Leone Stars hit Lagos for AFCON qualifiers

The delegation of Senior National Team of Sierra Leone, known as Leone Stars, arrived in Lagos on Monday for Sunday’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Match day 2 clash with African champions, Cote d’Ivoire.
The Leone Stars, made up of 32 persons and led by President of the Sierra Leone Football Association, Isha Johansen, flew into Lagos aboard an Air Ivoire flight and are staying at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island.
Sunday’s clash between the Leone Stars and the Elephants at the 23,000 -capacity Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos will be the first time that Nigeria will host a competitive football game involving two other countries in her territory.
The Nigeria Football Federation began the necessary moves to get Government approval for the hosting after a request by the Sierra Leone Football Association, which was supported by CAF. The ban on Sierra Leone from hosting international football matches following the outbreak of the ebola virus pandemic in 2014 is yet to be lifted, compelling the Leone Stars to play ‘home’ matches away from home.
The Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, champions of Africa, are expected in Lagos on Wednesday.
Chairman of the NFF Marketing, Sponsorship and Television Advisory Committee, Emeka Inyama, who is playing a key role in the organisation of the Leone Stars/Elephants match, said at the weekend that all matters have been working out as planned.
“There are no problems at all and we do not expect any. We are on ground in Lagos to organize a hitch-free game and we have taken into consideration even the minutest details related to the organization,” Inyama assured.