Patrick Kelechi, Lagos

 

DAILY COURIER – No fewer than six of the Super Eagles players invited for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Guinea Bissau’s Djurtus, have already arrived in Abuja.

 

The players who arrived early in Abuja on Monday, are Kevin Akpoguma, Joe Aribo, Kelechi Iheanacho, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Semi Ajayi. All the players except Akpoguma are based in England. Simon Moses is expected to arrive from his base in France, where he plays for FC Nantes. The team will be camped at the John Woods Hotel ahead of Friday’s game at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

 

Victory for the Super Eagles in the doubleheader could see Nigeria snatch an early ticket to the 34th AFCON finals in Cote d’Ivoire early next year. With six maximum points from their previous two matches, victory in the top-of-the-table clashes will see the three-time champions, Nigeria soar to 12 points and most probably hold an unassailable position in the qualifiers.

 

Sierra Leone could earn six points in their clashes with Sao Tome and Principe, but that still keeps them on seven points, and the Super Eagles still have a home game against bottom-of-the-table Sao Tome and Principe on the final match day of the campaign.