Sierra Leone produce stunning comeback away to Nigeria in eight-goal thriller

by Bertin Basson

Friday Nov 13, 2020. 20:25

Sierra Leone claimed one of the most remarkable results in recent history as they came from four goals down to hold Nigeria to a 4-4 draw in a 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Friday evening.

The Super Eagles raced into a four-goal lead before the half-hour mark, but the Leone Stars scored on the cusp of half-time and added three more after the break to claim a dramatic point away to the three-time champions.

The result moves Sierra Leone up to third in Group L while Nigeria remain in top spot on seven points, four clear of Benin who host Lesotho on Saturday.

Alex Iwobi ignited the scoring spree after four minutes as he latched onto a loose ball on the edge of the area to hand Nigeria a very early lead.

The Super Eagles doubled their advantage through the in-form Victor Osimhen in the 21st minute. Zaidu Sanusi provided a pin-point cross to the feet of the Napoli forward who made no mistake from close range.

Iwobi completed his brace six minutes later with his speculative effort catching the Sierra Leone goalkeeper completely off guard and two minutes later the hosts were 4-0 up. Samuel Chukwueze dazzled the Leone Stars defence before finishing with aplomb as Gernot Rohr’s men looked well on their way to all three points.

Sierra Leone were able to pull a goal back before the interval as Kwame Quee slipped the ball underneath the onrushing Maduka Okoye.

The Leone Stars took confidence from Quee’s strike and scored a second in the 72nd minute as Al-Hadji Kamara nodded home from close range.

Sierra Leone continued to boss proceedings and pulled within one goal with 10 minutes remaining as Mustapha Bundu rattled the back of the net. Kamara duly completed the comeback in the 86th minute with his second of the game as the Leone Stars claimed a remarkable result that will long live in the memory of those involved.