Just when it looked like the spoils would be shared, Zaidu Sanusi set up Kelechi Iheanacho beautifully to find the back of the net and give the Super Eagles maximum points and qualify for the 2023 African Cup of Nations in style.

The game ended 3-2 in favour of the Super Eagles at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Monrovia. Nigeria has now qualified with a game to spare.

Victor Osimhen opened the scoring for the Super Eagles and went ahead to double the lead in the 32nd minute, surpassing Ahmed Musa and Odion Ighalo for the most international goals scored by an active Super Eagles player with 17.

The Super Eagles started the game on a high, firing from all cylinders but they eventually ran out of gas, which allowed the Leone Stars to pull one back through Mustapha Bundu on the stroke of the half.

The Leone Stars drew level in the 84th minute before Iheanacho took back the lead in injury time, sealing the victory for Nigeria and crushing the hopes of Sierra Leone. 

Nigeria would be at her 20th African Cup of Nations tournament when it kicks off in 2024.