2023 AFCONq: FCT FA boss Mouktar warns Nigeria to be wary of Sierra Leone

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Ahead of Sunday’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers with Sierra Leone, FCT FA Chairman, Adam Mouktar has warned the Nigeria senior national team to be wary of Sierra Leone during the match at Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, Paynesville, in Monrovia, Liberia.

The Super Eagles had to come from a goal down to secure a 2-1 win when the Leone Stars visited Nigeria at Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Football fans in Nigeria can’t forget a 4-4 draw with the same team in 2020 as the three-time African champions surrendered a 4-1 lead.

According to Mouktar, the Leone Stars did not come easy in the reverse fixture and it will be tougher in this return game on a neutral ground in Monrovia.

“I expect Super Eagles to go to Monrovia and win but it is not going to be a walk in the park,” Mouktar told Completesports.com.

“It is never going to be because football has changed a lot and it has always been edgy playing some of these countries like Cape Verde in the past and so many teams have always been tough.

“Playing in a neutral ground as the away team, there will be a lot of antics and tactics by the home side to win so the Super Eagles must be ready to give their all to beat Sierra Leone and book Nigeria’s ticket to next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D’Ivoire

“I think the Super Eagles must play the game with all seriousness. They have to fight very well to get a result. I wish them well but they must not be complacent.”

Jose Peseiro’s side has been unbeaten in its last five games against Sierra Leone and the Super Eagles have won three and drawn two of its last five games against the Leone Stars.

Avoiding a loss on Sunday will guarantee a place at next year’s AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.