The Leone Stars of Sierra Leone on Tuesday ensured Nigeria’s Super Eagles dropped back-to-back points after the two countries played out a 0-0 draw at the Siaka Stevens Stadium in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
The Gernot Rohr-led side sought redemption after surrendering a four-goal lead to draw 4-4 against the 120th-ranked Leone Stars at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Friday.
Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho replaced injured Napoli striker Victor Osimhen in the attack while former Chelsea star Ola Aina got the nod ahead of FC Porto left-back Zaidu Sanusi to complete the back four.
The Super Eagles started the encounter on a promising note with Iheanacho registering the first shot on target in the third minute but his free-kick failed to beat goalkeeper Mohamed Kamara.
The home side continued to push for the opener but Maduka Okoye, the Nigerian goalie produced fine saves to keep both teams level in the first 45 minutes.
Rohr was forced to make an early substitution towards the end of the first-half as on Loan Galatasaray midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo was replaced by former Kano Pliiar man Abdullahi Shehu because of injury.
Iheanaco got the ball into the back of the net in the 61st minute after a cross from Alex Iwobi but it did not count because the ex-Arsenal star was in an offside position.
Sierra Leone have actually bested Nigeria over two legs but the Super Eagles remain unbeaten and top of Group L with eight points with Benin seven, while Sierra Leone are third on three points and Lesotho two points.
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