Determined to return his side to winning ways in 2022 AFCON qualifiers, Sierra Leone gaffer, John Kiester has tasked his players to put on their thinking cap when they file out against one of the continent’s best side on Friday.

With just a point in the bag, Leone Stars face an uphill task against a star-studded Nigeria that is armed to the teeth with one of Africa’s best striker in Victor Osimhen. But Kiester believes players’ mentality on the pitch will likely determine if Leone Star will be leaving Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium with a good result.


He further warned his players to expect a difficult game in Benin given the pedigree of their opponents but told Nigeria that it won’t be a stroll in the park for Super Eagles either.“As a group, we have to be positive in our approach in both games. It’s not the easiest of games taking on one of the best nations in our continent,” Keister to footballsierraleone before the team departed Freetown for Benin City.Kiester then urged his player to be wise as a serpent when they file out against their West Africa neighbour if Sierra Leone must bounce back from rock-bottom and revive her dream of qualifying for their third AFCON finals after their last appearance in 1996.


“Going into the game against Nigeria, we have to be clever in our method, and we have to be honest about it. We have been working on our strategies, but we must have the right mentality,” he said.Super Eagles’ last international game in Benin City was a friendly against Botswana which ended in a goalless draw. It is worthy of note that the Super Eagles have only won one of their four matches in the multi-purpose stadium.