“It’s something I look forward to” – Sierra Leone’s Bakayoko can’t wait to face Nigeria’s Super Eagles

The Bolton Wanderers striker is dreaming of a first Afcon appearance next year, a race that begins with a matchup against the former champions

Sierra Leone forward Amadou Bakayoko has admitted that beating Nigeria's Super Eagles will not be an easy assignment for the Leone Stars. Still, the Bolton Wanderers star insists it is a match he is looking forward to playing.

Nigeria will host Sierra Leone inside the National Stadium in Abuja on June 9 in a matchday one Group A fixture of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Super Eagles are the clear favourites to claim a straightforward victory over a team 78 places below them on the FIFA world ranking.

But with Bolton Wanderers' prolific striker Bakayoko in their ranks, the Leone Stars will retain hopes of causing an upset in the Nigerian capital.

Bakayoko contributed ten goals and five assists for Bolton in League One this season, but he is yet to make his competitive debut for his country.

The 26-year-old, however, scored his first goal for Sierra Leone in a friendly against Liberia earlier this year, and he is aiming to transfer his form to the national team and help the Lone Star make next year's Afcon.

“Without a doubt, playing against Nigeria will be my first proper match for Sierra Leone. It is something I am looking forward to but both Nigeria and Guinea Bissau games are no easy games,” Bakayoko told footballsierraleone.net.

“God willing, we can go out there and showcase ourselves against a tough Nigeria side. Helping Sierra Leone reach the African Cup of Nations will be massive, personally, for me, and all of us players working so hard to give it our best.

“Making the next African Cup of Nations is something as a player you want to be a part of, and it would be unbelievable for me to play in the tournament in the Ivory Coast for the first time.

“The last competition, I was not part of it but watched the team play well, hence why it will be pivotal for us to be in the Ivory Coast tournament.”

Nigeria trade tackles with Sierra Leone tomorrow, June 9, in Abuja, in a match that starts by 5 pm (Nigerian time).