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By Amaechi Agbo

Although the match will be played on Thursday, June 9th, the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone have arrived Nigeria’s capital, Abuja ahead of their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON qualifying match, www.bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

The team arrived Nigeria 4 days to the match date.

Arriving at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja-Nigeria, the team was warmly received by officials of the Sierra Leone Embassy in Nigeria led by the Deputy High Commissioner Madam Anna Betty Moussa who later escorted the entire delegation to the Sandralia City Hotel for accommodation.

In a brief statement of welcome to the players after the team had a sumptuous dinner, Madam Moussa expressed her delight for “playing host to darling Leone Stars and being part of preparing for a crucial game against Nigeria.” Adding that, “We are proud of you and we have faith and confidence that you will do the nation proud on Thursday”.

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Leone Stars’ Captain Steven Caulker thanked the Deputy High Commissioner and her entourage for the high level of concern they have shown to the team since arrival. “We are here and we promise to do our best to give Sierra Leoneans a very respectable result”. Caulker said.

Sierra Leone will face Nigeria in match day 1 of Group A in the AFCON 2023 Qualifiers at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

The last time both nation’s met was in 2021 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON qualifying matches with both legs ending in draws.

The Leone Stars came from the dead to level a 4-0 deficit in the first leg in Benin City before they played out a barren draw on November 17, 2020 in Free Town.