Nigeria's Super Eagles came back from a goal down to beat Sierra Leone 2-1 at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Thursday, kicking off their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a win.
It was also new coach Jose Peseiro's first win, and a huge confidence boost for the players, who had gone five games without a win.
Jonathan Morsay of Panetoliko opened the scoring for the Leone Stars in the 11th minute, heading past Francis Uzoho after beating his marker in the Nigerian box. Five minutes later, Alex Iwobi restored parity by rolling the ball past Kamara in goal, before Napoli striker Victor Osimhen doubled Nigeria's lead in the 41st minute.
The result is a step forward for Nigeria after their previous meeting in Benin, when they blew a four-goal lead under Gernot Rohr.
Nigeria is currently in second place in Group A, and will face So Tomé and Prncipe on Monday.
Due to an injury to captain William Troost-Ekong, he was stretchered off and may now miss the match against The Falcons.
Guinea-Bissau thrashed So Tomé and Prncipe 5-1 in the other group game to take the lead heading into the next round of matches.