Sierra Leone is sweating over the fitness of captain Steven Caulker ahead of their all-important match day 5 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter against the Super Eagles at the SKD Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia on June 18.
Caulker, a former Liverpool, Tottenham, and Southhampton player is in the Leone Stars camp ahead of the game against the Eagles. While it looks unlikely that he will be fit to play the game, the team’s medical staff are doing their best to ensure he is available for the tie.
The 31-year-old center-back’s experience will prove to be crucial for the Leone Stars whose defense will have to battle Nigeria’s in-form players – Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi, Samuel Chukwueze amongst others.
The Eagles on the other hand would be looking at earning the maximum points over their West African counterparts as they hope to return to the summit of the Group table and book qualification for the AFCON with a game to spare. A loss for the Leone Stars will see them miss out on the next edition of the AFCON billed to hold in Ivory Coast next year.
Aside from Caulker’s injury concern, the John Keisner-led side is in good shape ahead of the game, especially with the addition of Ismael “Techno” Dumbuya who had an electrifying season with Liberian league champions LISCR Football Club.
