AFCON: Nigeria Vs Sierra Leone Is ‘A Big Game’ – Yobo
Ahead of the AFCON qualifier double header tie between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone, ex Eagles defender and current assistant head coach, Joseph Yobo, has predicted a tough game between the two west African neighbors.
The former Everton defender revealed this in an interview on the YouTube channel of the Nigerian Super Eagles, pointing out a former meeting between the two in Freetown back in June 7 2008 for the 2010 AFCON and World Cup qualifying games was very tough, with an 89th minute goal he scored eventually deciding the match.
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“These are big games, we are looking forward to this big game.
“You know there is a difference between our friendly matches as much as the ones that we just played were great friendlies, very tough. But it’s different because the points are not really counted, its a friendly game and it was experimental where we gave younger players an opportunity to show themselves.
“But this is a qualifying match that i think if we do very well in both games we’ll almost be qualified for the AFCON.
“Big game, we expect big performance and a very good results.
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“Looking at it, if we have to do the Math, then I think probably four points will get us through. But when you play at home, its crucial. it is so important to play very well and to take the three points.
“Away from home, we always know especially Sierra Leone is a difficult place to go to. If I can remember correctly the last time we were away in an AFCON or World Cup qualifying game to Sierra Leone was 2008 and it was very difficult, I think someone told me i scored the winner, the only goal. So a difficult place to go to, but football has also changed.
“So the first game is what is important, i try not to bother too much about the second game. All we have at this moment is the first game at home. So we need to play very well and our performance will get us at three points I believe,” he stated.
The Super Eagles will on Friday 13th November at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin host the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone and will head to Freetown four days latter for a return match.
