Sierra Leone have included 12 foreign-based players in their squad to face Nigeria in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The crucial match, scheduled June 18 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Stadium in Liberia, carries immense importance for the Leone Stars, who endured a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Nigeria in their previous encounter on June 9, 2022, in Abuja.
Among the foreign-based players selected are Barnet’s Idriss Kanu, Randers’ Alhaji Kamara, and Charleston Battery ace Augustine Williams, providing the Leone Stars with formidable attacking options.
However, Sierra Leone’s head coach, John Keister, has been forced to confront the absence of several key players, including Queens Park Rangers’ Osman Kakay and Cambuur’s Alex Bangura.
Furthermore, leading goalscorer Jonathan Morsay, who scored against Nigeria in the first leg, will be unable to participate in the return leg due to injury.
Spain-based midfielder Alhassan Koroma is also ineligible for the match, suspended after accumulating two bookings in previous games.
Experienced skipper Steven Caulker makes the list despite being a major doubt as he recovers from injury.
In light of these absences, Coach Keister has extended invitations to twenty-six talented local players to complement the foreign-based contingent.
As Nigeria seek a victory in one of their remaining group matches to secure their place at the next edition of the continental championship, Sierra Leonens will be fully aware of the challenge that awaits them.
Super Eagles, three-time African champion, are expected to field their strongest lineup against the Leone Stars.
However, the official list of players Nigeria’s head coach, Jose Peseiro, intends to deploy for the match is yet to be disclosed.
