By David Remie Wilson in Nigeria
Sierra Leone’s men national team, Leone Stars yesterday 8th June, 2022 held their final training session at the MosholooAbiola Stadium in Abuja- Nigeria ahead of their first match in the 2023 AFCON Qualifiers.
Sierra Leone is in Group A alongside Nigeria, Guinea Bissau and Sao Tome
Sierra Leone Head Coach, John Kiester in an exclusive interview with AYV’s David Remie Wilson in Nigeria said the Team is in high gear and ready to face the Super Eagles.
“I have invited few new players who have not yet play for Sierra Leone in a competitive tournament like the AFCON to be part of the team, they are: Ibrahim Sillah, AmadouBakayoko, Kamil Conteh, Kallum Cesay, Jonathan Morsayand Donald Kamara” Kiester stated.
John Kiester said he invited 18 foreign based players and 7 home based players.
The last encounter between Sierra Leone vs Nigeria was about 8 months ago in the 2022 AFCON Qualifiers when Sierra Leone held a four all draw in Nigeria and goalless draw in Freetown.
Sierra Leone’s next match will be against Guinea Bissau on 13th June in Guinea.
However, Nigeria with its new head coach is expected to create impacts after the team lost its two friendly matches against Ecuador and Mexico few weeks ahead of their AFCON game against Sierra Leone.
The Super Eagles after failing to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, shifts attention to the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
The first start in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone on today June 9, 2022.
However, the Confederation of African Football has appointed Ivorian officials to take charge of today’s encounter in Abuja, with Ibrahim Kalilou Traore as referee.
His compatriots Adou Desire N’goh, Nouhou Ouattara and Kouassi Francois Biro will serve as assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official respectively.
Moukaila Nassam Adam from Ghana will be match commissioner while Serge Paulin Samuel from Burkina Faso will serve as referee assessor. See page 15 for photo news from the training session.
