4 and 0-0 just four days apart, Overall, Nigeria are unbeaten in five meetings with Sierra Leone, dating back 21 years. The Super Eagles have only lost two of their last 39 competitive home games. 

Nigeria to win and over 2.5 goals is 10/11. 

Match preview

Nigeria’s busy four-game international window continues, with the serious stuff starting here in Abuja.

In the last week or so, the Super Eagles have played a pair of friendlies State-side, losing both, against Mexico in Arlington and Ecuador in New Jersey.

Now, the three-times Africa Cup of Nations winners kick off their latest qualification campaign, fully expected to top this section.

José Peseiro is the new man in charge, following Nigeria’s World Cup play-off round defeat, so will he win his first competitive game at the helm?

Sierra Leone meanwhile featured at an AFCON for the first time since 1996 earlier this year, holding both Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire to draws.

If the Leone starts are to qualify back-to-back, they just need to finish above Guinea-Bissau and São Tomé and Príncipe in Group A.

Their head-to-head meetings with Guinea-Bissau, the first of which is on Monday, will be decisive in determining who takes second.

Here, the home crowd should be celebrating a victory at Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

Nigeria team news

José Peseiro has not called up Leon Balogun, Samu Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, Ahmed Musa, Emmanuel Bonaventure Dennis or Kelechi Ịheanachọ.

Wilfred Ndidi also won't feature as he's injured.

So, as was the case in both friendlies this month, William Troost-Ekong will captain the team, alongside Semi Ajayi at centre-back.

Rangers duo Calvin Bassey and Joe Aribo will start at left-back and in midfield respectively.

With some much attacking talent not available, Feyenoord's Cyriel Dessers will lead the line, supported by Moses Simon.

Sierra Leone team news

The familiar face in the Sierra Leone side is former Liverpool defender, now with haha, Steven Caulker.

Alongside, Osman Kakay of QPR and Wycombe Wanders' Sullay Kaikai are also key players.

37 year old striker Kei Kamara won't be involved after retiring from international duty following January's AFCON.

Africa Cup of Nations 2023 Qualifying Group A table:

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