2023 Afcon Qualifiers: CAF rejects Sierra Leone’s request to play Nigeria in Freetown

By Wale Mustapha

The Confederation of African Football has rejected proposals by Sierra Leone Football Association, SLFA to play Nigeria at home for their 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifiers slated for June this year.

Football fans in Sierra Leone were expected to see their Leone Stars take on Super Eagles in the Matchday Five of the qualifiers at their newly built 6000-seater Southern Arena in Bo City.

The African nation cited poor hotel facilities in the area as their main reasons for wanting the match played in Bo City, but will now have to look elsewhere for a new venue.

Nigeria are still leading the group with nine points after beating Guinea Bissau 1-0 in the Matchday Four duel courtesy of Moses Simons goal from the spot.

Sierra Leone who are third on the log must beat Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau in their final two games to make a back-to-back AFCON final.