Super Eagles of Nigeria, Sunday, joined the host, Côte d’Ivoire, defending champions, Senegal and other already qualified countries for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations billed to take place early next year.

With all odds on them to qualify in Monrovia, Nigeria did just that, defeating Sierra Leone 3-2 to go 12 points and qualify for the biannual showpiece in Côte d’Ivoire.

The Super Eagles took the lead at the 19th minute after a beautiful finish by Serie A top scorer, Victor Osimhen, who doubled the lead at the 32nd minute.

The Leone Stars, similar to what happened in Benin City in the qualifiers for the 2020 AFCON where Nigeria bungled a four-goal lead to draw 4-4, levelled up after a goal at the 41st minute from Mustapha Bundu and another from Augustus Kargbo at the 84th minute

However, with timing ticking towards the end of the game, Kelechi Iheanacho tapped in from close range from a Zaidu Sanusi cross to ensure that Nigeria who could still have qualified for the next AFCON with a draw took all the three points and effectively knocked out the Leone Stars who now have no chance of making it to Côte d’Ivoire.

Meanwhile, the first half proved too difficult for the Leone Stars as they struggled to cope with the attacking threat of Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze.

It was the Napoli striker that broke the deadlock in the 19th minute and quickly made it 2-0 for Nigeria after a few minutes.

With Bundu’s goal, the host came back stronger in the second half and seized control of the game from Nigeria.

Within few minutes to end the game, Augustus Kargbo drew the Leone Stars level with good striking efforts from outside the box before substitute Kelechi Iheanacho shoot Nigeria to victory.

The result returned Super Eagle to the top of the table with 12 points and Guinea-Bissau dropped to the second spot with 10 points, as both sides secured their passage to the competition.