Sierra Leone captain Steve Caulker says the Leone Stars will go toe- to- toe with the Super Eagles in their 2023 Africa Cup qualifier, reports Completesports.com.
Both teams will clash in the matchday one encounter at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja on Thursday (today).
The Leone Stars can take inspiration from their last visit to Nigeria going into today’s encounter.
John Keister’s side held the Super Eagles to a 4-4 draw on that occasion, rallying back from four goals down to earn a share of the spoils.
“We want to make a good start. We are going to play in the right way to compete with Nigeria,” Caulker told reporters.
“It’s all about the three points. We are aware they (Super Eagles) have a lot of big names in their team.
“We know they have quality players in their team, but it’s all about the three points and we are ready for the challenge.
“We are one of the smallest countries in Africa, but we have good team spirit. We are here to get three points and hopefully qualify from the group.”
Caulker switched allegiance to Sierra Leone in 2021 and was part of the squad to AFCON 2021 in Cameroon.
The 30-yeae-old was born and raised in England, with a Sierra Leonean paternal grandfather, and Scottish maternal grandmother, He is eligible to play internationally for England, Scotland, or Sierra Leone.
Caulker represented England at youth level and made one appearance for the Three Lions, a 4-2 friendly defeat to Sweden in November 2012. He scored England’s second goal in the game.
He was cleared to represent Sierra Leone by FIFA in December 2021.
The centre-back was officially named the Leone Stars captain in April.
Caulker became popular during his stint with English Premier League club, Tottenham Hotspur. He also played for the likes of Liverpool, Southampton, Swansea City and Bristol City.
